How to maintain washing machine bearings and extend their service life?

Avoid overloading and reduce bearing pressure
The design capacity of the washing machine has clear limitations. If overload washing is frequently performed, greater pressure will be applied to the drum, causing the bearing to bear excessive axial and radial loads for a long time, and eventually accelerate wear. Therefore, in daily use, clothes should be placed reasonably according to the load range recommended in the washing machine manual. For heavier items such as quilts and sheets, they can be washed in batches to avoid concentrated loads on the same bearing point.

Keep the machine dry to prevent water vapor from corroding the bearings
Water infiltration is one of the main causes of rust and lubrication failure of washing machine bearings. Although modern washing machines are usually designed with waterproof sealing structures, aging or damage of the sealing ring after long-term use will cause water vapor to enter the bearing cavity. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether there is water seepage at the bottom, back and drum edge of the washing machine. After each use, the back cover or door cover of the washing machine can be properly opened for ventilation to dissipate the internal moisture and reduce the impact of moisture on the bearing.

Clean the filter and drainage system regularly to reduce running resistance
If the water inlet and outlet system of the washing machine is blocked, it will cause poor drainage and increase the workload of the motor and bearings. It is recommended that users check the drain pump filter at least once a month for debris accumulation, such as coins, buttons, hair, etc. These foreign objects may not only get stuck in the drum, but also cause the motor to require additional load to drive the rotation, thereby increasing the friction of the bearing and shortening the service life.

Keep it stable to avoid bearing damage caused by vibration
If the washing machine is not placed stably, it is easy to shake violently when spinning at high speed. The bearing may run eccentrically during vibration, causing abnormal wear. To reduce the risk of vibration, it is recommended to place the washing machine on a flat and solid ground, and adjust the four legs at the bottom to evenly distribute its center of gravity. If the floor is soft or easily deformed, you can use shock pads to increase stability.

Replace the seals in time when they are aging to prevent moisture from eroding the bearings
Washing machine bearings are usually surrounded by rubber or silicone seals to prevent water vapor from entering the bearing cavity. After long-term operation, the seals may crack, age or even fall off. Once they fail, moisture can easily invade the inside of the bearing, causing grease emulsification, rust or even jamming. Therefore, if the washing machine has been used for more than 3 years, the sealing structure should be checked regularly by professionals, and aging parts should be replaced if necessary to prevent failures.

Use the washing program reasonably to avoid high-frequency uninterrupted operation
Some users may use the washing machine several times in a short period of time in order to save time. This uninterrupted operation will cause the motor and bearings to continue to work at high temperatures, and the grease will easily degrade or even lose, causing dry grinding. It is recommended to wait for a certain period of time after each washing, and wait for the internal temperature of the machine to drop before the next cleaning, which is conducive to the bearing to recover at a suitable temperature.

Regular maintenance and lubrication to improve the efficiency of bearing use
Although most washing machine bearings are closed structures and it is difficult for users to add lubricants directly, for families with high frequency of use or humid use environment, it is recommended that professional maintenance personnel disassemble the machine every two to three years to check and add grease or clean and replace according to the type of bearing. This maintenance method can significantly improve the operating efficiency of the bearing and reduce unnecessary losses.

Check in time when abnormal noise occurs to prevent the problem from expanding
If there is a continuous "buzzing", "clicking" or metal friction sound during the operation of the washing machine, it should be taken seriously. These sounds often indicate that the bearing may be loose, worn or rusted. At this time, you should stop using it as soon as possible and contact a professional to troubleshoot the problem to avoid bearing breakage and greater damage. Ignoring early signs often leads to a significant increase in maintenance costs.