[crystal368]

Just completed my neptune bearing repair. The job was made easier by info found here & other forums. Thought I'd give back by posting a picture tutorial of my experience & maybe someone facing the same repair will find this helpful. There are 13 pics with comments, maytag manual, maytag technical bulletin & 1 text file. Highlights include home made, cheap bearing seating tool, close-up pics & severely corroded aluminum housing that was salvaged using JB Weld.

The maytag manual & tech bulletin were found elsewhere on the web but I can't remember where to give credit-not my work for sure.

The repair was actually quite easy & soooo nice having a non-leaking, whisper quiet machine again!!

Uh ohh, can't post my tutuorial - too big - zip file is 18,000 kb. If anyone or a mod would like it send me a pm or email

edit added 11/8/09: send request to indy606@hotmail.com - specify if you want a .zip OR .rar compressed file. large file so you will receive it from my sbcglobal.net email address - please look for it. here's a few pics, Ty.

crystal368

[sidfink43]

Thanks for doing this. Can you post your e mail address so folks can get the information from you.

We are seeing more and more of the Neptune bearing failures (I had two this week) so this is very timely.

Thanks again.

[NeptuneHelp]

See Neptune Bearing for help with replacement bearings, 12002022 seal kits, bearing spacers and the tony tool rental program.

If you are a technician and you would like to replace the Neptune bearings instead of the outer tub see Neptune kits for ordering the tony tool and bulk bearings.

[crystal368]

a few things about the frequently mentioned tony tool........

it's a quality crafted piece of equipment that's a definite value for those repair novices. it will streamline the process, make it safer, prevent damaging the outer tub and remove much of the anxiety homeowners may have.

however, it's NOT a required, must have tool. there are other methods available that will go a long way in keeping expenses to a minimum - other than the cost of parts. the bearing seating tool in my first post can be assembled for approx $10 & a cheap bearing puller can be had for $25 or less. a puller is optionable but without it you'll need to commit more time & patience to bearing removal. i prefer using a 3-5lb mini sledge & heavy pipe or drift. make contact with the outer ring/race of the bearing. careful not to gouge the relatively soft aluminum housing. don't use a short piece of pipe that will guarantee you hitting/cracking the outer tub should you have a mis-directed swing of the sledge.

other than my time, price of seal kit & bearings, my additional cost for seating tool, jb weld & rotary wire brush...about $20....making the entire repair less than $80.

in the world of bearings i'd rate this a '2' on a scale of 1 to 10, and that's only because of the spacer that resides between the two bearings - needs to be centered so the spindle shaft can be inserted. of course, if you've never laid eyes on a bearing and/or never been inside a major appliance then i understand rating this a 10 on the difficulty scale.

..........and that's where the cost of the tony tool is completely justified and represents a good value.

here's a few more pics.............

crystal

[sidfink43]

Again, very good comments, and I think most if not all of us would agree with what you have have posted.