28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing is a sealed rolling-element bearing assembly used to support the rotating tub or shaft in a Speed Queen laundry machine; it is indeed a mechanical support component designed to carry radial and axial loads while minimizing friction and wear between the stationary housing and the rotating basket or spindle. As a purpose-built replacement part, the 28944RP designation identifies the specific bearing fitment and sealing arrangement intended for particular speed Queen models and configurations where either an upper or a lower bearing position is required.
Inside the appliance, the bearing serves as the primary interface between the drive system (motor, belt or direct-drive elements, and any gearbox or clutch) and the tub/basket assembly, and it closely interacts with the tub seal, shaft, bearing housing, and suspension/damper systems. proper bearing function maintains concentric rotation of the tub, transmits the dynamic loads generated during spin cycles into the cabinet structure, and works in concert with seals to prevent water ingress; failure of the bearing or its seals can lead to increased vibration, shaft misalignment, water leaks, and accelerated wear of adjacent components.
In this article readers will find a technical overview of the 28944RP bearing’s function and typical applications, guidance on compatibility and fitment considerations, common failure symptoms (for example, grinding or rumbling noises, excessive vibration, wobble, or fluid leakage), methods for diagnosing bearing-related issues at a system level, and practical replacement considerations such as the need to replace seals and mating components, required tooling and press-fit concerns, inspection of the shaft and housing for damage, and post-replacement testing to verify alignment and leak-free operation.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of Upper and Lower Bearings in Speed Queen Washer Drum Support and Vibration Control
- how the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing Works Inside the Tub, Hub and Transmission Assembly
- Common Failure Symptoms and Measurable Diagnostic Indicators of 28944RP Bearing Wear
- Replacement Considerations and Installation Procedures for the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing, Including Clearances and Torque Specifications
- Q&A
- Wrapping Up
Function and Role of Upper and lower bearings in Speed Queen Washer Drum Support and Vibration Control
the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing forms the precision interface between the rotating drum/tub assembly and the stationary shaft or transmission. In service this bearing maintains drum concentricity by resisting both radial and axial forces; when fitted as an upper bearing it primarily limits axial float and keeps the tub aligned with the cabinet opening, while as a lower bearing it primarily carries dynamic radial loads and supports the drum weight during high-speed spins.Correct compatibility with the Speed Queen shaft diameter, hub bore, and housing depth is necessary because small deviations in bore or width alter bearing preload and running clearance, increasing runout and vibration if the incorrect part or installation method is used.
Bearings contribute directly to vibration control by holding the drum on a concentric axis and by providing low-friction rotation; wear, corrosion, or seal failure increases clearances and runout, which amplifies unbalanced forces during the spin cycle and produces noise, wobble, or tub impact. Practical technician guidance: inspect for axial play and radial looseness, replace bearings together with seals and races when evidence of pitting or roughness exists, and use proper pressing and shaft-fit tolerances to re-establish designed preload. Common symptoms, diagnostic checks, and a quick reference follow to aid troubleshooting.
- Symptoms: grinding or rumbling during spin, lateral drum play, intermittent tub-to-shell contact, grease contamination or visible seal failure.
- Diagnostic checks: measure radial runout, check axial endplay on the shaft, spin-by-hand for roughness, and inspect seals and races for scoring.
- Repair considerations: press-fit replacement, replace seals/races, verify shaft and housing dimensions, and maintain specified lubrication or sealed-bearing specifications.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Upper bearing role | Controls axial movement and helps keep the tub centered at the top of the cabinet; reduces vertical runout and prevents drum contact with the cabinet. |
| Lower bearing role | Supports radial loads and the drum weight during spin, maintaining concentric rotation and damping lateral vibration. |
| Typical failure modes | Seal breach, corrosion, raceway pitting, increased clearance leading to vibration, noise, and accelerated wear of adjacent components. |
How the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing Works Inside the Tub, Hub and Transmission Assembly
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing is a sealed radial bearing designed to provide low-friction rotation and positional support between the tub/hub assembly and the transmission input. In typical Speed Queen top-load assemblies the bearing sits in a press-fit housing in the tub or hub and carries radial loads from the spinning inner tub while maintaining alignment on the transmission shaft or hub sleeve. Under normal operation the bearing minimizes runout and transmits torque through the hub; as it wears the assembly develops axial play, increased vibration, and metal-to-metal noise as the inner race or shaft begins to contact adjacent components.
Technicians evaluate this bearing by checking for excessive endplay, rough rotation by hand, and contamination or seal failure; replacement usually requires removing the hub and pressing the old bearing out and a new one in, along with a new seal and frequently enough the hub sleeve to restore correct clearance. Practical installation notes: use an arbor press or proper drivers to avoid race damage, heat the tub housing if necessary for a controlled interference fit, and verify the shaft fit and seal orientation before reassembly. Replacing a worn bearing commonly cures grinding during spin and tub wobble, and most service procedures recommend replacing mating seals and hardware simultaneously occurring to prevent premature recontamination.
- Common failure symptoms: grinding noise, increased vibration, axial play, and oil/water intrusion past the seal.
- Installation notes: press-fit into housing, check shaft ID and housing OD for correct interference, replace seals and hub sleeve as needed.
- Compatibility check: confirm part number and measure shaft/housing dimensions when substituting bearings.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Support radial loads and maintain concentric rotation of tub/hub relative to transmission shaft. |
| Typical failure signs | Grinding/clunking during spin, tub wobble, increased vibration, seal leakage. |
| Service note | Replace with correct ID/OD bearing, press in/out with proper tools, replace seals and inspect hub sleeve. |
Common Failure Symptoms and Measurable Diagnostic Indicators of 28944RP Bearing Wear
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing acts as a precision support for the washer drum and shaft, carrying radial and axial loads while maintaining concentric rotation at high spin speeds. In upper positions the bearing primarily controls axial location and reduces shaft end play; in lower positions it absorbs greater radial loads and is more exposed to moisture and contamination. Physical failure modes include increased radial/end play, surface pitting of the raceways, lubricant breakdown, seal failure, and corrosion; these translate directly into measurable mechanical and acoustic signatures during operation.
technicians diagnose bearing wear by quantifying vibration, noise, temperature, and mechanical clearance rather than relying on subjective observation alone. Useful checks include dial-indicator measurement of radial/end play, accelerometer or vibration-meter readings at spin speed, and temperature comparison under load. Practical examples: a shaft radial runout above 0.5 mm or a sustained vibration velocity above 7 mm/s RMS at the drum circumference typically indicates advanced wear; a localized grinding noise that increases with speed and a temperature rise of more than 15-20 °C over ambient under a normal spin cycle frequently enough coincide with lubricant degradation or metal-to-metal contact.
- Audible grinding or rumbling that increases with spin speed – frequently enough accompanied by measurable vibration rise.
- Excessive radial or axial play detectable with a dial indicator – commonly >0.5 mm signals replacement need.
- Elevated bearing housing temperature under load – sustained >15-20 °C above ambient suggests lubricant failure.
- Visible grease leakage, metal shavings, or rust at the seal - indicates contamination and imminent failure.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Radial/axial play | dial-indicator measurement; >0.5 mm typically indicates notable wear. |
| Vibration | Accelerometer or handheld meter at spin speed; sustained >7 mm/s RMS often correlates with bearing defect. |
| Acoustic signature | Consistent grinding/rumble increasing with speed; distinguishes bearing from imbalance or loose components. |
| Temperature rise | Sustained increase >15-20 °C above ambient under load indicates lubrication or contact issues. |
Replacement Considerations and Installation Procedures for the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer upper or Lower Bearing, Including Clearances and Torque Specifications
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing provides the rolling element that supports the tub assembly and transmits load to the drive components; it replaces worn races or pitted rollers that create noise, wobble, or excess heat. This bearing is a direct-fit replacement in many Speed Queen housings but compatibility must be verified against the washer serial/model and measured bore/shaft dimensions before installation. Functionally, the bearing must be pressed squarely into the housing or onto the shaft so the inner race carries the shaft load without imposing radial forces on the rollers; worn seals, corroded housings, or scored shafts will reduce service life even with a new 28944RP fitted, so shaft dressing or housing reconditioning is often required as part of a complete repair.
Installation requires controlled press fits, correct axial clearance (endplay), and a torque-controlled retaining method to avoid preload errors that either loosen the roller contact or clamp the bearing excessively.Use an arbor press or heat the housing to obtain the recommended interference fit, always supporting the race being pressed so force is transmitted through the race and not through the rollers. After seating the bearing, replace seals and shims, set axial play per the manufacturer range, and torque the retaining nut to the specified value; run the tub by hand to confirm smooth rotation and re-check torque after an initial short test run. examples of typical service values and target checks are in the table and the checklist below.
- Inspect shaft/housing for wear and clean to remove corrosion or old lubricant before pressing the new bearing.
- Press the bearing squarely using race-support tooling; do not hammer on the inner race unless designed for that installation.
- Replace seals and check axial/radial clearances, then torque retaining hardware to spec and verify smooth rotation under light load.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Axial endplay (typical) | 0.002-0.008 in (0.05-0.20 mm) - set by shims or nut preload; confirm with dial indicator. |
| Radial clearance (typical) | 0.001-0.003 in (0.025-0.075 mm) – ensures free rolling without excess play. |
| Retaining nut torque (typical) | 30-40 ft·lb (40-54 N·m) – use torque wrench and verify after a short run-in; confirm OEM spec for exact model. |
| Bearing seat interference (guideline) | 0.001-0.003 in interference at housing bore or shaft seat; achieve with light press or controlled heating/cooling. |
Q&A
What is Speed Queen part 28944RP?
Part 28944RP is a replacement bearing assembly sold for Speed Queen washers. It contains the bearing(s) and usually the accompanying seals and/or bearing sleeve required where the inner tub and drive shaft are supported. Exact contents can vary by kit and year; always compare the kit to the parts diagram for your washer model before ordering.
How do I know if the 28944RP bearing (upper or lower) is failing?
common symptoms of a failing tub bearing include loud rumbling or grinding noises during spin, a pronounced wobble or vibration of the tub, metal debris or grease in the drain pump filter, and sometimes water leaks where the shaft enters the tub (if the seal is compromised). You can verify by spinning the tub by hand and feeling for roughness or by using a mechanic’s stethoscope to locate the source of noise.
what is the difference between the upper and lower bearing in a Speed Queen washer?
On washers with two bearings the “upper” bearing supports the tub near the top and the “lower” bearing supports it near the bottom around the drive shaft. Functionally they both support the tub and take radial/axial loads, but their size, orientation, and the seals used may differ by model. The repair procedure and tools needed are similar, but check the model-specific parts diagram to identify which location the 28944RP kit is intended for.
Can I replace only the bad bearing or should I replace both upper and lower bearings at the same time?
Technically you can replace only the failed bearing, but because the other bearing is the same age and life cycle, technicians commonly replace both bearings and seals at the same time to avoid a second failure shortly afterward. Replacing both is more cost- and labor-efficient in the long run.
What tools and skills are required to replace the 28944RP bearing?
Replacing tub bearings is an intermediate-to-advanced repair. Typical tools include: socket/ratchet set,screwdrivers,snap-ring pliers,bearing puller or hydraulic press (or bearing driver set),seal driver or appropriate-sized socket,hammer,and sometimes a heat source or puller for the old bearing. You should be comfortable disassembling the cabinet, removing the basket or tub, and working with press-fit components. If you don’t have the proper tools or experience, a service technician is recommended.
how long will it take to replace the bearing and are there safety tips?
An experienced technician can usually complete the job in 2-4 hours; a DIYer may take longer. Safety tips: disconnect power and water, drain the tub before disassembly, support heavy parts (the tub/basket can be heavy and awkward), and use correct tools to press bearings to avoid damage. Also replace seals with the bearing kit to maintain a watertight assembly.
Do the bearings need lubrication and can I reuse the old seals?
Bearing kits typically come pre-lubricated or include bearings sealed for life; do not attempt to repack sealed bearings.Always replace the tub shaft seals whenever you replace the bearings - reusing old seals usually leads to leaks and premature failure. If the kit does not include seals, purchase the matching seal kit for your model.
Should I buy the OEM 28944RP or is an aftermarket bearing kit acceptable?
OEM (Speed Queen) parts match the original specifications and are the safest choice for fit and longevity. Quality aftermarket kits can be acceptable if they match dimensions,load ratings,and include proper seals. Buy from reputable suppliers, compare part numbers and drawings, and check reviews. If in doubt, use the OEM 28944RP to avoid fitment or durability issues.
Wrapping Up
The 28944RP Speed Queen washer upper or lower bearing plays a central role in maintaining drum alignment, reducing friction between moving parts, and supporting smooth, quiet operation of the washer. Properly functioning bearings help prevent excessive vibration,premature wear of related components,and potential damage to the tub and drive system; when installed to manufacturer specifications,they contribute directly to the appliance’s longevity and consistent performance.
Timely and accurate diagnosis of bearing wear is crucial to determine whether repair or replacement is needed and to avoid secondary damage. Replacing worn bearings with the correct 28944RP component and following recommended procedures restores operational stability, minimizes the risk of recurrent issues, and is generally more cost‑effective than delayed intervention. For complex or uncertain cases, consulting a qualified technician ensures the repair meets safety and performance expectations.
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
.
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