28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing is a replacement bearing assembly designed for use in Speed Queen washing machines; it functions as a rotational support component that locates and stabilizes the washer’s spin shaft and inner tub assembly. As a bearing,it provides low‑friction rotation and load transfer between the rotating tub or drive shaft and the stationary outer tub or bearing housing,and it is typically supplied as a sealed unit intended for either the upper or lower support position depending on the model and service application.
Within the appliance the bearing transfers radial and axial loads generated during agitation and spin cycles, maintains concentric alignment of the spin assembly, and works in concert with seals, the drive shaft or transmission interface, and the suspension system to control vibration and wear.the bearing’s condition directly affects runout, noise levels, seal integrity, and the efficiency of torque transmission from the motor/gearcase to the tub; failures can allow moisture ingress, increase frictional heating, or permit excessive play that stresses adjacent components such as the seal, hub, and drive coupling.
in this article readers will find a technical overview of the 28944RP bearing’s function and typical installation locations, guidance on checking compatibility with specific Speed Queen models (including key dimensions and fitment checks), common failure symptoms to recognize (noise, axial/radial play, leaks, vibration, poor spin performance), step‑by‑step troubleshooting methods to isolate bearing versus seal or transmission faults, and practical replacement considerations such as removing and pressing bearings, replacing seals and related hardware, inspecting housings for wear, and tools and tolerances to observe during service.
Table of Contents
- Function and role of the Bearing in Load Support, Alignment, and Vibration Control
- How the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing Works Inside the Appliance
- Common Failure Symptoms and Diagnostic Indicators of Upper or Lower Bearing Wear
- Replacement Considerations and Installation Procedures: Tools, Clearances, and Seal Replacement
- Q&A
- To Wrap It Up
Function and Role of the Bearing in Load Support, Alignment, and Vibration Control
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing functions as the precision interface between the spinning tub/shaft assembly and the washer chassis, carrying both radial loads generated during spin and the axial forces that occur during agitation and sudden load shifts. In this application the lower bearing normally absorbs the majority of continuous radial load from the drum mass, while the upper bearing contributes to axial positioning and helps maintain concentricity; together they control shaft runout and reduce transmitted vibration to the cabinet. Proper bearing geometry, internal clearance, and sealing determine how the component behaves under load-excess clearance increases vibration and noise, while too much preload raises friction and accelerates wear.
- loud rumbling or grinding noises during spin indicating race wear or lost lubrication
- Visible tub wobble or shaft runout measurable with a dial indicator
- Grease leakage or contamination leading to accelerated bearing failure
- Reduced spin speed or overheating from increased friction in the bearing assembly
Compatibility and installation practice affect long-term performance: match the bearing bore, outer diameter, width, and seal configuration to the housing and shaft to avoid axial misload or press-fit distortion. Replace bearings with correctly sized parts, and inspect the shaft and housing races for scoring or ovality before installation; minor shaft damage can be repaired or addressed with sleeve adapters, but worn housings usually require replacement to restore concentric support. For diagnostics and repair, check radial and axial play, measure runout after installation, and if vibration persists verify motor coupling and suspension components, as bearings control local support but do not isolate chassis resonance by themselves.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Radial load | Bearing’s capacity to support the drum’s rotating mass and resist lateral deflection |
| Axial control | Maintains tub shaft position and limits endplay to preserve drive alignment |
| Fit/installation | Accurate press fit and correct seating prevent deformation and reduce runout |
| Common failure modes | race wear, seal failure, contamination, and improper preload leading to vibration |
How the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or lower Bearing Works Inside the Appliance
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing functions as a precision support for the tub and drive shaft, carrying both radial loads from the rotating assembly and axial thrust produced during high-speed spin cycles. This sealed bearing assembly provides a concentric running surface between the inner tub and the drive hub, minimizing wobble and allowing the transmission of rotational forces with low friction. In normal operation the bearing maintains alignment of the shaft so seals can prevent water ingress; contamination, lubricant loss, or race wear increases play and manifests as noise, vibration, and accelerated seal failure.
- Typical failure symptoms: grinding or rumbling during spin, increased vibration, water leaking from the tub area.
- Functional features: sealed race to retain lubricant, precision inner bore to fit the drive shaft, press-fit outer diameter to the tub housing.
- Compatibility considerations: must match bore/OD/width and seal orientation for upper vs lower installation.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Maintain concentric rotation of tub/shaft and absorb radial and axial loads during agitation and spin. |
| Failure indicator | Audible grinding, wobble during high RPM, and eventual seal leakage. |
| Installation note | Press-fit outer race and correct shaft preload are required; use proper tools to avoid race damage. |
Inside the appliance the bearing interfaces directly with the drive shaft, hub, thrust plate and a sealing assembly; its correct preload and axial clearance determine both operational smoothness and seal life. When replacing a worn 28944RP unit, verify dimensional matches (outer diameter, inner bore, and width) and the seal orientation that corresponds to upper or lower placement; improper seating or using incorrect preload alters bearing life and can transfer excessive loads to the transmission or motor.Practical maintenance steps include checking for radial play before disassembly, replacing associated seals and hub components together, and using a hydraulic or mechanical press to install the bearing squarely to avoid race distortion.
Common Failure Symptoms and Diagnostic Indicators of Upper or Lower Bearing Wear
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing supports the rotating inner tub and maintains concentric alignment of the transmission shaft under radial and axial loads. In normal operation these bearings retain lubricant, resist axial displacement, and allow smooth high‑speed rotation; when worn they develop increased clearance, heat, and metal‑to‑metal contact that change the washer’s dynamic behavior. Wear commonly originates from water intrusion or abrasive debris ingress after seal failure, heavy unbalanced loads, or long service life. Verify compatibility by comparing shaft diameter,bearing O.D., and race configuration to the machine’s service manual before installation; in many repairs the upper and lower bearings are specified separately and replacing the affected position only is acceptable if the counterpart shows minimal wear on inspection.
- Audible grinding or continuous rumbling that changes pitch with spin speed.
- Pronounced tub wobble or lateral play at the tub rim during spin cycles.
- Grease or metal particulate in the wash water and visible seal extrusion.
- Excessive vibration transmitted to the cabinet or floor, often worst at high RPM.
- Intermittent binding or sudden spin stoppage under load.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Radial play threshold | Radial runout >1.5-2.0 mm measured at tub rim suggests bearing wear. |
| Axial play | Axial movement >0.5-1.0 mm on the shaft under light pry indicates degraded bearing preload. |
| Diagnostic RPM | Empty spin test at 800-1,100 RPM reproduces speed‑dependent rumble for isolation. |
Diagnosis combines subjective and objective checks: use a mechanic’s stethoscope to localize constant high‑frequency rumble to the bearing area, then confirm with manual rotation to feel roughness and with a dial indicator to quantify radial runout.Differentiate bearing failure from worn suspension or motor coupling by noting that bearing noise is continuous and varies smoothly with speed, whereas loose components produce intermittent knocks or harmonic frequencies not correlated with shaft rotation. If measurements exceed the thresholds in the table,or if visual inspection shows damaged races or expelled grease,replace the worn bearing and inspect seals and adjacent components to prevent rapid recurrence; in many cases replacing both bearings or the complete bearing assembly improves long‑term reliability.
Replacement Considerations and Installation procedures: Tools, Clearances, and Seal Replacement
the 28944RP Speed Queen washer Upper or Lower Bearing serves as the radial/axial support for the transmission-to-tub spindle in Speed Queen top-load designs; it controls concentricity and limits shaft wobble under heavy dynamic loads. When this bearing is worn the drum will exhibit increased radial play, audible rumble during spin cycles, or accelerated seal wear due to shaft misalignment. Confirm compatibility with the specific Speed Queen model and spindle diameter before installation-the same part number may be used in upper or lower positions in different assemblies, but proper seating depth and the matching shaft seal must be used to prevent water intrusion and premature failure.
- Tools: arbor or hydraulic press, bearing driver set, snap-ring pliers, dial indicator or runout gauge, torque wrench.
- Measurements/Checks: check radial runout with a dial indicator, verify absence of axial endplay after preload, and confirm seal inner-diameter fit to the shaft.
- Consumables: replace the shaft seal with the correct matched seal and use high-temperature waterproof grease where specified by the service manual.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing seating | Use a driver that contacts the outer race only; apply even press force to avoid race distortion. |
| Seal orientation | Install the seal lip toward the fluid source (typically facing the tub); confirm the seal dimension matches the shaft and bore. |
| Runout verification | Use a dial indicator to measure radial runout at the hub after installation; any measurable wobble indicates improper seating or a damaged race. |
During installation, remove all corrosion and old lubricant from the shaft and bore, then dry-fit the new bearing to check concentricity before final pressing.Apply press force only to the bearing race that seats against the housing to avoid transmitting load through the rolling elements; when removing a stuck race,controlled heat around the housing (not the bearing itself) can ease extraction. After seating, install the replacement shaft seal and torque any retaining nuts to the manufacturer’s specification, then spin the drum by hand while observing the dial indicator and checking for binding, noise, or leakage during a low-speed water test to validate the replacement.
Q&A
What exactly is part 28944RP – is it an upper bearing, a lower bearing, or a kit?
Part number 28944RP is a Speed Queen replacement bearing component sold for the inner tub/shank area of certain top‑load models. Exact contents (upper, lower, races, seals) vary by application and supplier. Always confirm the parts list for your specific Speed Queen model/serial number or ask the dealer to verify whether 28944RP is the upper bearing, lower bearing, or a complete bearing/seal kit for your machine.
What symptoms indicate the upper bearing is failing versus the lower bearing?
Failing upper or lower bearings produce similar symptoms but can present differently: a worn upper bearing often causes a rhythmic grinding, rumble, or increased vibration during spin and may produce uneven tub wobble; a failing lower bearing typically causes louder grinding or a metallic noise, greater tub play, accelerated vibration at high speed, and may be accompanied by oil/grease leakage or metal debris in the tub area. Inspect shaft movement, listen during a spin cycle, and check for visible leaks or metal shavings to help locate which bearing is bad.
Can I replace only the bearing,or do I need to replace seals,races,and other components too?
Best practice is to replace the bearing(s),bearing races,and lip seals together. When a bearing has failed the races and seals are frequently enough damaged or contaminated; installing a new bearing on worn races or reusing old seals leads to premature failure.Many technicians install a complete bearing/seal kit and inspect/replace the tub shaft or hub if it is scored or out of tolerance.
What tools and equipment are required to replace the 28944RP bearing?
Typical tools: sockets/wrenches,screwdrivers,snap‑ring pliers,a bearing puller or slide hammer,an arbor press or hydraulic press to install bearings/races,seal/bearing drivers or appropriate size tubing and mallet,torque wrench,cleaning solvent,grease,and safety gear. Some jobs also require lifting/support equipment (jack,blocks) to remove the outer cabinet and tub. Proper tools and a press greatly reduce the risk of damaging new bearings or sealing surfaces.
How long does a bearing replacement usually take and is it a reasonable DIY job?
For a skilled technician with the right tools,bearing replacement typically takes 1.5-4 hours depending on the model and whether other components need replacement. For a diyer without a press or experience, it can take much longer and risks damaging parts. If you don’t have proper tools, mechanical experience, or access to a service manual, it’s safer to use an authorized service technician.
will replacing the bearing stop leaks and eliminate the noise I’m hearing?
If the bearing or its seal is the source of the noise and leak, replacing the bearing and seals will normally stop the noise and leak. However, if the tub shaft, hub, or tub itself is scored, rusted, or out of round, simply replacing bearings/seals may not solve the problem - additional repairs or tub replacement may be needed. Always inspect mating surfaces and the shaft for damage when replacing bearings.
How do I verify 28944RP is the correct replacement for my washer?
Locate your washer’s model and serial number (usually on a tag inside the cabinet or behind the console). cross‑reference that number with Speed Queen’s official parts list,the parts diagram for your model,or contact an authorized Speed Queen dealer/service center. Do not rely on physical comparison alone – the same-looking tub assembly can have different bearings across models/years.
Are bearing failures covered under Speed Queen warranty and what concerns should I have about warranty or reuse?
warranty coverage depends on your washer’s specific warranty terms and the failure cause. Manufacturer warranty may cover defective bearings within the warranty period,but not failures due to misuse,neglected maintenance,or foreign object damage. If your machine is under warranty, contact Speed Queen or an authorized service provider before performing repairs yourself – self-repair can void certain warranty claims. Keep receipts and documented diagnostics when working with warranty or parts-return requests.
To Wrap It Up
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer upper or lower bearing serves as a critical mechanical component that supports the tub and transmission assembly, maintains proper drum alignment, and reduces friction during operation. By allowing smooth rotational movement and resisting lateral forces, these bearings contribute directly to the washer’s performance, longevity, and quiet operation. When functioning correctly, they help prevent excessive wear on adjacent parts such as the hub, seals, and suspension components.
Failure of an upper or lower bearing can manifest as increased vibration, loud rumbling or squealing noises, uneven spinning, and accelerated wear or leakage that may damage other assemblies. Because bearing issues often progress over time,early detection and intervention reduce the risk of secondary failures and higher repair costs.
Accurate diagnosis and timely replacement of the correct 28944RP Speed Queen Washer upper or lower bearing are essential to restoring normal operation and extending appliance life.Proper service includes confirming symptoms, inspecting related components (seals, shafts, and mounts), and following manufacturer specifications and installation procedures.When performed correctly-whether by a trained technician or a skilled do-it-yourselfer-the replacement minimizes downtime, prevents further damage, and preserves the machine’s reliability and safety.
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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