[richappy]

Without the Whirlpool bearing installer, you can put the bearings in by freezing them, adding oil to the tub, and installing them with a large wooden dowel.
Another trick is to use the old bearing to brace the bearing, then just tap it in. Trick is to protect the bearing cover.

[v2k04]

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[richappy]

just found some exellent articles on this at [url]www.forum.doityourself.com[/url] which includes a procedure to prevent cracking the tub due to excessive pounding.

[red574]

That is excellant information. Thank you.

[neptune help]

[quote=richappy;20643]If you are freaking out from the $425 rear tub shell price+ high shipping cost, just replace your bearings!! Before starting, I would verify the washer will still go into high speed spin. It is common for the motor control board or the motor to fail due to the extra load on these.Also, verify there was no spin basket support spider failure that may have punched a hole in the tub, if so, repair will be too costly.
To replace the Maytag Neptune rear shell bearings first order the seal and bearings.
The bearings can be ordered from this web site [URL="http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/kit7731"]6207ZZ Ball Bearings 35x72x17 Shielded:Ball Bearings:VXB[/URL] But, instead of these bearings, I would opt for sealed bearings, particularly for the inner large bearing, they last a lot longer.
SKF numbers (large bearing SKF6207-2RS1/HT51, small bearing SKF6206-ZZ/HT51) If you want, you can also order these from an auto parts store. These bearings will fit the MAH3000 and MAH4000 washers.
Also order the lip seal Part # 12002022 seal kit plus a tube of silicone grease.
You will need to remove the whole tub assembly,and pound off the spin basket, I brace up the tub with wood blocks to facilitate this. Use a gear puller to remove the old bearings. If you don't want to use a gear puller, I would pound them out with a peace of steel pipe. Inspect the outer bearing, lots of times it is ok. If so,pound this one out with a wooden dowel to prevent damaging it. Make sure to remove the motor, motor control pc board and pump to prevent damage. It is a good idea to keep the boot spring in place and just remove both tub front covers. This spring is hard to put on when the tub is put back in. When removing all the wire connectors, be careful and make sure no pins come loose to avoid a computer communication error later.
Store the new bearings in the freezer, then press them in. This is at least a four hour job, but rather easy.
For one procedure, go to web site ([URL="http://searchwarp.com/swa315395.htm"]How To Replace Your Maytag Neptune Front Loader Bearings by Jeff Hartman]6207ZZ Ball Bearings 35x72x17 Shielded:Ball Bearings:VXB[/URL]) At this site they do not remove the tub from the washer, but you will need to pull front panel off and rubber boot and pound out the spin basket.You can tip the washer forward and brace it to facilitate this. I used a log splitter and a piece of wood to protect the basket shaft.Also it is obvious you will need to use a gear puller to remove bearings as pounding the old ones out would be impossible. If you do pound them out, I would get the largest steel pipe to pound them out. If you find the outer bearing is good, just leave it in. Also, it is obvious you will need to do this in the customers garage or your shop. If the spin basket is really hard to get out, I would not proceed,but would pull the entire tub out, lay it on it's front and use wood to brace up the tub.I welcome any comments on this procedure.
Good luck, maybe only a two hour job if you are lucky.[/quote]



If you want to save time and effort see [URL="http://www.neptunebearing.com"]NEPTUNE BEARING[/URL]. They offer the bearing and seal kit along with a special tool kit designed for the Neptune bearing job and it includes a DVD that shows you how to disassemble machine, remove/install bearings using tool and install the 12002022 seal kit. The special tool kit runs appliance technicians $425 but you can rent it at the above site.

Technicians can also order the special tool kit and the bearing kits to give their clients another option besides the r[COLOR=#333333]idicules[/COLOR] $900 quote to replace the outer tub.