If your washing machine has started making a loud grinding noise during the spin cycle, or if it won’t drain or spin at all, you’ve probably started wondering: is it worth fixing? Or should you just buy a new one? The truth is, some washing machine repairs cost more than half the price of a brand-new machine. And more often than not, the culprit isn’t something simple like a broken belt or a clogged pump. It’s the drum bearings.
Drum Bearings Are the #1 Costly Repair
The drum bearings are the small, round metal components that let the washing machine’s inner tub spin smoothly. They sit inside a sealed housing at the back of the drum, right where the motor shaft connects. Over time, water seeps past the rubber seal around the drum, rusting the bearings and wearing them down. Once they go, the drum wobbles, shakes violently, and makes a noise like a jet engine during spin.
Replacing drum bearings isn’t just expensive-it’s labor-intensive. The whole machine has to be taken apart: the outer casing, the motor, the tub, the belt, the door seal, the water inlet pipes. In many modern machines, especially front-loaders, the drum is welded to the shaft. That means you can’t just pop out the bearings-you have to replace the entire drum assembly, which includes the bearings, the shaft, and the outer drum shell.
In New Zealand, a professional repair for drum bearings typically costs between $350 and $650. That includes parts, labor, and a 3-month warranty. The parts alone can run $180-$300, depending on the brand. For a machine that’s 7-9 years old, that’s a tough call. You’re spending nearly as much as a new mid-range machine.
Why Drum Bearings Fail So Often
It’s not just age. Modern washing machines are designed to be thin, light, and cheap to make. The rubber seals around the drum-called the door boot or spider seal-are made from lower-grade rubber that cracks faster. Once that seal fails, water gets into the bearing housing. Salt, chlorine, and detergent residues speed up corrosion. In Auckland’s humid climate, moisture lingers longer, making this problem even worse.
Front-loaders are especially vulnerable. They use less water, but the drum is suspended in the middle of the machine, putting more stress on the bearings. Top-loaders don’t have this issue because their drums are supported from below. But even top-loaders can suffer bearing failure if they’re overloaded or used with too much detergent, which creates excess suds that leak past seals.
A 2023 study by Consumer NZ found that 42% of front-loading washing machines over 6 years old developed bearing noise within 12 months of first noticing minor vibrations. That’s a clear pattern: the bearings don’t just wear out-they collapse suddenly after a long, quiet decline.
Other Expensive Parts (And When They’re Worth Replacing)
Drum bearings aren’t the only costly repair, but they’re the most common. Here’s what else can break-and how it compares:
- Motor replacement: $250-$500. The motor is the heart of the machine. If it’s burned out or the brushes are worn, you’ll hear a humming sound but no spin. Replacing it is easier than replacing bearings, but still expensive. Worth it only if the machine is under 5 years old.
- Control board: $200-$400. If the machine won’t start, shows error codes, or resets randomly, the control board might be fried. This is often caused by power surges or moisture damage. In machines under 4 years old, this repair can be worth it. Beyond that, it’s usually a sign the whole machine is failing.
- Water inlet valve: $80-$150. If the machine won’t fill with water, this is the likely culprit. It’s a simple fix, and rarely worth avoiding repair.
- Drain pump: $120-$250. If water won’t drain, the pump might be clogged or broken. Often, cleaning it fixes it. If it’s broken, replacement is affordable and worth doing.
Compare that to drum bearing replacement: $350-$650. No other part comes close in cost and complexity.
When to Walk Away
Here’s a simple rule: if the repair cost is more than 50% of what you’d pay for a new machine, walk away. For most households, that means if the repair bill is over $400 and your machine is older than 7 years, it’s time to replace it.
Think about this: a new washing machine today costs between $700 and $1,200. A new machine will save you money on water and electricity over the next 10 years. Modern machines use 40% less water and 30% less power than models from 2015. That’s $100-$150 a year in savings.
Also, newer machines come with a 2-5 year warranty. Repairs on old machines rarely come with more than a 3-month guarantee. You’re paying for a temporary fix, not peace of mind.
If you’re renting, your landlord might be responsible for repairs-but even then, they’re more likely to replace the machine than pay $600 to fix a 9-year-old one.
How to Spot Bearing Failure Early
You don’t have to wait until the drum shakes like a washing machine on a trampoline. Early signs include:
- A faint rumbling or grinding noise during spin, even if the machine still works fine.
- Water pooling under the machine after a cycle-this means the drum seal is leaking.
- The drum feels loose when you shake it by hand (with the machine off and unplugged).
- Black or rust-colored residue around the door seal.
If you notice any of these, get it checked. Catching bearing failure early might mean you can replace just the bearings instead of the whole drum assembly. That saves $100-$200.
DIY? Probably Not
YouTube videos make drum bearing replacement look easy. But in reality, it’s one of the hardest repairs you can attempt on a home appliance. You need special tools: a drum puller, torque wrench, and seal installer. Most people break the drum, crack the shell, or misalign the motor during the process.
Even if you’re handy, the risk of making things worse is high. And if you mess up, you’ll end up paying twice: once for your failed attempt, and again for a professional to fix your mistake.
Unless you’ve done this exact repair before on the same model, leave it to a technician.
What to Look for in a Repair Technician
Not all appliance repair people are the same. Here’s what to ask:
- Do you carry genuine parts for my brand? (Avoid generic or aftermarket bearings-they fail faster.)
- Will you replace the drum seal at the same time? (If the seal is cracked, the new bearings will fail again in 6 months.)
- Do you offer a warranty on parts and labor? (At least 3 months. Anything less is a red flag.)
- Can you show me the old parts after the repair? (A reputable tech will show you the rusted bearings and cracked seal.)
Ask for references. Check Google reviews. In Auckland, companies that specialize in washing machine repair have a 4.5+ star rating because customers know how expensive this repair can be. Don’t pick the cheapest quote-pick the most transparent one.
Final Thought: It’s Not Just About Money
Replacing drum bearings isn’t just a financial decision. It’s about time, stress, and reliability. If your machine is old, you’re going to face another breakdown soon. Maybe the motor. Maybe the control board. Maybe the door lock. Each repair adds up.
Buying a new machine means you get better efficiency, quieter operation, smarter cycles, and fewer headaches. And if you’re replacing an old machine, consider a top-loader. They’re simpler, last longer, and rarely need bearing repairs.
There’s no shame in replacing a washing machine. It’s not a failure. It’s just smart maintenance.
Is it worth repairing a washing machine that’s over 8 years old?
Generally, no. Machines older than 8 years are nearing the end of their lifespan. Even if a repair fixes the current issue, other parts like the motor, control board, or drum seal are likely to fail soon. The cost of multiple repairs over a short time usually exceeds the price of a new machine, which also comes with a warranty and better energy efficiency.
Can I replace drum bearings myself to save money?
It’s possible, but not recommended. Replacing drum bearings requires taking apart the entire machine, using specialized tools, and reassembling everything perfectly. One mistake-like misaligning the drum or damaging the seal-can cause more damage. Most DIY attempts end up costing more in the long run due to additional repairs or buying the wrong parts.
Why do front-loaders have more bearing problems than top-loaders?
Front-loaders suspend the drum horizontally, putting constant stress on the rear bearings. Water can also leak past the door seal more easily, leading to rust. Top-loaders have drums supported from below, which reduces stress on the bearings. They also have simpler seals and fewer opportunities for moisture to reach critical components.
How long do washing machine drum bearings typically last?
On average, drum bearings last 7-10 years, depending on usage, water quality, and maintenance. Heavy use, overloading, and using too much detergent can shorten that lifespan. In humid climates like Auckland, moisture buildup can cause bearings to fail as early as 5-6 years.
Should I replace the drum seal when replacing the bearings?
Always. The drum seal (or door boot) is the barrier that keeps water out of the bearing housing. If it’s cracked or worn, new bearings will fail within months. A good technician will inspect and replace the seal during the repair. If they don’t mention it, ask for it-it’s a critical step.
