28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing is a replacement bearing assembly designed for use in Speed Queen washing machines; as a rotary bearing it serves to support the washer’s inner tub or drive shaft and allow smooth, low-friction rotation under load. In mechanical terms this component is a precision rolling-element bearing (often configured as a radial ball or roller bearing with associated races and seals) that is pressed into the tub housing or hub to maintain concentricity and carry both radial and limited axial loads generated during agitation and spin cycles.
Inside the appliance, the bearing interfaces directly with the drive shaft or spindle, the tub/hub assembly, and the sealing elements that protect the bearing from water and debris. It effectively works in concert with the transmission or motor coupling to transfer torque to the tub while the suspension and shock absorbers manage the dynamic forces; proper bearing function preserves alignment,minimizes vibration and noise,and prevents leakage by maintaining the correct relationship between rotating and stationary components. Failure of the bearing can affect the gearbox, seals, and tub integrity, so understanding it’s mechanical role and environmental exposure is vital for accurate diagnosis.
this article explains the bearing’s functional design and typical applications within Speed Queen machines, describes compatibility and installation considerations, identifies common failure symptoms and root causes, and provides practical troubleshooting and replacement guidance.Readers can expect detailed information on how to recognize bearing wear, assess related components (seals, hub, spindle, and housing), evaluate when a bearing can be serviced versus when a full hub or housing replacement is required, and what tools and procedures are appropriate for safe, reliable replacement.
Table of Contents
- Function and load-bearing role of upper and lower bearings in speed Queen washers
- How the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing works inside the appliance
- Common failure symptoms and diagnostic indicators of bearing wear: noise, vibration, leakage, and drum misalignment
- Replacement considerations and installation checklist for upper and lower bearings: tools, tolerances, and torque specifications
- Q&A
- wrapping Up
Function and load-bearing role of upper and lower bearings in Speed Queen washers
28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing serves as the primary rolling element that supports the tub and main shaft, controlling radial and axial movement during agitation and high-speed spin. In many Speed Queen assemblies the upper and lower bearing positions are exposed to different load profiles: the lower bearing typically carries the bulk of radial load from the drum and any imbalance during spin, while the upper bearing aligns the shaft and resists axial thrust. Technicians should verify shaft diameter, housing inner diameter, and whether the service application expects a sealed or serviceable unit before installing this part; fitment differences determine whether a replacement labeled for “upper or lower” is compatible for a specific model and position.
Bearings convert dynamic loads into reaction forces on the washer cabinet and transmit vibration; loss of lubrication, seal failure, or raceway wear increases friction and runout, which shows up as noise, wobble, and higher motor current draw. Practical diagnostics include checking for grease leaks at the seal lip, excessive end play on the shaft, and roughness when rotating the drum by hand.when replacing a failed unit, inspect mating surfaces (shaft/press-fit bore) and seals and consider replacing the paired bearing or related suspension components to restore original load distribution and minimize premature re-failure.
- Common symptoms: loud rumbling or grinding during spin
- Mechanical indicators: axial play,uneven drum rotation,grease leakage
- Electrical/operational signs: elevated motor amperage or automatic imbalance shutdowns
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary load type | Lower: radial-heavy; Upper: alignment and axial restraint |
| Typical failure modes | Seal breach,lubricant loss,raceway pitting,corrosion |
| Service note | Confirm dimensional fit and sealing design before substituting parts |
How the 28944RP Speed Queen washer Upper or Lower Bearing works inside the appliance
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing is a compact,press-fit bearing assembly that supports the washer’s inner shaft and tub assembly,providing a low-friction interface for continuous rotation. Installed in the hub housing either above or below the transmission depending on model, the bearing carries radial loads from the spinning basket and resists axial displacement to maintain concentricity. In normal operation the unit works with a rubber or polymer seal and a retainer plate to keep lubricant in and wash water out; onc the seal is compromised, water ingress accelerates corrosion and rolling-element wear, which quickly degrades performance.
The bearing’s mechanical role is to transmit rotational motion while minimizing lateral play and vibration; wear patterns typically show as increased noise, wobble, or uneven spin cycles.Proper replacement requires correct seating depth, avoidance of brinelling during installation (use a press or correctly sized driver), and replacement of the mating seal and any spacers to restore the original axial preload. Verify compatibility with the washer model and inspect the hub bore and shaft for fretting or scoring before fitting a new unit, as damaged mating surfaces will shorten the life of a correctly installed bearing.
- Primary functions: support radial/axial loads, maintain concentric rotation, and reduce friction.
- Common symptoms of failure: rumbling noise, excessive vibration, oil/grease leakage, and basket wobble.
- Installation notes: press-fit only, replace seals and spacers, avoid hammering directly on the race.
- Compatibility: designed to match specific Speed Queen hub bores-confirm model fitment before ordering.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing type | sealed ball/roller assembly, pre-lubricated and intended for press-fit into the washer hub. |
| Typical fit | Interference fit in hub housing; shaft side supported by inner race, outer race held by housing. |
| Failure mode | Seal failure → water ingress → corrosion of races/rollers → noise and increased radial play. |
Common failure symptoms and diagnostic indicators of bearing wear: noise, vibration, leakage, and drum misalignment
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing is a precision component that supports the inner tub and transmits radial and axial loads from the drum to the cabinet. As the bearing wears, changes in the internal rolling elements and races lead to distinct mechanical symptoms: high-frequency squealing or chirping early in the failure progression, progressing to low-frequency grinding or rumbling when pitting and spalling occur. Water intrusion or seal failure accelerates wear by washing out grease and introducing abrasive contaminants; grease extrusion or visible metal particles in the sump are practical signs that the bearing lubricant and seal have been compromised. Because this bearing can be used as an upper or lower unit depending on the washer’s hub design, ensure replacement 28944RP parts match the original housing and shaft dimensions to maintain correct axial preload and runout tolerances.
Diagnosing bearing wear requires both sensory checks and simple measurements: use a mechanic’s stethoscope or a long screwdriver for localizing noise, manually rotate the drum and feel for roughness or binding, and apply lateral and axial force to detect play. Typical diagnostic indicators include increased radial runout (measurable with a dial indicator), measurable axial/lateral play beyond factory service limits (typical service guidance often considers lateral play above ~0.5-1.0 mm suspicious), visible grease leakage at the seal, and a drum tilt or eccentricity that produces cyclic vibration under load. inspect the hub and drum bore for scoring or heat discoloration before installing a replacement; if the hub is scored, replacing the bearing alone (such as with a 28944RP) may not fully restore service life and the hub or drum may require machining or replacement.
- noise: High-pitched squeal = lubricant breakdown; low grinding = race/roller damage.
- Vibration: Cyclic shimmy or increased amplitude under spin indicates eccentricity or excessive play.
- Leakage: Grease at the bottom of the cabinet or oil-stained seals indicates seal failure and contamination.
- Drum misalignment: Visible tilt or lateral runout during rotation, often from lower-bearing axial collapse.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Rotational feel | Roughness or catching when turning the drum by hand indicates damaged rollers or pitted races. |
| Runout measurement | Dial-indicator reading showing eccentricity (>0.5 mm typical threshold) supports bearing or hub wear diagnosis. |
| Lubricant condition | Discolored or watery grease, metal flakes, or leak paths at the seal point to seal/bearing failure and contamination. |
replacement considerations and installation checklist for upper and lower bearings: tools, tolerances, and torque specifications
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing locates and supports the inner tub and drive shaft, controlling radial and axial movement while transmitting rotational loads to the outer tub assembly. in both upper and lower positions the bearing must maintain concentricity with the drive shaft and seal surfaces; failures typically present as audible grinding, excessive shaft play, or grease leakage past the seal. Compatibility depends on outer diameter, inner bore, width, and seal retention features – replacement bearings must match these dimensions and the bearing type (deep-groove, angular-contact, etc.) used in the original assembly to preserve load distribution and service life.
Replacement requires controlled disassembly, precise measurement, and correct torque application during reassembly to avoid pre-load errors or misalignment. inspect mating surfaces for corrosion or wear,replace associated seals and retaining hardware,and use a press or bearing driver to achieve an even,square install; avoid hammering the bearing race directly. Verify bearing seating by measuring radial runout with a dial indicator and checking axial play against the service manual. Use calibrated tools: a shop press or arbor press for installation, a torque wrench sized for the retaining fasteners, a dial indicator for runout, and appropriate seal drivers to protect contact surfaces.
- Tools: shop/arbor press, bearing driver set, calibrated torque wrench, dial indicator, snap-ring pliers, seal installer, clean solvents and grease
- Checks: inspect races and shaft for scoring, confirm bearing fit dimensions, replace seals and retainers
- tolerances: measure runout and axial play; ensure concentric seating before final torque
- Torque: use manufacturer’s torque figures for retaining nuts/bolts; tighten in stages and re-check alignment
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical torque guidance | retaining fastener torque varies by model; use the Speed queen service manual for the exact value and apply with a calibrated torque wrench. |
| Critical tolerances | Inspect radial runout and axial play; acceptable values are low (measure in thousandths of an inch) - confirm model-specific tolerances before reuse. |
| Installation note | Press bearings squarely to the correct shoulder, replace seals, and verify rotation free of binding before final assembly. |
Q&A
What is part 28944RP and what does it replace on a Speed Queen washer?
Part 28944RP is sold as a bearing kit used to replace worn tub/drum bearings on many Speed Queen washers. Kits commonly include one or more sealed bearings, oil seals, and sometimes retaining rings or shims depending on the application.exact contents and fit vary by model year and model family,so confirm the part number against your washer’s model number or the manufacturer’s parts diagram before ordering.
What are the common symptoms that indicate the upper or lower bearing is failing?
Typical signs of a bad upper or lower bearing include loud rumbling or grinding noises during spin, excessive vibration or wobble of the tub, grease or water leaking from the rear/hub area, and a drum that feels rough or has lateral play when spun by hand. Noise that gets worse at higher spin speeds is a classic bearing symptom.
How can I determine whether the upper or the lower bearing is the one that’s bad?
Diagnosing which bearing is bad usually involves a combination of visual inspection and listening tests: rotate the drum by hand to feel roughness or binding; use a mechanic’s stethoscope to localize noise to the upper or lower hub; check for lateral play at the drum (excess side-to-side play often indicates bearing wear); and inspect for leaking grease or damaged seals at the hub. In many washers the bearings are closely coupled, so if one is bad the other might potentially be close behind-inspect both.
Should I replace seals and other parts along with the 28944RP bearings?
Yes. Whenever you replace bearings you should also replace the corresponding oil seals (included in many kits) and any retaining hardware, and inspect the hub, shaft, and seal mating surfaces for wear or corrosion. Seals are inexpensive and reusing old seals risks immediate failure and contamination of the new bearings.
Can I replace the 28944RP bearings myself, and what tools are required?
Replacement is possible for a competent DIYer but can be challenging: it typically requires disassembling the cabinet and tub, pressing/pulling bearings and seals (bearing puller or press, bearing driver/seal installer), sockets, wrenches, possibly a slide hammer, and safe lifting help for heavy tubs. Pressing bearings without the right tools risks damage. if you’re not cozy with heavy disassembly or using a press, a service technician is recommended.
Are Speed Queen bearings serviced (regreased) or are they sealed units?
Most modern washer bearings are sealed, factory-packed units that are not serviceable and are replaced as complete sealed bearings. If your kit or manufacturer documentation indicates grease-packed bearings, follow the service instructions exactly; or else assume sealed bearings and replace rather than attempt to re-lubricate.
How long do bearings typically last, and what causes premature bearing failure?
Bearing life varies widely with use and conditions-many last 8-20 years in normal residential use. Common causes of premature failure include water intrusion from a failed seal, heavy or unbalanced loads, lack of proper leveling, corrosion, and impact/damage during transport or use. Regularly leveling the washer and avoiding overloads helps extend bearing life.
How much does replacement of the 28944RP bearing kit usually cost if I hire a technician?
Parts-only for a bearing/seal kit commonly range from about $40 to $150 depending on vendor and kit contents.Labor for a professional bearing replacement can vary widely by region and washer model-expect roughly $150 to $400 or more as the job can be labor-intensive. Get a written estimate and verify that seals and any damaged hubs or shafts are included in the quote.
Wrapping Up
The 28944RP Speed Queen washer upper or lower bearing is a small but critical component that supports the inner tub and shaft, maintains proper drum alignment, and reduces friction during spin and wash cycles. When functioning correctly, these bearings help ensure smooth operation, minimize vibration and noise, and protect adjacent components such as seals, shafts, and the transmission from premature wear. Failure of an upper or lower bearing can lead to increased noise, wobble, leakage, reduced cleaning performance, and secondary damage to other parts of the machine.
As bearing wear can masquerade as other problems, careful diagnosis is essential: listen for distinct noises, inspect for play in the drum, and check for signs of lubricant loss or seal failure. When replacement is indicated, using the correct 28944RP part and following proper disassembly, installation, and sealing procedures restores alignment and longevity. Timely,accurate diagnosis and replacement-performed with appropriate tools and technique or by a qualified technician-preserves washer performance,reduces the risk of further damage,and provides the most cost-effective path to reliable 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
Reliable-Parts-Hub
.
