28944RP âSpeed Queen Washer Upper or âLower Bearing is a sealed bearing assembly used to support the rotating elements of a Speed Queen washing machine. It âis indeed a âmechanical supportâ component consisting of hardened steel races, rolling elements and integral seals, suppliedâ as a replacement part that can be fitted âin either the upper or lower âbearing position on applicable models âdepending on the service â¤procedure and machine configuration.
Inside the appliance the bearing provides⤠radial and axial support for the inner tub or spindle and transmits loads between the tub assembly and the transmission or drive âshaft. It works in âŁconjunction with the hub, seal(s), shaft and suspension components to maintain concentric rotation, reduce friction and resist unbalanced loads during âspin cycles. As it operates in a wet, detergent-rich environment and under intermittent high-speed loads, âthe bearing and its seals are critical to âpreventing water ingress into the transmission⣠and to preserving drivetrain alignment and performance.
In âŁthis article you⢠will find â¤a technical overview ofâ how the 28944RP bearing functions within speed Queen machines,guidance on â˘model compatibility and how to identify whether the upper or lower position is required,common⣠failure symptoms (noise,vibration,leakage,slow spin or overheating),practical âdiagnostic checks and troubleshooting steps,and replacement considerations such asâ removal/installation methods,necesary tooling,seal replacement,torque and alignment âconcerns and safety precautions for service technicians⣠and appliance owners.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of Upper and⢠Lower Bearings in the Washer Spin Assembly
- How the 28944RP Speed Queen washer Upper or Lower Bearing Works Inside the Appliance
- Common Failure⤠Symptoms and â˘Diagnostic Indicators for âWorn Upper or Lower Bearings
- Replacement Considerations and StepâbyâStep Installation for 28944RP âUpper and Lower Bearings
- Q&A
- Wrapping up
Function⣠and Role of Upper and Lower Bearings⢠in the Washer Spin Assembly
the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing is a precision component that supports the rotating tub and spin basket, controlling radial and axial forces whileâ maintaining concentric alignment âŁbetweenâ the shaft and â˘housing. in practical⢠service, the upper bearing typically helps â¤center the inner â¤tub âand resist small radial loads, while the lower bearing is more frequently enough subjected to the axial thrust and heavier radial loads induced by high-speed spin cycles; in many Speed Queen âassemblies the two bearings work together to distribute forces into the gearcaseâ and cabinet. Proper function depends on correct âŁbore and outer-diameter fits, seal integrity to keep water out⤠of the racewaysand sufficient lubrication;â mismatches in â˘dimensions or degraded seals accelerate wear and lead âto vibration, noiseand âpremature failure.
Failure modes for these âbearings are mechanical wear from abrasive contaminants, âŁcorrosion from water ingressand fatigue from âsustained thrust loads; technicians often observe symptoms such as grinding during spin, increased runout of the⣠tubor grease leakage around the⢠seal. Whenâ replacing a bearing, select a direct-fit unit that matches shaft diameter, housing boreand width, â˘and maintain the recommended interference fit and⣠lubrication method-pressing âa bearing squarely with the correct driver and inspecting the shaft and â˘bore for scoring improves service life. for repair planning, consider replacing both bearings if one has failed and âverify seal condition and âhub âsurface finish before reassembly⤠to restore original performance.
- Common symptoms: grinding noise, excessive vibration, wobble/runout, grease or water leakage
- Key compatibility factors: bore â(shaft), outer diameter (housing), width, seal typeand material
- Service best practice: use proper press tools, replace damaged sealsand clean mating surfaces
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bore (inner diameter) | must match shaft âdiameter â˘for correct interference or slip⢠fit to⤠prevent slippage and fretting |
| Outer⤠diameter | Matchesâ housing or hub; determines press-fit and load transfer â¤into the tub support |
| Width⤠and ârace design | Affects axial load capacity and stacking in âŁassemblies that use thrust washers or spacers |
| Sealâ type | Determines resistance to water intrusion and retention of lubricant âŁin the raceway |
how the 28944RP Speed Queen âWasherâ Upper or Lower Bearing Works Inside theâ Appliance
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper⣠or Lower Bearing functions as theâ primary rotary support for the washer’s tub â˘and spindle⢠assembly, supplying a â¤low-friction interface that controls⣠radial âand⢠limited axial⢠movement. In typical applications the bearing is⣠a press-fit component that mates withâ the tub or bearing housing and âworks in⤠concert with a lip seal and grease to exclude âwashwater and reduce wear. Even though some service lists âshow the same part number âfor upper and lower locations,actual compatibility depends on housing bore,shaft diameter,and seal profile,so technicians âshould verifyâ the bearing inner/outer diameters and width against the⣠appliance’s service manual before installation.
Failure modes for this bearing are mechanical wear, contamination from failed seals, â˘and shaft scoring; these manifest as rumbling or grinding noises during spin,⢠increased vibrationand visible greaseâ leakage. Replacement procedures typically involve pressing the old bearing out with a⢠hydraulic press or âappropriate driver, inspecting and dressing the shaftâ for scoringand installing the new bearing to the specified depth followed by a new seal and âŁany retaining hardware. Practicalâ service practice âis to replace seals andâ inspect the hub or shaft for⢠wear simultaneouslyâ occurring; neglecting companion componentsâ frequently enough causes premature re-failure even after installing âa new bearing.
- Typical symptoms: grinding or rumbling during spin, tub wobble,â grease on the seal lip.
- Compatibility checklist:â confirm ID/OD/width, seal typeand housing bore before⣠ordering.
- Installation⢠tip:⤠pressâ the âbearing squarelyâ and replace seals/hub hardware to prevent contamination.
- Common companion⣠parts: shaft seal, hub sleeve, retaining clip or cover.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing type | press-fit radial ball bearing âŁdesigned â¤for tub/spindle support with integrated grease retention when âpaired âwith a seal. |
| Key âdimensions | Verify inner diameterâ (shaft), outer diameter (housing bore)and width against model specifications before replacement. |
| Typical failures | Contamination from failed seals, wear from shaft scoringand loss of⢠lubrication⢠causing⢠noise and vibration. |
| recommended accompanying parts | Replace seal(s), inspect or âreplace hub sleeve and retaining hardwareâ during bearing âŁservice. |
Common Failure âŁSymptoms and Diagnostic â¤Indicators for â¤worn Upper or Lower bearings
The 28944RP Speed Queen washer Upper or Lower Bearing provides radial and â˘thrust support for the inner tub and drive âshaft, keeping the â˘tub concentric and⤠allowing high-speed rotation without excessive friction.In normal operation these bearings maintain shaft alignment and âretain lubricant behind the tub seal; as they wear, characteristic changes in behavior appear – increased vibration, shaft runout, âand seal extrusion that can cause leaks. Lower bearing wear typically manifests as coarse, speed-dependent grinding and pronounced radial wobble at spin speed, while upper (thrust) bearing degradation often shows as axial play, uneven tub heightand premature seal failure â˘where waterâ tracks down âthe shaft.
- Grinding or rumbling that increases with spin speed – suggests degraded lower bearing⣠surfaces.
- noticeable axial âplay (vertical âmovement) of the⢠tub – commonly â˘indicates upper/thrust bearing wear.
- Visibleâ metal â¤particles in the pump filter or drain – evidence of âŁbearingâ material loss.
- Intermittent or progressive leaks atâ the tub shaft seal – seal extrusion from misalignment⤠due to bearing wear.
- excessive â˘cabinet vibration or wobble concentrated atâ the tub ratherâ thanâ the motor/transmission.
Technicians can confirm bearing failure â˘by isolatingâ the tub: manually rotate the⤠drum to âŁfeel roughness, measure shaft runout â¤withâ a dial indicator, â¤or place a mechanic’s stethoscope against the bearing area to localize noise to the cabinet base rather than the transmission.â Inspect⢠the seal and hub for scoring or corrosion; if metal debris is present in the⢠drain path, plan to âreplace bearings and the shaft âseal as a â˘set âand check the hub boreâ for wear that could affect a replacement âbearing’s âŁfit. For compatibility, verify theâ 28944RP⣠Speed queen washer Upper or Lower Bearing against the appliance’s â˘model and serial details and follow serviceâ documentation for removal torque âprocedures and proper bearing âpreload when reassembling.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Axial play | Vertical âŁmovement of the tub;â commonly âindicates upper/thrust bearing wear or failed thrust surface. |
| Radial roughness | Coarse noise or rumble under rotation; typical of lower bearing roller/ball degradation. |
replacement Considerations and StepâbyâStep Installation for 28944RP Upper and Lower Bearings
The⢠28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing provides the ârotating interface between the âdrive shaft and⤠theâ tub hub, controlling radial and axial movement and reducing vibration transmitted to the âŁcabinet. In practical service it functions with a matching outer race (cup) and a seal; wear typically presents as grinding noise, â¤increased tub wobble, â¤or grease contamination of the seal. Before ordering this part⢠confirm compatibility by comparing the bearing inner âbore, outer race diameterand the hub press-fit method to the original assembly – visual inspection of the hub for a pressedâ cup versus âa âŁreplaceable carrier will determine whether the 28944RP is the correct direct âŁreplacement âfor your model.
Installation requires controlled disassembly, accurate cleaning of the housing⤠and shaftand correct seating âof the new bearing and seals⤠to maintain alignment and service life. Typical practice is to remove the agitator and inner tub to access theâ bearing,extract the old bearing/cup with a bearing puller or drift driven evenly from the outer race,clean and inspect the â˘housing and shaft forâ scoring,then â˘press the new bearing squarely into the cup or housingâ using a bearing driver or hydraulic press; replace seals and retainers simultaneously occurring and apply a highâtemperature waterproof bearing grease sparingly to⢠the ârace face. Do not strike the inner race or shaft directly with a hammer,and always âverify shaftâ straightness and that retaining hardware is torqued to the manufacturer’s specification before âŁtest running the washer.
- Remove agitator, clutch/agitator assemblyand inner tub to access the bearing.
- Remove retaining ring/fastenerâ and extract old bearing⢠using a puller or even-force â˘drift.
- inspect shaft and housing; replace or repair scored⢠shafts or âoutâofâround housings.
- Press the⢠new⤠bearing â˘into the housing using a driver on⤠theâ outer race; install new seals and retainers.
- Lubricate per specification,⢠torque retainers to spec, reassemble âand run a short empty cycle âŁto check for noise⤠and runout.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing fit | Match inner bore and outer race diameterâ to the âoriginal; verify press-fit method (cup vs. carrier). |
| Recommended tools | Bearing puller/drift set, hydraulic press or bearing driver, torque wrench, seal driver. |
| Lubricant | High-temperature, âwaterproof bearing grease âŁonâ race faces â¤as specified byâ repair manual. |
| Inspection points | Shaft straightness,housing bore condition,seal surface integrity,and retaining hardware condition. |
Q&A
What is part 28944RP – isâ it an upper bearing, a lower bearingor a kit for â¤Speed Queen washers?
28944RP is an OEM replacement part number used for bearings/seal components⣠for Speed Queen washers. Whether it â˘is the “upper” or “lower” bearing (or a multi-piece⢠kit) depends on the exact product listing and the washer model.Always verify the part contents against⢠the Speed Queen partsâ diagram for your model andâ serial number before âordering – the partsâ diagram will show whether 28944RP replaces the upper bearing, lower bearingor a setâ that includes seals⣠and retaining rings.
What are the⤠common symptoms that the upper or lower bearing is failing on a Speedâ Queen washer?
Typical symptoms of failing bearings include loud grinding, â¤rumblingor squealing noises that change with spin speed; excessive vibration or wobble of the wash basket; a tub â¤that feels loose âor hasâ play when pushed; and, in many cases, oil or water leaking from around the tub seal. â¤Bearing⤠failure often gets louder or worse during â˘the spin cycle.
How can I tell whether the upper bearing or the â˘lower bearing is the â¤one going bad?
Diagnose by isolating the source of noise and play:â lift and manually spin the inner tub to âlisten for grinding âand â˘to feel for roughness; check for vertical and lateral⤠play âofâ theâ tub or agitator; inspect seals for leakage. Lower bearings typically produce heavier⢠vibration and more pronounced wobble of the whole â˘basket during spin; an upper bearing (or upper seal area) may show more â¤localized leaks or ânoise nearâ the top of â¤the⣠support/sleeve. The âmoast âreliable method is to remove the outer cabinet/inner parts for visual inspection of the bearing â˘surfaces and seals.
Should I replace only the failed bearing âor replace both upper âŁand lower bearings (and seals)â at the same time?
Best âŁpractice is to⤠replace all â¤bearings âand seals that are accessible in â˘the same area at the same time. Bearings frequently enough fail due to degraded seals or contamination; replacing only one âbearing while leaving a worn seal or âŁcompanion bearing can lead toâ early repeat failure. also replaceâ any associated seals, snap ringsand the bearing housing gaskets as âŁrecommended âŁby the manufacturer.
Is replacing the bearing⤠on a Speed Queen washer a job I can⣠do myself?
Replacing tub bearings â˘is a moderately advanced repair. It requires critically important disassembly (removal of the console, cabinet, tuband sometimes transmission or pulley), the right tools (bearing puller or press, seal drivers, snap-ring pliers, âsockets, torque wrench),⤠and careful reassembly. If you have mechanical âexperience and the proper tools and service manual, you can do it yourself. If not, consider hiring a⢠qualified appliance technician to avoid âŁfurther damage or⣠safety⢠risks.
What tools and replacement parts⤠are⢠typically required to install 28944RP bearings?
Commonly required tools include: socket and wrench set, screwdrivers, snap-ring/retaining-ring pliers, bearing puller or hydraulic/bench press, suitable bearing⢠and seal drivers (or correctly⣠sized sockets), rubber mallet, torqueâ wrench, anti-seize compoundand âcleaning supplies. Replacement⣠consumablesâ usually include the new bearings â˘and⢠seals (verify whether 28944RP includes seals), gasket/sealantand sometimes a new spindle nut orâ snap rings. Consult the model-specific service manual for the exact tool âŁlist⢠and torque âvalues.
Are there special installation tipsâ – lubrication, tolerancesor torque values – I need to follow?
Yes. Clean the bearing⤠housing and shaft thoroughly before installing new bearings and seals. Press bearings squarely and fully into the housing using an appropriate driver to avoid damaging the race. Use the grease recommended âby â¤the manufacturer if the bearing is serviceable (many are sealed and pre-greased). Doâ not reuse⢠old seals; install new seals correctly to â˘prevent contamination. âŁFollow the âSpeed Queen serviceâ manual⢠for any specified torque valuesorientationand retaining-ring placement – incorrect torque or misaligned âbearings⤠will shorten â¤life. Avoid hammering on bearing faces and do not use excessive âheat unless specified.
Will replacing the bearing always stop leaks or noiseor â¤should âI check âother components too?
Replacingâ the bearings and seals often fixes noise âand leakage caused â˘by bearing wear or seal failure, but other components can produce similar symptoms. Check suspensionâ springs, âshock âabsorbers, âthe tub basket (forâ cracks or corrosion), pulley and drive components, motor couplingsand the⢠transmission for wear.Afterâ replacement, run âa few diagnostic cycles empty to confirm vibration, noiseandâ leak resolutionand inspect for proper operation âbefore returning the⢠washer to â¤regular use.
Wrapping Up
The âŁ28944RP Speed queen â˘washer upper or lower bearing is a critical component that supports the âinner tub, maintains concentric alignment and minimizes friction between rotating assemblies. Proper functioning of this bearing helps control vibration, reduce noise and prevent premature âwear of adjacent parts such as shafts, seals and the tub itself. As bearings operate under continuous load and are⢠exposed to moisture and detergent, their condition has a direct impact on the washer’s performance and service life.
Accurate diagnosis and âtimely replacement are essential⤠when bearing wear âor failure is suspected. Symptoms such as increased noise,wobble,leaking⤠seals or â˘uneven spin should prompt a careful inspection and confirmation of the faultâ before proceeding. Replacingâ the bearing with the correct 28944RP âpart⣠and following proper⢠disassembly, cleaning, lubrication and installation procedures helps restore alignment and prevents secondary damage. Where appropriate, use of qualified techniciansâ and OEM-recommended âtools and methods reduces⢠the risk of installation â¤errors and helps preserve warranties.
attention to the condition of the 28944RP Speed⤠Queen washer upper or lower bearing and a disciplined approach to diagnosis and replacement will support reliable operation, âimproveâ safety and limit longâterm repairâ costs. â¤Adhering to manufacturer specifications and sound service practices ensures the best outcome âfor both performance and durability.
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