Rear shell bearing for Frigidaire Front Loading Washer

Washer Repair
1

Hello, I have a model FWTB69RGSO Frigidaire Front Loading Wash Machine (Crown Series, 10 cycle). I bought it in April 2000 and have not had a problem with it till now - the bearing is shot and needs to be replaced. Could anybody direct me to a [COLOR=black]service manual[/COLOR] or give me a brief on how to [COLOR=black]replace the rear shell bearing[/COLOR]? I know it is an extensive repair but I am hoping with the manual or somebody’s help I would be able to do it. Thanks!

Frank

2

Hi Frank,

Here is the Service manual for Frigidaire front load washer.

Here are the break down diagrams for the Frigidaire washer Model FWTB69RGS0

Gene.

3

Thanks Gene that helps a lot. Any tips on this project and do you know how long would such a repair take?

4

This is a pretty tough job for a few hours.

Gene.

5

I did a Maytag Neptune, took 2 hours. You can get some idea what to do by reading my article in announcement section "replacing Neptune bearings.
Just pound out the bearings (assuming they both are bad), take them to an auto parts store, and order them, try to get sealed bearings.
If not, I would opt for the entire rear tub shell, only about $150 plus shipping.
P# AP2578105 Shipping might be over $30 due to it’s size.

6

Thanks Gene & Richard. Few people told me the bearing cannot be replaced on its own so I actually got the shell. However, since I didn’t have to pay for it (I was lucky and talked Frigidaire into shipping me one for free), would you think it is easier to replace just the bearings than the shell?

Frank

7

In any case, you have to pound out the spin basket, so replacing the tub bearings is extra work.
If you bought the bearings, you would probably buy the sealed bearings that last longer. Either way, it’s still a big job.

8

I got the tub assembly out, now I am at a stall point. Could someone please verify and help me with 2 things:

1/ The pulley - how do you get it off from the shaft? Do you just pound it off? The service manual is not helpful here.

2/ Once the pulley is off, do you pound off the shaft from the bearing - is it attached to the spin basket? From Richards article about Neptune bearings it seems so but again - could someone clarify?

I do not want to break or screw anything up so if someone could help and answer I would be very grateful. Thanks!

Frank

9

Well, I was impatient so I used a deep penetrating auto lube for the shaft, separated took out the front tub and rigged a log “chimney” to lift the tub from the ground. It took only few taps and the shaft fell off lose.

Looking at the back of the shaft however, it is clear to me now that perhaps the bearings may be worn but for sure the problem of my washer is in the shaft itself - all 3 arms are broken off and the middle shaft is lose in the middle :frowning:

10

Hi Frank,

This is pretty common situation when the spider arm(s) on old style inner tub is cracked. Unfortunately in order to solve this problem you have to replace the whole inner tub and it’s expensive.

Gene.

11

Thanks Gene for your response. I already thought about it since I saw few other posts about the same situation. I wonder however, why Frigidaire doesn’t sell the arm by itself - I was able (and quite easy) to remove the broken spider arms. There are 6 bolts holding it (2 bolts per arm) and the part would be probably under 20 bucks, opposed to the whole inner tub, which will run ten times more.

Btw, funny thing about the shaft bolts - while I was taking everything apart, I used only US standard numeric tools. That is until I wanted to take off the shaft - the spider arm bolts are 10mm European metric… go figure.

As mentioned at the beginning of this thread, I bought the washer new in mid’ 2000 and the inner tub has 25 years warranty so I am hoping Frigidaire will send me new one free of charge. It should be easy repair now - when I am half way through, right? :slight_smile:

Thanks again for all your help, I do appreciate it!

Frank

12

Good luck and keep us posted.

Gene.

13

Well, the job is done and the washer (knock on wood) has been running fine for a few weeks by now :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

It was not that bad after all with all your help. I could not have done it without having the service manual - after that it was pretty straight forward though time consuming. Even though I busted my back (with all my home projects and this job trying to do at the same time) it was a good experience and I am glad I went for it. I took bunch of detailed digi pics when I was tearing the washer down so if someone is interested let me know.

Thanks guys for all your help. You are great!!!

Frank

14

We’re glad you were able to fix it.

Gene.

15

Having trouble separate the inner tub from the shell. The bearing holds on to the shaft very tight. pounded on the shaft with a mellat but did not budge. Is there any special tool needed to separate the shell, or trick? Thank, --JT

16

I sprayed WD-40 on mine, and used a block of oak wood and a log splitter to pound mine off.

17

Thanks. I was able to separate them. Now, I have problem re-attach the boot back with the shell. The spring is completely off and I have problem get it on the neck of the shell after the drum assembly is hang. I just can’t get the spring on while re-attach the boot at all. Please help.

Thanks.

18

It helps to have four hands for this, get someone to help, just have patience, it will go on.

19

Thanks. Unfortunately, after coupla busted knuckles and a scaped foot, a call is placed to the friendly local appliance repairman for an in-house consultation. Hope this won’t hurt-- too badly.

–JT.