279264 Whirlpool Bearing â& Seal Kit is a service âŁreplacement assembly that contains radial bearings, seals, âand the associated mating components used to restore the⤠bearing and âsealing interface between a⤠washer’s â˘inner tub/hubâ and the drive âshaft or transmission. As a mechanical repair kit, it â˘replaces worn bearingâ elements and degraded sealsâ that are subject toâ rotational loading, moisture exposure and contaminationâ in âthe appliance habitat.
Inside a washingâ machine the bearings provide â˘radial âand,â where applicable, limited axial support for the rotating tub or drum so it maintains concentric rotation â¤under dynamicâ load; the seals prevent water ingress andâ retain lubricant on theâ bearing surfaces. The kit therefore interfaces directly with âthe tub/hub, the â¤drive â˘shaft or âtransmission output, the motor/drive system and the suspension elements that control â˘drum⢠movement. Proper â¤bearing âfit and effective sealing are⤠critical to minimize vibration,â reduce frictional heat, prevent lubricant loss and stop water from reachingâ internal drive components⣠or the cabinet interior.
In this article âŁreaders will find⤠a technical description of the kit’s function and the âŁmechanical principles involved, guidance onâ compatibility and how to verify fitment for specific Whirlpool washer models, typical failure symptoms to diagnose (for example â¤noise, increased vibrationorâ leaking⤠at the hub), practical âtroubleshooting checks to confirm bearing versus âseal failure,⣠and â˘replacementâ considerations such as necessary tools, âcommon removalâ and installation challenges, inspection of mating surfaces and shaft âcondition, âŁandâ steps âŁto ensure correct reassembly and lubrication. The focus is on providing technicians, âŁengineers and âappliance owners with the technical context needed to evaluate â˘and service the component safely and effectively.
Table of Contents
- Function â¤and Role of the⢠Bearing and Seal Assembly in Whirlpool Washer Drums
- Howâ the 279264 Whirlpool Bearing â¤& Seal Kit Operates Within the Drive Tub and Hub Assembly
- Common Failure Symptoms âand Measurable Diagnostic âIndicators of âBearing and Seal⤠Degradation
- Replacement⤠Considerationsâ and installation Procedures: Tools,Press Fits,Seal Orientation,and Torque Specifications
- Q&A
- in Retrospect
Function and Role of â˘the âŁBearing and Seal Assembly in Whirlpool Washer Drums
The 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Sealâ Kit replaces the rotating-support and â¤fluid-barrier â¤elements that⣠allow the washer’s inner drum toâ spin smoothly aroundâ the stationary outer tub. The bearingâ carries⢠radialâ and axial loads âfrom the drum and centrifuged laundry, maintaining concentricity and⣠minimizingâ friction between theâ drum shaft (spindle) and âthe âouter⣠tub; the seal provides âa hydraulic barrier that keeps wash water, detergentsand abrasive particles away from the â¤bearing lubrication and â¤mating surfaces. In-service behavior âof the assembly includes slight measurable⣠shaft runout under load, âŁnormal lubrication retention by âthe sealed bearingand a wear pattern on the seal lip-deviations suchâ as metal contamination, scored⣠shaft surfaces, âor loss of seal lip resilience indicate component degradation and typically justify replacement⣠with a â˘correct-fit kit like the â279264 Whirlpool âŁBearing â& Seal Kit.
- Common mechanical symptoms: loud rumble or grinding noises during spin, excessive âŁdrum wobble, axial play, â¤or visible leaks at the rear of the âtub.
- Compatibility/fit considerations: outer race⣠is normally press-fit into the⤠tub, inner ârace fits âthe âshaft; â˘correct kit selection ensures âOEMâ dimensions, seal lip orientationand material⢠compatibility with detergents and temperatures.
- Service actions: inspect shaft for scoring,verify âŁtub â˘runout,and use a press⢠tool to install races⢠to specified interference tolerances to avoid premature failure.
For technicians⣠and⤠mechanically inclined owners, practical inspection before and after replacement improves long-term performance:⢠check for⣠corrosion pitting onâ the⢠bearing roller paths, verify the seal’s compression and seating against the shaft shoulder,⤠and âensure âŁthe inner â˘drum is free of foreign debris that could abrade the new seal. âŁDuringâ installation follow mechanical best practices-clean contact â¤surfaces, apply light lubricant to ease seal lip installation where specified, âand press the outer race âsquarely to avoid distorting the⣠race bore; after assembly, a brief spin test with progressive âloading â¤can confirm absence of⤠axial play, noiseor leaks before returning â˘the machine to service.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing type | Sealed, multi-row ball bearing âwith press-fit âouter race to matchâ OEM tub bore |
| Seal âconstruction | Molded elastomerâ lip with metal caseoriented⢠to retain lubricant and exclude âwater |
| Service⣠note | Press-fit installation required; inspect shaft for scoring and ensure correct seatingâ to OEM tolerances |
howâ the 279264⣠Whirlpool Bearing â˘& Seal Kit⤠Operates âWithin the Drive Tub âŁand Hubâ Assembly
The 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit contains the bearings and elastomeric seals âthat locate and support the drive tub relative to the hub assembly, transmitting spin and â¤agitator loads to the drive shaft while â˘preventing washwater and detergent from contaminating the lubricant. In normal operationâ the bearings provide rolling contact to carry radialâ loads and â¤resist â˘axial movement, while the seals maintain a lubricant barrier; âproper installation requires seatingâ the bearing races and âŁorienting the sealsâ so the⣠lips face the lubricant cavity, ensuring a close interferenceâ fit that keeps tolerances and concentricity within design limits.
Duringâ a high-speed spin â˘the bearings⢠distribute centrifugal and dynamic loads into the hub and transmissionand the seals encounter pressure differentials and abrasive contaminants; degradedâ bearings âwill show increased play, ânoiseand heat, while damaged⢠seals âŁallow⤠grease loss and⣠water ingress,⣠accelerating wear.â Technicians should verify hub âŁbore condition, shaft runout,⣠and trailing contamination before installing the kit, use a âpressâ or â˘appropriate driver to⢠avoid damaging races, â¤and confirm the seal lip seating after assemblyâ to restore expected service lifeâ and quiet operation.
- common symptoms indicating replacement:⢠grinding or rumbling noise, excessive tub wobble, visible grease or âwater leakage, âand⢠overheating at the hub.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearings | Provide rolling support for radial and axial loads between tub and hub. |
| Seals | Elastomeric âŁlips that retain grease and exclude⤠water and debris. |
| Fitmentâ checks | Inspect â˘bore diameter, shaft runoutand hub surface for âwear before installation. |
Common Failure Symptoms and⣠Measurable Diagnostic â¤Indicators of Bearing and⢠Seal Degradation
Theâ rotating drum in a Whirlpool washing machine is supported⣠by bearings while â˘the seal system prevents water and detergent from entering the âbearing cavity; degradation of either component produces⢠aâ predictable set of mechanical â˘and fluid-related symptoms. The 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & âSeal Kit â˘replacesâ the bearing race, rollers/bushings and radial seal⢠elements foundâ on compatible Whirlpool-style tubs and is intended for press-fit⢠replacement where⤠bearing⤠bores and shaft dimensions match the original specification. Technicians should understand that bearing wear increases radial and axial clearance, changes load distribution on âthe huband accelerates â¤seal lipâ wear-resulting in progressive noise, higher rotational resistance,⣠lubricant loss or contaminationand eventual⤠water ingress into the bearing cavity. Compatibility checks include confirming shaft diameter, housing bore finishand whether the â˘assembly usesâ an outer sleeve or âsingle-piece hub âŁthat requires removing the drum for âŁpress-out/press-in⣠service.
- Audible rumble or â˘grinding during spin cycles and a âmetallic growl under load
- Visible⣠water staining or active leakage â¤at the rear of the tub near⢠the bearing flange
- Excessive drum lateral runout⤠or wobble when spun by hand
- Grease contamination,â rustor particulate⤠in⢠the⣠tub or on⤠the old seal
- Increased motor current or tripping during spin compared with baseline operating current
Measurable diagnostics help separate bearing failure from other âcauses: use a dial indicator to quantify radial/axial play at the drum; anâ accelerometer⤠or handheld⤠vibration meter to record velocity or acceleration during spin; anâ infrared thermometer or thermal cameraâ to detect bearingâ housing temperature under load; and an ammeter to compare motorâ current against a known-good baseline. Typical indicative thresholds⣠(model-dependent) are radial/axial play exceeding approximately 0.3-0.5 mm, vibration velocity âŁrising above ~4 mm/sâ RMS under spin, bearing housing temperature exceeding ambient â¤by 20-30 °C (or absolute temperatures approaching 60 °C)and motor current increasesâ on the order of â10% or âmore under identicalâ load. use these measurements along with â¤visual inspection of the seal lip and lubricant â¤condition to determine whether replacement with a service kit such as⢠the 279264 â¤assembly and correct installation methods⤠are required to restore â¤reliable operation.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Radial/Axial Play | Measured with dial indicator; values >0.3-0.5 mm generally indicate⤠bearingâ wear (model-dependent). |
| Vibration | Measure with âaccelerometer; â˘sustainedâ spin RMS >4 mm/s suggests âinternal â˘bearing roughness or imbalance. |
| Temperature & Current | thermal rise â>20-30 °C above ambient or motor current increase âł10% underâ identical load â˘are practical indicators of increased friction⣠or contamination. |
Replacementâ Considerations âand Installation procedures: Tools,Press fits,Seal Orientation,and Torque Specifications
The 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit contains the rotating bearing and radial seal components âthat isolate the transmission or gearbox from â¤drum water and provide a low-friction rolling interface on the driveâ shaft. Verify compatibility by âmeasuring the shaft diameter and housingâ bore before âinstallation;⢠these bearings âŁare typically an interference (press) fit âin â¤the housing andâ ride on a tight tolerance journal on the⤠shaft.Use calibrated calipers or a micrometer to confirm dimensions âand inspect mating surfaces for corrosion orâ scoring – scratches in the â¤housing or on âthe âshaft âwill â˘changeâ the required interference and can cause premature leakage or⢠bearing failure. Proper tool âselection (arbor or hydraulic press, bearing/drift sets sized to the race, seal âdrivers, torque⢠wrench) and cleanliness duringâ assembly âdetermine whether the new bearings âŁand seals perform to expected lifeâ rather⢠than being damaged during fitment.
- Measure housing bore and shaft journal; compare to kit dimensions and OEM drawings.
- use an arbor/hydraulic press and âdriver that contacts only the bearing ârace being moved to avoid brinelling.
- Install seals with the lip facing the fluid side (garter spring toward the fluid) and ensure full,flush seating.
- Tighten fasteners with a calibrated torque âwrench and follow a cross/star pattern âwhere applicable.
- Check axial âŁalignment and rotational runout after assembly;â re-check torque after initial run-in.
During installation, press bearings straight and square into the âhousing: press on the outer race when â¤installing into the bore and press on the inner race only when pressing⢠onto the shaft to prevent race distortion. If interference is â˘tight, heat the⢠housing evenly (oil bath or controlled induction) or cool the bearing⤠(dry ice or freezer)â to reduce required force; avoid local heatingâ that⣠can alter material properties. Sealâ orientation affects leak⢠control – the sealing lip must face â¤the retained lubricantâ orâ water with the garter spring towardâ that sideand the static face should sit against a clean shoulder to maintain âpressure. Typicalâ fastener torque values and press-fit clearances vary byâ model and⢠machining âcondition, so use the following reference ranges asâ a starting point and confirm against â˘Whirlpool service data for final âvalues.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing press-fit (typical) | Interference ~0.01-0.05 mm (0.0004-0.002″) depending on bore finish;⤠verify by measurement |
| Seal orientation | Sealing lip toward fluid⢠side; garter spring visible from âŁservice side |
| Fastener torque (typical) | Smallâ housing bolts ~10-20 N¡m (7-15 ft¡lb); confirm â˘with OEM torque âchart |
| Seating depth | Seat flush with housing shoulder; tolerances Âą0.5 mm unless otherwise specified |
Q&A
What is â˘the â¤279264 Whirlpool âbearing & Sealâ Kit and what parts are included?
The 279264 kit is âŁa bearing-and-seal âŁrepair âŁkit⢠sold for certain Whirlpool (and related brand) âtopâload washing machines. It is intended to replace⣠the tub bearings and the tub seal that â¤prevent water from reaching the transmission/shaft. Kits vary by supplier, but typically include two bearings (inner and â¤outer), at least one lip sealand sometimes a âsnap ring âor bearing âspacer and⢠grease. Always check the item description or packaging forâ the â¤exact contents â˘before â¤purchasing.
How do I know if my washer needs the 279264 bearing âand seal kit?
Common âŁsymptoms ofâ bad tub bearings or âaâ failed tub âsealâ are: loud grinding, rumblingor metallic noise during spin;â excessive âtub wobble or play;⣠vibration that increases with spin â¤speed; and fluid (gear oil⤠or âŁwater) leaking from the âbottom of the tub or onto the floor. If you hear noise that changes with drum⢠rotation orâ see oil/grease âunder the washer, bearings/seal⢠failure is likely.
Which washer⢠modelsâ is part number 279264 â¤compatible with?
the 279264 kit fits specific whirlpool/maytag/Kenmore topâload washer modelsâ that use the same âtub/bearing arrangement. Compatibility variesâ by year and model, so you should verify fitment byâ entering yourâ washer model number into a parts lookup on the â¤manufacturer’s siteâ or the parts seller’s compatibility checker. Do âŁnot assume compatibility basedâ solely⣠on⤠brand-confirm with the exactâ model ânumber.
Can I replace only the seal â˘instead⤠of the whole bearing kit?
Technically âyou can replaceâ only the⤠seal if the âbearings are in good condition, but it’s generally ârecommended to replace both the bearings and âŁthe seal together. Bearings often show early wear even ifâ noise is not yet obviousand⤠disturbing the assembly during sealâ replacement can exposeâ bearing defects. Replacing⤠theâ entire kit reduces the chance ofâ a shortâterm repeat repair.
What tools and skills are requiredâ toâ install âthe 279264 kit?
Replacing tub bearings and the seal is an intermediate to advanced repair. Typical tools needed: socket set, screwdrivers, pliers, bearing puller or hydraulic press â˘(or appropriate bearing driver and hammer â˘with caution), seal driver, torque wrenchand possiblyâ a spannerâ for the transmission nut. You must be cozy disassembling the washer (removing the agitator, inner tub, outer tuband possibly the gearcase). proper bearing installation requires pressing the âŁbearings squarely â˘intoâ the tub⤠andâ installing the âseal âwithout damage-improper installation canâ destroy the new⤠parts.
How longâ does the repair usually take and should I attempt it myself?
For a competent DIYer âwith the right tools, the job â¤can âtake 2-5 hours. For those⤠without a press, specialized tools,â or experience, it can take much longerâ and carries a risk⤠of damaging the tub or new bearings. If you⤠are not confident âŁin mechanical repairs⢠or lack the proper tools, hiring a technician is recommended.
Any installation âtips to make sure the new âbearings and seal last?
Keyâ tips: unplug and disconnect âthe washer before starting; inspect the tub shaftâ for pitting or scoring-if the âshaft isâ damaged it should be replaced⢠or repaired; drive bearings in squarely and only â¤press on the correct race (press the outer race when âŁinstalling âinto theâ tub to avoid bearing damage); useâ a proper seal⤠driver⤠and avoid cutting or rolling⢠the lip; use a highâtemperature, waterâresistant bearing grease if required;⤠replace any related âhardware (snap rings, spacers)⣠and reassemble âto manufacturer torque specifications; and run a noâload spin test to check for noise and leaksâ before returning the washer âto âservice.
Can I âŁreuse my old⣠bearings orâ sealsand how long can I expect the new kit to⤠last?
Do not reuseâ old seals and it is not recommended to reuse old bearings. Bearings are precision partsâ that wear⣠over time; reusing themâ risks early failure. With correct installation and no underlying damage⢠(like â˘a âŁpitted shaft),a quality âbearing and seal kit should last many years. Lifetime varies with âusage, load balanceand waterâ conditions, but proper installation andâ maintenance âŁare theâ biggest factors⢠in â˘longevity.
In Retrospect
Theâ 279264 Whirlpool Bearingâ & âSealâ Kit plays a central roleâ in maintaining theâ mechanical âintegrityâ of compatible whirlpoolâ washing machinesâ by addressing wear-prone components that support the drum and prevent water ingress. âProperly functioning bearings â¤and seals help ensure⤠smooth drum⣠rotation, reduce operational noise and vibrationand â˘protect surrounding⢠components from⣠premature corrosion or failure caused by leaks. replacing worn bearings and seals as part⢠of routine maintenance â¤or targeted repair can thus extend the usable life of the appliance and preserve washâ quality and â˘reliability.
Accurate⢠diagnosis is essential before committing to repair: symptoms⤠such as â˘unusual noise, wobblingor⣠visible leakage may indicate bearing âor seal failure, but they can also stem from unrelated issues â(such as, suspension parts, load imbalanceorâ foreign⣠objects). Confirming the root cause – through inspection, diagnostic testingor professionalâ assessment – avoids needless parts replacement and ensures the correct repair approach. When â¤replacement is warranted, using the appropriate kitâ and following â˘the manufacturer’s installation⢠procedure âŁor relying â¤on qualified service helps achieve⤠a durable, âsafe outcome.
In sum, the 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit is a targeted âsolution for âa âŁcommon wear âissue â˘in frontâload washing machines; coupled with proper diagnosis and installation,â it represents aâ practicalâ means to restore performance,⤠prevent water damageand reduce the likelihood of more extensive repairs.⣠Adhering to recommended service practices âand âseeking professional assistance when needed maximizes the value of the repair and supports longâterm appliance reliability.
Professional Appliance Service
If your appliance requires professional diagnosis or repair, visit
Revolff Home Services
for expert appliance repair services.
For local appliance service information see
Dryer repair Henderson
.
Replacement parts for many appliance models can also be found at
Reliable-Parts-Hub
.
