28944RP Speed queen Washer âUpper⤠or Lower⢠Bearing is â¤a sealed rollingâelement âbearing assembly used to support the washer âtub andâ tub shaft⢠in Speed Queen â˘topâload washing machines. As a mechanical support â˘component it provides âŁlowâfriction rotation âŁand load bearing at the interface betweenâ the innerâ tub and the transmission âor drive shaft; the same part designation may â¤be applied to bearings that sit in upper or lower mounting positionsâ depending on the specific âŁmodel and service manual.
Inside the appliance âthe bearing carries radial and someâ axial loads fromâ the âspinning tub, maintains shaft alignmentand⢠helps transmit torque from the âŁdrive system while minimizing wear. âIt interfaces directly âwith âthe⢠transmission/gearcase output shaft or tub spindle, âŁthe inner tuband the⣠sealing⣠system â(bushings â¤or oil seals);⤠its condition affects seal integrity, vibration characteristics,â noise generationand âthe âlongevity â¤of adjacent components such⣠as the transmission and suspension.
This article will â¤explain the bearing’s function and typical âapplications, outline compatibility considerations (upper vs. lower location and model fitment), describe common âfailure âŁsymptoms (noise,â axial â¤orâ radial play, âleaks, metal debris)and present â¤diagnostic and troubleshooting⣠approachesâ a technician or owner can use. It âwill also cover practical replacement considerations – including⢠inspection of seals and⢠adjacent components,recommended paired replacement âŁof seals and âŁbearings,basic tooling and safety notes,and factors to evaluate when selecting anâ OEMâ or aftermarket â˘replacement â- to support correct service âdecisions withoutâ providing stepâbyâstepâ repair â¤instructions.â
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of Upper and âLower⤠Bearings in Speed Queen Washer⤠Assemblies
- How the 28944RP âŁSpeed queen Washerâ Upper or Lower Bearing Works Insideâ theâ appliance
- diagnostic Indicators⢠andâ Common Failure Symptoms of Upper and Lowerâ Bearings
- Replacement âŁConsiderations, Installationâ Stepsand Torque/Alignment Specifications âfor Upper and lower Bearings
- Q&A
- In⢠Retrospect
Function and Role of âUpper⣠and Lower Bearings⢠in Speed⢠Queen washer⤠Assemblies
The upper âand lower bearings â¤support âthe tub and spin shaft,â controlling alignment and rotational motion under the combined radial and axial âloads âproduced during agitation and high-speedâ spin; the 28944RP Speed Queen âWasher âUpper or âLower Bearing is âspecified to âmatch the dimensional âŁand load requirements⣠of certain Speed Queen â¤assemblies. The upperâ bearing typicallyâ serves as⢠a locating bearing âthatâ centers âŁthe shaft â¤and limits end-play,while the lowerâ bearing is designed toâ absorb âthe heavier radial â˘forces from drum imbalance and spin torque. Because âbearing fit interfaces vary with shaftâ diameter,â seal âgeometryand tub ârace, confirm model compatibility and mating dimensions âbefore⢠installation to prevent premature wear âŁor misalignment.
Failure modes are mechanical and observable: progressive growling or âŁrumbling noises âŁat spin speed, visible tub wobble, grease or metal particles in the lubricantand rapidâ noise⢠escalation under load all indicate bearing degradation. Replacement⢠normally⢠requires â¤pressing the new bearing and any matingâ race intoâ the tub or support, renewing sealsand âinspecting the shaft for scoring; improper installation,â reused sealsor â¤neglected âŁshaft damage shorten service life. Typical⢠diagnostic and service checks include verifying âshaft ârunout,⢠confirming correct bearing preload, inspecting adjacent suspension components for contribution to âvibrationand ensuring seals are properly seated to retain lubricant and exclude contaminants.
- Typical symptoms: â˘noise at spin, wobble, grease leakage, metal debris âŁin lubricant
- Installation checks: correct⤠press fit, new seals/races, shaft condition, bearing preload
- Behavioral difference: upperâ = axial âlocation⣠and centering;â lower = primary radial âsupport
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Upper: âcenters shaft and limits end-play; â˘Lower: supports âradial loads âduringâ spin |
| Service⤠considerations | Press-fit installation, â¤replace seals/races, inspect shaft and suspensionâ for related faults |
How âthe 28944RP Speed âQueen Washer Upper âŁor⣠Lower Bearing Works Inside the Appliance
The 28944RP⢠speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing provides the â¤rotating interface between the washer’s inner tub/basket and the stationary drive/transmission shaft. In either⤠the upper or âlower position âthe bearing must âcarry⢠radial loadsâ from the⣠spinning basket, control axial movement âwithin specified tolerancesand⢠provide a sealed rolling surface âto⢠minimize friction and⣠contaminant ingress.⢠Compatibility â¤depends on matching the bearing’s outer diameter to the housing bore and the inner â˘diameter to theâ shaft journal; technicians should â˘verify fit geometry â¤and any retaining clips or âsealsâ used on theâ specificâ Speed Queen model before installation.
Mechanically, the unit uses hardened racesâ andâ rolling âelements toâ convertâ shaft rotation intoâ low-friction rolling contact, âso âit âmust resist centrifugal⤠forces, unbalanced loads and⤠moisture over âextended spin cycles. Typical failure indicators are increased⢠radialâ or âŁaxial play,â audible âgrinding âor rumbling during âspin,â visible lubricant leakage, â¤and overheating. Repair practice usually âŁinvolves removing âthe tub, pressing the âold⣠bearing out, cleaning the âŁbore and shaftand pressing the replacement in squarely using aâ correct-sized âdriver; replacing âassociatedâ seals and inspecting âthe shaft⣠journal for â˘scoring extend service life and reduceâ repeat failures.
- Quick checks: listen âŁfor rumble on manual spin,â measure radial/axial⤠play, inspect seals⤠and âŁlubricant âfor contamination.
- Commonâ symptoms: vibration âduring spin, grinding noise, grease or water on the cabinet floor.
- Service actions: press-fit installation, replace seals with bearing, verify concentric seating â˘to avoid race damage.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Application | Upper or lower bearing location supporting the inner basket and â˘shaft |
| Fitment | Press-fit into â¤housing; must match housing bore and⢠shaft journal â¤diameters |
| Service tip | Replace⢠bearing and âseals together; ensure âclean bore and correct driver â¤tool for square press-in |
Diagnostic Indicators and Common⤠Failure Symptoms ofâ Upper and Lower Bearings
The rotating assembly in a Speed Queen top-load washer relies⤠on bearings to⢠support the inner âtub and driveâ shaft; the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer upper â¤or Lower âBearing serves as a replacement bearing⣠that can be used âin locations requiring the â¤sameâ innerâ and outer diameter,width,and sealing âprofile. â¤Upper bearings typically support the tub ânear âits top and âresist axial movement,â while lower bearings âcarry radial â˘loads from the drive shaft and spin assembly; compatibility therefore depends on matching â¤shaftâ diameter, housingâ boreand whether theâ bearingâ is a sealed cartridge or â¤a serviceable sleeve-and-seal⤠type. â¤Technicians should verify âpartâ numbersâ and measure inner/outer diameters andâ bearing⣠width âbefore installationand inspect adjacent seals andâ spacers as a failed seal orâ mis-sized spacerâ can mimic bearing symptoms or âŁprematurely damage⢠a new â˘28944RP unit after⢠fitting.
Common failure symptoms follow predictable mechanical behavior and âcan be usedâ to âŁlocalize⤠the fault: â
- Progressiveâ rumbling or growling that increases with spin â¤speed, often indicating bearing wearâ or pitting.
- Harshâ grinding or metal-on-metal noise⣠under load,with possible metallic debris â˘inâ the tub or pump â¤filter.
- Noticeable tub wobble or âaxial â¤play when⣠pushingâ the âtub side-to-side, suggesting loss of bearing preload or bearing ârace damage.
- Localized grease â˘leakage or oilâ contamination around â¤the âŁbearing seal, leadingâ to lubrication loss and accelerated wear.
Simpleâ diagnosticâ checks include ârotating theâ tub by hand âto feel roughness, observing noise change with â¤load versusâ no-loadand⤠inspecting gearbox âor sump oil for â˘metal flakes.â Replace bearings when measurable play,⤠visible race damage, â˘or contaminated lubricant⤠is present rather than attempting temporary adjustments; also âconfirm âŁcorrect bearing orientation âand seal condition during â˘reassembly to ensure service longevity.
| Item | description |
|---|---|
| Rumbling duringâ spin | Indicative of⣠inner/outer race wear or subsurface fatigue in the⤠bearing; frequently enough worse at higher rpm. |
| Metal âdebris â˘in oil or âpump | Confirmsâ mechanical disintegration of bearing surfaces; requires component replacementâ and oil change. |
| excessive âaxial or radial play | Shows loss of preload or brokenâ rollers, commonly felt as tub wobble and âirregular spinning behavior. |
Replacement Considerations, Installationâ steps,⣠and Torque/Alignment Specifications for upperâ andâ Lower Bearings
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing functions âas the primary rotational support⤠for the inner tub âand âshaft assembly, carrying â¤radial âand axialâ loads while âsealing the gearbox or tub cavity from water intrusion. Upper â¤bearings typically control âŁaxial location â˘and âkeepâ the tub centered under the â¤suspension; lower bearings take most of the radial load âand usuallyâ work in combination with a seal and hub. Typical failure modes include metallic grindingâ or rumbling noise, increased âŁaxial⢠play (tub wobble)and âvisible⢠oil or grease leakage at the seal. âconfirm fitment by â¤matching â˘shaft⢠diameter, outer race⣠diameter,â and â˘seal arrangement to the washer model beforeâ purchasing a replacement; mismatched geometry âŁor seal orientation will⣠produce premature wear âor leaks⣠even â˘when the bearing itself is dimensionally correct.
Replace bearings using controlled pressing and measured âŁfasteners ratherâ than forcefulâ hammering:⣠removeâ the tub/hub assembly, extractâ bearingsâ with âaâ puller or press, clean matingâ surfaces, âŁand install the âŁnew bearing and seal âsquarely with an arbor âŁpress or properly sized driver.⢠Always âreplace the companion seal and inspect the shaft/hubâ for scoring; minor â˘defects⤠may â˘be machinedâ or dressed,but deep grooves require hub replacement. During⤠reassembly, use a calibratedâ torque wrench â on any retaining nut and adjust axial⢠preload âor â¤endplay to the manufacturer’s tolerance; spin the tub to verify smooth ârotation⤠and measure radial runout and axial âplay.⢠Re-check torque⣠after a short break-in period (several â¤cycles) to â¤ensure retaining hardware remainsâ withinâ specification.
- Disconnect âŁpower and âwater, then remove cabinet and tub/hub assembly.
- Remove â¤hub, pull old bearings and seals; cleanâ and âinspect mating surfaces.
- Pressâ new bearing âand seal squarely;⤠replace any corroded circlips or spacers.
- Tighten retaining âŁnut with a torqueâ wrench, set axial playâ to specified toleranceand verify smooth âspin.
- Reassemble, run a no-load spin cycle, then re-check torque and check âfor leaks or noise.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical âŁretaining nut torque | Typical ârange: â20-40 âN¡m (15-30 â¤lb¡ft). âverify exact value from the â¤Speed Queen âservice manual for the⣠specific model. |
| Axial play â¤tolerance | Typical âtarget: â0.05-0.20 mm (0.002-0.008 âin) after preload; âadjust per manual. |
| Radial runout | Keep radial runout under 0.5 mm (0.020 in) at the hub to minimize vibration and seal âwear. |
| Lubrication / Seal | Use grease compatible with⤠the â˘seal material; replace the seal when fitting the new bearing to prevent contamination. |
Q&A
What is part â˘28944RP for â¤Speed⣠Queen washers?
28944RP is a replacement bearing part number used on certain Speed Queen âwashers. It refers to aâ service bearingâ (or bearing kit) intended âto replace a worn tub/shaft bearing in â¤the washer. As⤠Speed Queen builds several closely related models, the same part numberâ might âpotentially be â˘listed as suitable for an⢠upper or a lower bearing depending on the specific model and configuration – always â˘confirm â˘fit against your washer â¤model number and âparts â˘diagram before âordering.
How do I know⣠if the 28944RPâ bearing is⣠failing?
Common symptoms⣠of a failingâ tub âbearing include a loud rumbling or â˘grinding noise during spin,noticeable tub wobble or lateral play,vibration or shimmy during⤠high-speed⣠spin,and greaseâ or water leakingâ from the bearing area. â¤You âŁcan further confirm by manually⢠spinning⣠the drum⤠(with the⣠washer⢠unplugged) and listening/feeling âfor roughness or irregular resistance.
Doâ I need to â˘replace the upper and lower bearings⢠at the same time?
It’s âgood practiceâ to replace any⣠bearing that shows wearand to inspect⢠the â¤mating bearing on âthe same shaft/assembly. Whether you replace both depends on âthe washer designâ and condition: if âboth bearings are identical â˘and the otherâ one shows similar âwear or the⢠washer has⤠high mileage, replace both. âAlso replace associated seals, âspacersand any worn hub or shaft components to ensure a reliable repair.
Can I install⢠28944RPâ without special tools or do I need a press?
Installing tub bearings âŁtypically requires a bearing â¤driver set, press or appropriate socket/drift setand sometimes a hydraulic press⢠for clean, square installation.Youâ will also âneed snap-ring pliers, seal driverand â˘common⣠hand tools. Attempting â˘to hammer a bearing in without the correct drivers can damage the bearing or tub.⣠If you don’t have⣠the right tools⢠and experience, it’s safer to â¤have a technician do the job.
How difficult and how âlong does it take â¤to replace the bearing on a Speed Queen â¤washer?
For⣠an experienced technician⣠with the right â¤tools and âparts, bearing replacementâ is a moderate-to-difficult job and typically takes 1-3 hours. For a diyer without specialized tools, the â˘job can take âconsiderably longer and be more âŁdifficult because of tight tolerances, rusted âfastenersand the need⣠to press⣠bearings⤠and seals squarely. Expect âto remove the agitator (for top-load models),inner tub,and possibly the âouter tub or transmission/gearcase to access bearings.
What additional parts should I replace when installing âŁ28944RP?
Always replace â˘the rubber seal(s)⤠that sit⣠aroundâ the âŁbearingand any snap rings, spacersor âhub âassemblies that show wear. If the washer â¤uses a bearing race or carrier, inspect those and replace if scored. âMany technicians recommend replacing the full bearing/seal kit (if available) rather than just⢠the bearing alone toâ avoid future leaks and repeated âŁlabor.
Is 28944RP an âŁOEM part âand should I use aftermarket⤠bearings?
28944RP isâ a Speed â¤Queen service âpart number (OEM). OEMâ parts are made to the original specifications⢠and are recommended for best fit⣠and âŁlongevity. High-quality aftermarket bearingsâ can be acceptable if âthey match the exact âŁdimensions andâ specifications; however, inferior bearings or â˘incorrect sealsâ may fail early and cause additional damage. Always verify dimensions, tolerancesand â˘seal type if choosing âanâ aftermarket choice.
How⢠do I verify compatibility âand â¤where can Iâ buy 28944RP?
Verify compatibility by â˘checking your washer’s model and⢠serial number (usually on âthe⤠back or inside the console) against Speed Queen âparts diagramsâ or the parts seller’s compatibility â˘list.Authorized⣠speed Queen dealers, applianceâ parts â¤distributorsand reputable online parts âstores commonly carry⣠28944RP.Avoid purchasing from sellers that can’t confirmâ compatibility or provide the exact OEM part ânumber and description.
In â¤Retrospect
The 28944RP Speed Queen washer âupper or lower bearing plays a central role âin supportingâ the tub and drum assembly, maintaining proper alignment and â˘smoothâ rotation while minimizing friction and wear. âAs a key⤠mechanical wearâ component, its condition directly âaffectsâ machine stability, noise âŁand vibration âlevels, wash performance and the longevity of âŁadjacent parts such as seals andâ shafts. Whether fitted as â¤an upper or lower bearing, its reliable operation is âŁessential to⤠maintaining the washer’s intended performance and preventing secondary damage that can âarise âfromâ prolonged âuse with⤠compromised⣠bearings.
Accurate diagnosis and timely replacement of the 28944RP bearing are important for restoring safe, quiet andâ efficient operation. Identifying âbearing wear early, using the correct âreplacement partand ensuring proper installation-either by a qualified technician or a competent⤠DIYer with appropriate âŁtools-reduces the risk of ârecurring âŁfailures and more costlyâ repairs.Replacingâ worn bearings when â˘necessary is a pragmatic investment in â¤the â¤washer’sâ durability and⣠performanceand it helpsâ preserve the appliance’s useful service life.
Professional Appliance Service
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