279264 âWhirlpool â¤Bearing & seal Kit is â˘a âreplacement bearing and â¤seal â¤assembly intended for use âin rotating appliance components; âthe kit âtypically contains âone or more âbearings,seals,and any associatedâ spacersâ or retaining elements âŁneeded to restoreâ the bearing/support⤠interface. As a mechanical repairâ part,it is designed to re-establish bearing⣠preload,shaft alignment,and sealing integrity where a rotating shaft passes through aâ housing orâ tub.
In service,â the bearing⣠and⢠seal kitâ supports radial and axial âloads on aâ rotating element (for example â˘aâ washer drum or spin basket shaft) and âprovides a fluid- âandâ contaminant-resistant barrier between the lubricant â¤inside the âbearing â˘area â¤and⣠the â¤external⤠surroundings. Theâ assembly directly interacts â˘with the âdrive train (motor, pulley or âgearbox),⢠the appliance âsuspension and tub/housingand the lubricant management⣠system; âcorrect bearing â˘fit and âŁseal seating âare essential for limiting vibration, maintaining⣠concentricity,â retaining lubricationand â¤preventing⤠water or debris â˘ingress⣠that would accelerate wear or⤠cause leaks.
This article will coverâ theâ kit’s âfunctional⣠role and typical compatibility checks (shaft and boreâ dimensions, fitmentâ orientationâ and part crossâreferences), common failure â˘symptoms âto recognize (noise, play/wobble, leakage, â¤overheating, increased vibration), diagnosticâ checks a technician or âownerâ can performand practical⣠replacement considerations â˘such as required tools, press-fit and extraction methods, seal⢠installation best practices, lubrication and âtolerance âconcerns, âand postâreplacement verification steps. Safety precautions and âverification of âcorrect part âselection âwill⢠also be discussed to âŁhelp ensure reliable âreassembly and operation.
Table of Contents
- Functionâ and Mechanical Roleâ of the âBearing and seal âAssembly⢠in Whirlpool âWashing Machines
- How the 279264 Whirlpool âBearing & âŁSealâ Kit âOperates⢠Within âthe âTub, Shaft, âand Transmission
- Diagnostic Symptoms âand Wear Patterns âŁIndicating Bearing âor Seal Failure
- Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, âand Troubleshooting Procedures â˘for the 279264 â˘Whirlpool⢠Bearing & Seal Kit
- Q&A
- The Conclusion
Function⢠and⣠Mechanical âRole of the⣠Bearing and Seal Assembly in Whirlpool Washing Machines
The primary mechanical role ofâ the bearing and sealâ assembly is âŁto support the â¤innerâ tub or spin basket on the⤠drive shaft and to maintain concentric, low-friction rotation throughout⣠the wash âand spin cycles.The⣠279264 Whirlpool Bearing & â˘Sealâ Kit supplies bearings â˘sized to OEM⢠tolerances â¤and matched seals that prevent wash water and⤠detergent from contacting the bearing lubrication.Properly installed bearings take the radial andâ axial loadsâ generated during agitation and high-speed spin, preserving alignment âŁand⢠minimizing wobble; the seals retain grease âŁandâ exclude contaminants, which⣠togetherâ control wear â˘rates andâ help preserve⢠motor and transmission components downstream.
Failure modes âŁare âpredictable and diagnosable by a few characteristic symptoms⤠and by inspection; techniciansâ should â˘replace bearings âŁand seals together rather than individually to restore correct fit and lubricantâ retention. Typical symptoms âand key installation considerations include:
- Audible grinding or⢠rumbling during spin, increasing âwith speed.
- Visibleâ wobbleâ or âŁlateral play of the â¤basket under load.
- Water stains or corrosion around the tub and on the cabinet â¤floor⢠indicating seal âŁleakage.
- Scored orâ corroded shaft/tub âŁboresâ that preventâ proper press-fit seating.
Beforeâ pressing new âŁbearings into the tub, clean and⢠inspect mating surfaces, verify shaft runoutand⣠use⢠a proper hydraulicâ pressâ or bearing driver⣠to apply even⤠force; â¤improper installation and hammering can damage races or seals and shorten service âlife.Practical replacement safeguards⤠include replacing âthe kit âas a unit, using⢠a high-temperature, water-resistant grease specified⣠by theâ service manual, âand confirming model compatibility by âŁcross-referencing part numbers â˘and shaft âŁdimensions.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearings | Sealed radial â¤ball bearings â˘sized toâ OEM tolerances to support radial âand axial âŁloads of⣠the â˘spin basket. |
| Seals | Elastomeric or lip seals that retain grease⣠and exclude⣠wash water⣠and detergent. |
| Tools | Hydraulic press or â˘bearing driver set, torque toolsand âshaft/tub inspection âgauges. |
How⣠the 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit Operates âWithin the Tub, â˘Shaftand Transmission
The 279264⤠Whirlpool Bearing⣠& Seal Kit replaces the âbearing and â¤seal assemblies that support⣠the inner â˘tub on â˘theâ drive shaft and isolate the â¤transmission/gearcase. âIn operation the bearing â elements carry radial (and â¤limited axial) â¤loads from âthe â˘rotating âŁtub,maintaining concentricity⢠and minimizing vibration,while â¤the seal elements retain lubrication inside âthe gearcase and prevent wash water fromâ entering the transmission. functionality dependsâ on correct⤠mating to the tub hub, shaft diameterand transmission housing: the bearings are typically⤠press-fit into the tub⤠hub and ride on a polished shaftand the â˘seals rely on proper lip âcontact âand seating âŁdepth to maintain fluid âseparation under dynamic⣠loads.
- Audible grinding, rumbleor increased⣠vibration âduring spin indicates⤠bearing wear or loss ofâ concentricity.
- Oil⤠residue â˘or âblack streaks inâ the⤠tubâ points to⢠seal failure âand âgearcase contamination.
- Excessive axial or radial play at theâ tub suggests worn bearings, incorrect press âŁfitor damagedâ shaft surfaces.
Technicians should inspect shaft surfaces, bearing boresand retaining â˘hardware when servicing â¤the âbearing/seal interface; installing new bearings and seals onto a scored shaft or â˘into a damagedâ hub will shorten service⢠life. Proper âinstallation requires pressingâ bearings to the specified depthorienting âseals so the sealing lip faces the fluid âto be retainedand âverifying ârunout and axial âclearance after⣠assembly. For example,a washer âexhibiting high-speed â˘vibration âand a small âamount âof gearboxâ oil in the tub typically needs both bearings and seals replaced and â˘a shaftâ inspection-measuring radial ârunout â˘and checking for scoringâ helps âŁdetermineâ whether the⤠kit alone is sufficient or if transmission or shaft refurbishment⤠is⣠also required.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing | Radial support component that⣠maintains tub concentricity âon the drive⤠shaft and carries spin âŁloads. |
| Seal | Elastomer lip or mechanicalâ seal â¤that prevents water ingress âinto âthe âgearcase and retains lubricant. |
Diagnostic Symptoms and Wear âPatterns âIndicatingâ Bearing or Seal Failure
The tub bearings support the⣠inner drum and maintain âconcentric rotation while the⢠seals retainâ lubricant and prevent⤠wash⣠water from migrating to theâ bearing cavity.The 279264 â˘Whirlpool Bearing & sealâ Kit contains the replacement⤠bearings⢠and seals that ârestore bearing⢠preload andâ the â¤lubricant barrier when factory components show wear. Typical bearing âfailure presents as âa low-frequency âŁrumble⢠or metallic grinding that increases with spin speed;⢠seal failure usually presents⤠as visibleâ grease on theâ outer tub âŁor water seepage at the tub seam. because bearings and seals work as⤠an assembly,technicians should âevaluate⣠both components together-bearing wear⤠changes shaft alignment and speeds seal abrasion,while a compromised seal allowsâ water â˘ingress thatâ accelerates bearing corrosion.
- Audible: rumbling, grinding,â or squealing that varies with spin speed
- Mechanical: âlateral or axial drum⢠play â¤greater than 2-3â mm when probed by hand
- Visual: greaseâ streaking,⤠rust âstainsor water poolingâ near⤠the ârear tubâ seam
- Debris: metal flakes in theâ pump âfilter or⤠trapped âin the tub âindicating bearing materialâ loss
- Vibration: intermittent âŁor steady âŁvibration âŁat âhigh rpms, ofen with drumâ wobble
Inspection should include a hand spin test to detect roughness, a visual â¤check of the seal lipâ and surrounding grease,⢠and measurementâ ofâ drum play against service limits; feel for point roughness or âŁnotchiness â˘that indicates â˘pitting⢠or fluting on the âbearing race.â Common wearâ patternsâ include polished or grooved racewaysâ (bearing),⢠collapsed â¤or hardened seal lipsand radial scoring â¤where the shaft contacted â˘the â˘bearing. âŁsuch as, a machine that leaks only after âŁhigh-temperature cycles â¤often has seal âmaterial âŁhardened⤠or torn, whereas a drum âthatâ hums and shows metal âshavings in the filter points to advanced bearing race wear âand possible contamination-both conditions⣠areâ addressed âby replacing the bearing âand seal⣠components togetherâ and reestablishing correct shaft clearance and lubrication.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Rumbling at â˘spin | Indicative of bearing race or⢠roller wear; confirm âwith âhand spin and check for axial play |
| Grease âon tub âseam | Seal failure orâ seal âlipâ abrasion; inspect sealâ lip andâ adjacent bearing housing for contamination |
| Metal flakes in pump | Notable bearing degradation; âŁrecommend âŁreplacing bearingsâ and seals and checking shaft for âŁscoring |
Compatibility, Replacement⣠Considerationsand Troubleshooting Proceduresâ for the 279264 âWhirlpool Bearing & Seal Kit
The 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & seal kit suppliesâ the âbearingâ and⢠lip seal that support âthe washer’s⣠tub/transmission âinterface â˘and prevent lubricant-water contamination. Theâ bearing carries radial and â˘axial loadsâ from the tub and drive shaft while the seal maintains separation between gearbox⢠grease and the wash tub âenvironment;⣠degradationâ of eitherâ component producesâ noise, vibration,â or fluid ingress.â Compatibility depends on âthe transmission housing and shaft dimensions: this âkit⤠is usedâ on âŁcertain âWhirlpool top-load gearcases that except⤠aâ pressed-in bearing/seal assembly. Verifyâ fit⣠by matching bore⤠diameter, shaft â˘journal sizeand snap-ringâ or retention features to the⣠machine model⣠rather than relying solely on washerâ series names.
Replacement and troubleshooting requireâ inspection of both mechanical and⤠sealing⣠surfaces. Before installing a ânew kit, check the bearing bore for ovality⣠or corrosion âand theâ shaft âfor scoring or excessive runout; a new bearing⢠pressed into a â˘damaged bore will fail prematurely. During â˘reassembly,â press the bearing⢠squarelyorientâ the seal âcorrectly with the lipâ facing the fluid to⤠be retained,â and clean âŁmating surfaces to ensure⣠a proper⢠metal-to-metal seat.After âreplacement, â˘run the machine empty at âfull⣠spinâ to confirm there are no⢠leaks, unusual⤠noisesor lateral play; if oil or greaseâ is visible in the washâ tub or the hub shows âŁlateral movement beyond⤠a few millimeters,â inspect the gearbox housingâ and shaft-thoseâ components may need repair orâ replacement ârather âthan just the kit.
- Commonâ symptoms âtoâ check: grinding⤠or rumbling âduring âspin, visible grease âŁor water in âthe tub, excessive âŁwobble or lateral play at the tub/hubandâ persistent vibration that⤠does not respond â˘to load⤠redistribution.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part | 279264 âWhirlpool Bearing &â Seal Kit – bearing, lip sealand âretaining hardware for compatible âWhirlpool âtop-load gearcases |
| Materials | Hardened steel âŁbearing;â elastomeric lip seal (nitrile or⢠equivalent depending on specification) |
| Application notes | Intended for pressed-in bearingâ housings; âconfirm bore/shaft⣠dimensions and retention method before ordering |
Q&A
What is the 279264 Whirlpool Bearing & Seal Kitâ used for?
The 279264 kitâ containsâ replacement bearings and seals that press into âthe⢠washer⤠tub/hub to support the inner âtub and keep⤠wash âwater outâ of the bearing âcavity. It is indeed used toâ repair leakingâ or noisy tubs âon compatible Whirlpool-family topâload washing â¤machines.⣠Always verify compatibility with âyour âwasher⤠model number and the manufacturer⤠parts diagram before ordering.
What â¤are â¤the â˘common symptoms that indicate the bearing and seal need⢠replacement?
Common signs are loud grinding or⣠rumbling noises⣠during spin, excessive tub⢠wobble or vibration, grease âor⤠water leaking â˘from the base of âŁthe washer, visible â¤rust/corrosion âaround the tub huband grease inside the⣠wash basket⣠or on laundry. Any of these suggest the bearings and/orâ seal have âfailed âand should be inspected.
Canâ I replace âŁjust the seal and âkeep the old bearings?
It’sâ best practice to replace the â¤bearings and seals together. A failed seal will commonly⤠allow water to contaminate âŁthe bearings;â evenâ if âthe bearings seem okay, âthey⢠may be compromised and will likely fail⢠soon⣠if the seal has leaked.Replacing both simultaneously occurring gives a longer-lasting repair.
What âtools âŁand supplies do⢠I need to install⣠theâ 279264 âkit?
Typical tools: socket set,bearing/seal âdriver or appropriate sockets,arbor press or bearing press (or⤠a driver and mallet used correctly),screwdrivers,pliers,torque wrench,heat gun or propane torch (for warming theâ housing),freezerâ (optional for cooling bearings),shop ârags,and safety gear. Also have a smallâ amount of âŁsilicone âor waterproof grease forâ the seal lip. Consult the â˘service manual for anyâ modelâspecific tools and torque specs.
Any tipsâ for installing the bearings â¤and â¤seals correctly?
Key tips: disconnectâ power and drain water, remove the tub/hub assembly and clean the bore. Press bearings squarelyâ into the housing⢠and only⣠apply â˘force âto the â˘outerâ race when seatingâ them; do not âŁhammer on⢠the⤠inner race. When installing the seal,â orient the sealing⤠lip toward the tub/water side. Ensure the bore is âclean and free âŁof burrs,⤠and⢠use a proper driver toâ seat partsâ evenly.if the housing is tight, warming the housing or âcooling âthe bearings âslightly will ease installation.
Do the replacement bearings need greaseâ or lubrication⣠during installation?
Most replacementâ bearings in âŁtheseâ kits⢠are sealed â¤and come preâlubricated-do ânot open⢠or repack them. For the â˘seal, a thin film of silicone-based grease on the lip âhelps â¤prevent dry start wearâ and makes installationâ easier. âAvoid over-greasing the bearing cavity or introducingâ household âoils thatâ can âdegrade seal â¤lip materials.
How do I â˘confirmâ the kit is compatible with my washer model?
Locate your washer’s âmodel number â˘(usually on the door⣠frame,lid,or back panel),then check the Whirlpool â¤parts website or the service manual⣠and search for part numberâ 279264 or theâ bearing/seal assembly.Parts sellers and appliance parts diagrams will show âwhich models the⣠kit fits. If in â˘doubt, provide⤠theâ full model number to the parts supplier or technician toâ confirm fitment.
Is replacing this kitâ something a homeowner can âdo, âor âshould I call a technician?
Technically competent â˘diyers with the â¤right âtools â¤and a service manual⣠can perform the replacement,â but⢠this⤠jobâ canâ be heavy and âinvolved (removing â˘tubs, motors, springsand pressâfitting â˘bearings). If you lack tools like âŁa âbearing press, experienceor are uncomfortable working with heavy assemblies, hiring aâ trained technician is recommended to avoid damaging the new âparts â¤or the tub housing.
The â˘Conclusion
The 279264⢠Whirlpool â˘Bearing & âSeal Kit serves a basic âŁrole â˘in maintaining âthe rotating assembly of compatible Whirlpool â˘washing machines by replacing worn bearings and seals that supportâ theâ drum and prevent waterâ intrusion. Properly functioning bearingsâ reduce vibration and noise, preserve drum â¤alignment,â and protect â˘internal components from premature wear, while intact⤠seals⢠prevent leaks that can damageâ the cabinet âand electronics.
Accurate diagnosisâ is essential to determine whether theâ bearing and âseal kit⢠is â¤the âcorrect remedy; symptoms âsuch as âpersistent noise, excessive drum⢠playor visible leaks should be evaluated âto âdistinguish bearing âand seal failure from other mechanicalâ or âŁsuspension issues. When replacement â˘is indicated, using the appropriate âkit, â¤following serviceâ specifications, âand adhering toâ correct installation⣠procedures helps restoreâ performance and reduce theâ likelihood of â˘repeat failures.
the 279264 Whirlpool â¤Bearing & Seal Kitâ can⣠be anâ effective â˘component-level solution for addressing bearing â¤and seal-related⢠problems, but âits⤠long-term valueâ depends onâ correct âŁdiagnosis and professional,â standards-based replacement. Timely attention to signs⢠of wear and informed â¤decision-making about repair can improve appliance reliability, safetyand service life.
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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