maytag troubles

Yes, on this type of machine the bearings are often not supplied by the manufacturer as a separate “official” service part, so they push you towards replacing the complete outer tub. That does not always mean the bearings and seal can’t be changed, but it usually means it’s a more involved repair and may need aftermarket parts and careful dismantling.

A few checks before going too far:

1. Confirm it really is the tub bearings If the machine has a loud rumbling/grinding on spin, and the inner drum has noticeable play when lifted by hand, worn bearings are very likely. Also check for water marks or rust underneath from a failed seal.

2. Check the parts breakdown Look up the exact model parts list for MVWB980BW0. If the outer tub is only listed as a complete assembly, that’s why you’ve been told to replace the whole tub.

3. See whether a bearing kit is available aftermarket Some sellers offer bearing and seal kits even when Maytag/Whirlpool only list the full tub. The main issue is whether the bearings are designed to be removed and pressed out without damaging the tub housing.

4. Consider the labour involved This is usually a major strip-down job: basket out, tub apart, old bearings driven/pressed out, seal replaced, shaft checked for wear. If the shaft is worn or corroded, new bearings may fail quickly.

5. Weigh up repair versus replacement If the full tub is very expensive, an independent engineer may still be able to fit bearings only, but not all will take it on.

Make sure the appliance is isolated from the mains before inspecting any internal parts. If you’re unsure, or if pressing bearings in/out is beyond your tools, it’s best handled by a qualified appliance engineer.

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