I have a Kenmore washer (1970) that I would like to change the center post bearings & seals. I see there are two bearing kits #285134 and #285203 available and I am not sure which one is correct. The upper and lower bearings I have are the same size. When I see the picture of the kit, the #285134 kit looks like the metal bearings are different sizes, and the outer surface has sections (like on an armature), where as the other kit (#285203) outer surface of the bearings is smooth. Just wondering which one is correct. Also, the original part number for the bearing is #54207 and the Whirlpool replacement part is #8546455 and this bearing is smooth on the outside, and it says it's for direct drive washers. All this info. I've gotten from appliance parts websites, so it may not be correct. I know one of the experts here will have an answer. THANKS !!
Kenmore Centerpost Bearing Kit Help
- Thread starter kenmore70
- Start date
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285134 = Belt Drive Center Post Bearing Kit
285203 = Direct Drive Center Post Bearing Kit
The kit will come with some clear instructions as to what bearing and seal to use as contained in the kit.
The tough part is cutting out the old bearings. With the bearing installation tool, putting the new bearings in is pretty easy.
Good luck!
Ben
285134 is the universal bearing kit for ALL original belt-drives, 1950s to 1987. The new bearings are slotted on the outside, but original equipment was not. These slots help the new bearings into the centerpost. They are also made out of different material vs. the originals.
The 285203 kit is essentially the same as the belt-drive kit, but both bearings I believe are the same size. This isn't necessary anyore in the BDs.
As to cutting out the original bearings - the bearing remover tool makes that all too easy. In fact, unless the original bearings are VERY worn, the remover and installer tools make this entire process quite easy.
Gordon
The 285203 kit is essentially the same as the belt-drive kit, but both bearings I believe are the same size. This isn't necessary anyore in the BDs.
As to cutting out the original bearings - the bearing remover tool makes that all too easy. In fact, unless the original bearings are VERY worn, the remover and installer tools make this entire process quite easy.
Gordon
bendixmark
Well-known member
removal tool
Good luck getting a remover tool.I think I got the last one in the country after a 3 year search.
Good luck getting a remover tool.I think I got the last one in the country after a 3 year search.
Replacing Bearings in WP TL Washers
The same 285134 kit will work in any WP TL washer, except several Hi Efficiency machines made over the last 13 years. Removing the old bearings is usually not the biggest problem, As Ben mentioned if the bearings are really bad you end up taking them out in pieces and if they are in good enough shape that the bearing removers will actually work, they are easy to knock out with an old steel shaft.
Every rebuild on an older washer is a little different, some need almost everything replaced and many 40 year old machines do not need bearings at all only a top seal and maybe a new spin tube. If you take the machine apart and post pictures we can let you know what needs to be done, Good Luck, John.
The same 285134 kit will work in any WP TL washer, except several Hi Efficiency machines made over the last 13 years. Removing the old bearings is usually not the biggest problem, As Ben mentioned if the bearings are really bad you end up taking them out in pieces and if they are in good enough shape that the bearing removers will actually work, they are easy to knock out with an old steel shaft.
Every rebuild on an older washer is a little different, some need almost everything replaced and many 40 year old machines do not need bearings at all only a top seal and maybe a new spin tube. If you take the machine apart and post pictures we can let you know what needs to be done, Good Luck, John.
Thanks everyone for the advice.
I will post pictures once I take the machine apart. I guess taking out the old bearings without a bearing tool is not a problem, it's putting the new ones in. I don't have the bearing tool, maybe I will luck out and one will pop up on ebay.
Does the bearing tool for the #285203 kit for the direct drive washers work with the #285134 kit? Or is it a different type? Just thought maybe that bearing tool might be more common.
I will post pictures once I take the machine apart. I guess taking out the old bearings without a bearing tool is not a problem, it's putting the new ones in. I don't have the bearing tool, maybe I will luck out and one will pop up on ebay.
Does the bearing tool for the #285203 kit for the direct drive washers work with the #285134 kit? Or is it a different type? Just thought maybe that bearing tool might be more common.
Tom ---
I would be surprised if you have to hack the bearings out of that machine. In fact, I was going to suggest the same that you check the spin tube and replace the top seal only if the bearing seem tight.
I don't recall a lot of bearing noise when that machine was here in Charlotte, but you never know. I think its already been through the hands of a rebuilder at least once, so I would not be surprised if replacement bearings are already in place. If so, they should be fairly easy to get out.
I bought my bearing tools on eBay a few years back. If you want a set, they will eventually turn up.
I would be surprised if you have to hack the bearings out of that machine. In fact, I was going to suggest the same that you check the spin tube and replace the top seal only if the bearing seem tight.
I don't recall a lot of bearing noise when that machine was here in Charlotte, but you never know. I think its already been through the hands of a rebuilder at least once, so I would not be surprised if replacement bearings are already in place. If so, they should be fairly easy to get out.
I bought my bearing tools on eBay a few years back. If you want a set, they will eventually turn up.
John and Gordon are spot on. I've had the puller successfully pull bearings from a 50's machine, and I've had the puller destroy itself trying to pull bearings from a late 70's machine. There are so many variables it really depends on the machine.
If I remember right, the later bearing tool would work for both BD and DD machines if all the mandrels are included with the tool.
Ben
If I remember right, the later bearing tool would work for both BD and DD machines if all the mandrels are included with the tool.
Ben
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