279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit is a bearing-and-seal â¤replacement assembly intended for the rotating tub or drum support in compatible Whirlpool laundry appliances. âThe kit typically contains one or more bearings, an⣠elastomeric or lip-type sealand the⢠retaining hardwareâ required â˘to locate the bearings in the tub or hub. as a mechanical service part,it is indeed designed to restore the bearing support and fluid exclusion functions that wearâ over time in high-load,wet environments.
Inside the âappliance, the bearing and seal assembly supports the washer’s rotating shaft âorâ tub, maintains concentric alignment under radial andâ axial loadsand provides âŁa barrier to keep wash water and detergent out of the bearing cavity. It interfaces directly with the tub/hub, shaft or spindleand the drive⣠system (motor, pulley â¤or beltand any coupling or âtransmission). Proper bearing fit and seal seating are critical to control vibration,reduce friction and heat,and prevent lubricant loss or water âingress that will accelerate component⤠failure.
In this article you will learn how the 279264 bearing and seal functions, how to determine compatibilityâ with specific whirlpool modelsand the common symptoms of bearing or seal failure (noise during spin, increased vibraÂtion or tub wobbleand fluid⤠leakage).The article⤠also covers systematic troubleshooting steps-visual inspection,checking axial/radial play and runout,and leak diagnosis-and practical replacement considerations âsuch as required tools and presses,correct seal orientation and seating,torque and retention methods,lubrication and corrosion considerations,and when adjacent components should be serviced or replaced during repair. Safety precautions for working on water- and electrically-powered appliances are included where relevant.
Table of Contents
- Functional âŁRole of the Washer Drum Bearing and Seal Assembly â¤in Load Support and Fluidâ Containment
- How the 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kitâ Interfaces with âthe Transmission,Drum Hub,and Seal Surfaces
- Mechanical and Operational Failure Symptoms and⢠Diagnostic Tests for Bearing Wear and seal Leakage
- Compatibility,Replacementâ Procedure,Torque and Sealantâ Specifications for Installing the 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit
- Q&A
- In Summary
Functional Role of the Washer Drum Bearing and Seal Assembly inâ Load Support and Fluid containment
The drum bearing and âseal assembly transfers the dynamic loads of⢠the rotating drum to theâ washer chassis while preventing wash water and detergent from contaminating the bearing lubricant. The 279264â whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit supplies the matched bearings and seals that restore the original running clearances and sealing surfaces; correct replacement ensures the bearing races maintain concentricity under high-speed spin loads and the sealâ lips remain⢠engaged to exclude water. In service, âthe bearing supports radial loads from the â¤drum and â˘the imbalance forces that occur during high-speed spin, while the⢠seal maintains a pressure- â˘and fluid-tight boundary at the interface between the wet tub and the bearing cavity to prevent accelerated wear and corrosion of the races and⣠rollers.
- Typical failure symptoms:â loud rumble during spin,lateral drum play,grease contamination inâ the âŁtub,or visible leaks at the tub seam.
- Critical installation checkpoints: press bearings squarely to specified depthorient the seal lip toward the fluid sourceand verify drum runout after assembly.
Compatibility depends on matching shaft and housing diameters,bearingâ width,and seal inner/outer âdiameters so that preload and radial clearance remain within⤠design limits; kits like the 279264 supply components that are dimensioned to reproduce those limits for compatible Whirlpool models. When replacing the assembly, âŁtechnicians should inspect the bearing âŁbores for ovality and the shaft for scoring-reusing seals or installing bearings without correcting bore âdamage will allow premature leakage and noise recurrence. Practical⢠repair practice includes cleaning the bearing cavity,using a press to installâ bearings and seals without distorting races,and confirming smooth,low-friction ârotation and minimal axial play âŁbefore reassembling the washer.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing | Roller/race element that supports radial and axial loads and sets rotational alignment. |
| Seal | Elastomeric⢠lip assembly â˘that prevents water and detergent ingress while retaining lubricant. |
| Assembly function | Maintain concentric rotation and fluid containment to protect lubrication and reduce vibration. |
How the âŁ279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit Interfaces with the Transmission, Drum Huband Seal Surfaces
279264 â¤Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit provides the bearing races, sealand ancillary hardware âthat form the mechanical andâ fluid interface between the washing machine transmission output â˘and the drum hub. The⢠bearings carry⤠radial and limited axial loads from the rotating drum into the transmission output shaft; the inner race is normally a press fit to the shaft while the outer race seats into â¤the drum hub or a pressed sleeve. The seal in the kit establishes a controlled interference on a machined counterface toâ exclude wash water from the bearings and to retain transmission â˘lubricants, so correct mating dimensions and surface condition of the shaft, hub boreand seal seat determine long-term sealing performance and load transfer behavior.
Accomplished installation requiresâ attention to fit, surface conditionandâ axial clearance: damaged or corroded seal faces,â scored shaftsor improper press-fit technique will compromise alignment and âlead to accelerated bearing wear, noiseor leaks.⤠Technicians commonly verify bearing preload⤠or end play after assembly, confirm that the seal⤠lip runs on a smooth counterfaceand replace anyâ hub or shaft components that show deformation.Typical fieldâ symptomsâ prompting replacement of the 279264 kit include persistent drum wobble, grinding sounds from the rear of the tubor visible oil/water leakage at the hub; replacing the kit with proper pressing, lubricationand âŁinspection of mating surfaces restores the transmission-drum interface âŁto expected mechanical and sealing performance.
- Primary interface functions: load transfer, âŁalignmentand fluid exclusion.
- Inspection checkpoints: shaft concentricity, hubâ bore integrityand seal counterface finish.
- Common failure⣠indicators: axial play, metallic noiseand lubricant contamination or external⢠leakage.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Transmission | inner race typically press-fits to the output shaft; transmits loads into the gearbox bearing seats. |
| drum âhub | Outer race or sleeve locates in the hub bore; must be straight and free of burrs for correct alignment. |
| seal surface | Machined counterface for the seal âlip; requires smooth, corrosion-free finish to retain â˘lubricantâ andâ exclude water. |
mechanical and Operational Failure Symptoms âand Diagnostic Tests for Bearing Wear and Seal Leakage
The 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit contains the rotating bearing races and elastomeric seal components that support the washer tub and retain lubricants whileâ preventing water⤠ingress to the gearbox and motorâ area. Bearings maintain concentric rotation and absorb radial and axial loads; seals preserve the grease film and block water from migrating along the shaft. When bearings show fatigue (race pitting,brinelling) âthe drum will develop increasedâ radial runout and friction; when seals harden,crack,or lose lip tension the lubricant is expelled and water reaches âŁbearing surfaces. Confirm compatibility by matching tub/hub dimensions and the machineâ model number before installing the replacement âŁkit, since the kit â˘restores mechanical support only when it fits the existing shaft and hub geometry.
- Loud rumbling or grinding during spin cycles
- Excessive drum wobble or vibration â˘felt at high speed
- Visible grease or oil contamination on the inner tub or on clothes
- Water pooling under the cabinet or dripping from the tub âseam
- Increased motor current, overheatingorâ frequent overload trips
Diagnose bearing wear with a combination of sensory checks and simple measurement tools: rotate the drum by hand to â˘detect roughness or â˘binding, use a mechanic’s stethoscope to localize grindingand measure radial/axial play with a dial indicator or feeler gauge to quantify looseness.For seals, perform a wet â˘run or static fill test and inspect the hub and shaft for emulsified grease, scoringor corrosion that indicates past leakage. Practical repair workflow examples: ifâ hand rotation yields a gritty feel and audible metal-on-metal noise, disassemble the hub to inspect the races and replace with the kit; if water trails are observed on the outside of the inner hub, replace â˘seals and clean contaminants before ârefitting bearings. â¤The table below summarizes common failure indicators and the straightforward diagnostic action to confirm them.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Noise during spin | Listen with âŁstethoscope or hand-spin test to localize grinding to the tub/bearing area |
| Leakage or grease on clothes | Perform a brief water fill/run and inspect hub area for escaping fluid or emulsion |
| Axial/radial play | Measure â¤shaft movement with a dial⢠indicator⤠or detect excessive endplay by hand |
Compatibility, â¤Replacement Procedure, Torque and Sealant Specifications for Installing the 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit
The 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal âkit âcontains the replacement bearings and seals used to restore the tub-to-shaft interface onâ many Whirlpool direct-drive and âsimilar top-loadâ washer tubs. Bearings in this assembly provide radial support and limit axial movement of the inner tub while seals prevent wash water from migrating into the bearing cavity and transmission. Compatibility depends on the shaft and⣠bore dimensions and the specific tub/hub design;⢠confirm fit by matching outer bearing diameter,inner bore (shaft) diameter,and the kit’s race width to the existing parts or the OEM âparts list before installation.Symptoms that indicate kit replacement⤠include a grinding or rumbling noise during spin, visible oil/water leakage at the tub hub, excessive tub play or wobbleand âaccelerated bearing wear on inspection âŁof the race surfaces.
Replacement requires separating the inner tub from the⢠outer tub, removing the âŁold pressed-in bearings and sealsand installing the new components with proper alignment and controlled press fit. Use a hydraulic or arbor press with appropriate bearing drivers to avoid damaging races,and protect the seal lips with light silicone grease during assembly.torque and sealant choices affect long-term reliability: use medium-strength threadlocker on fasteners that can⣠remove during service and non-hardening RTV or a specified gasket maker on permanent metal-to-metalâ joints where the service manual calls for it. After assembly, verify axial âŁplay is within manufacturer tolerance and run the washer through a low-speed spin to confirm quiet operation and absence of leaks.
- Disconnect power âand water, drain tuband remove agitator and inner âtub to access the hub.
- Pressâ out old âbearings/seals; clean âmating surfaces and inspect for corrosion â¤or scoring.
- Press in new bearings squarely, install seals with â˘correct orientation, apply grease to⣠seal lipsand torque fasteners per âreference values.
- Apply medium-strength threadlocker on removableâ fasteners as indicated, allow sealant cure time, reassemble and test for leaks and noise.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing retaining nut | Typical torque range: 200-300 in¡lb (â16.7-25.0 âŁft¡lb); verify model-specific value in service manual. |
| Transmission/mounting bolts | Typical torque range: 80-120 in¡lb (â6.7-10.0 ft¡lb); â˘use medium-strength threadlocker ifâ specified. |
| Sealant | Non-hardening RTV silicone for metal-to-metal static seals; silicone grease on seal lips; âuse specified threadlocker (medium strength) for â˘fasteners⢠that require serviceability. |
Q&A
What is the Whirlpool part 279264 bearing & seal kit and what does it replace?
Part 279264 is a tub bearing and seal replacement kit used on certain Whirlpool-family topâload washers. The kit replacesâ the bearing surfaces andâ the water seals that â¤support the inner tub on âŁthe washshaft and prevent washwater from entering the transmission/gearcase. Exact kit contents vary by supplier but typically include one or more bearings and one or more⢠seals â(and sometimes spacers âor a bearing retainer). â¤Always verify kit contents against the parts diagram for your model before ordering.
What symptoms indicate the bearings or seals have failed and I âneed this kit?
Common signs of bearing⤠or sealâ failure are loud rumbling or grinding noises during spin,excessive tub wobble or offâbalance behavior,visible water leaking â¤from the baseâ of the washer,grease/oil contamination⣠in the tub or on the floor,and metal⢠debris in the washwater. If you â¤find⤠water inside the transmission/gearcase or a wet, rusty bearing area, the⤠bearings or seals are likely compromised.
How do I âŁconfirm that 279264 is compatible with my washer model?
Locate your â˘washer’s model number â(usually on âa tag behind the control panel,on the doorframe,or on the back). Use that model number to⢠search Whirlpool’s parts lookup,an âauthorized parts dealer,or the product/parts manual. Entering the model number will show compatible part numbers and diagrams.If in doubt, contact Whirlpool partsâ support or a reputable partsâ supplier to confirm fitment before purchasing.
Can I replace the bearings and âŁseals myself? What tools and skills are needed?
Replacing the tub bearings â˘and seals is an intermediateâtoâadvanced repair.It typically requires removing the cabinet and inner tuband pressing/pulling bearings and seals on and off the washshaft. You will âusually need specialty tools such asâ a bearing puller or press, seal/bearing drivers, snapâring pliers (if applicable), â¤and basic hand â˘tools. Properâ technique and tools are important to avoid damaging the new parts or tub. If you lack experience or⢠tools,a professional technician is recommended.
Do Iâ need to â˘replace⤠both bearings and seals at â¤the same time?
Yes.Bearings and seals⣠wear together; replacing only the seal leaves worn bearings that can quickly damage the new sealand replacing only bearings while reusingâ old seals risks leakage. Install a full bearing-and-seal kit to ensure a durable repair.
Will installing part 279264 fix a leaking transmission/gearcase?
If the leak is caused by worn tub seals allowing water into the transmission or by⤠bearing failure, replacing the kit can stop further water ingress and leaks at the tub shaft. However, if⤠the gearcase â˘is already damaged or has lost lubrication (contaminated by âwater) the transmission itself may need âŁservice or replacement. Inspect the gearcase for metal shavings, âŁlow oil levelor internal damage; address anyâ gearcase issuesâ in addition to replacing bearings and seals.
What type of grease or lubricant should I use when installing the new bearings and seals?
Use a highâtemperature, waterâresistant wheelâbearing type â˘grease â˘or the grease specified in the service manual for your⢠washer. â¤Do not use gear oil⣠for bearing lubrication in the tub bearing area. Apply grease to the bearing surfaces⣠as recommended by the manufacturer and ensure seals are seated⢠correctly to keep contaminants out.
How long does the repair usually take and what is the typical â¤cost?
For a DIY repair with the right tools, bearing and seal replacement typically âtakes 2-4 hours depending on experience and modelâ complexity. The part kit price varies by vendor⤠but commonly ranges from about $30 to $120. Ifâ you hire â¤a technician,expect additional labor âcharges-commonly $150-$300 or more depending on local rates and whether the transmission requires service. Always get an estimate before⣠authorizing paid repairs.
In Summary
The 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit plays a central role in âmaintaining âthe mechanical integrity of the washer drum assembly.⤠By replacing worn bearings and seals,the kit restores smooth⤠drum rotation,helps prevent water leaks,reduces vibration and noise,and limits secondary damage to adjacent components. Correctly functioning bearings and seals are⤠therefore important bothâ for dayâtoâday performance and for extending the usable life of the appliance.
Timely,accurate diagnosis and the use of âŁthe⤠appropriate replacement kit are essential to realize those benefits. Identifying bearing or seal failure early prevents escalation of damage,and fitting the correct part-following manufacturerâ specifications and torque/assembly procedures-ensures reliable operation.Where â˘diagnostic uncertainty exists or repair accessâ is tough, professional inspection and service reduce the risk of âinstallation error and help confirm that replacement is the best course of âaction.
the 279264 âbearing and seal kit isâ a⣠targeted, costâeffective component-level solution for bearing and seal failures. When combined with proper diagnosis, careful installationand postârepair testing, it can restore washer performance, reduce the likelihood of future failuresand contribute to more efficient and reliable appliance operation.
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
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