LG Washer Tub Bearing Replacement — What This Part Does
The rear tub bearing supports the spin basket shaft inside the outer tub. As the basket rotates at high speed, the bearing keeps the shaft centered and allows smooth rotation. Over time, normal wear and water intrusion past the tub seal break down the grease and corrode the bearing surfaces.
When the bearing fails, the basket drags or wobbles, creating grinding noise and making the drum hard to turn. This mechanical drag can overload the motor and trigger LE (locked motor) or UE (unbalance) codes, though LG washers do not display a specific bearing fault code. The bearing must be replaced along with the tub seal to prevent water leaks after reassembly.
Signs It Needs Replacing
- Loud grinding, roaring, or squealing during spin A worn rear tub bearing makes metal-on-metal contact and produces continuous noise that gets worse under load.
- Excessive up-and-down or side-to-side basket play With the washer unplugged, grab the basket and rock it back and forth to feel looseness or wobble at the shaft.
- LE (locked motor) or UE (unbalance) error codes A dragging bearing increases resistance on the motor, triggering overload or imbalance faults even with a correct load.
- Basket hard to rotate by hand Turn the drum manually with power off and feel abnormal friction, scraping, or binding instead of free smooth rotation.
- Rust stains or water leaks around the rear tub area A failed tub seal lets water reach the bearing, which accelerates corrosion and leaves visible rust or moisture on the tub halves.
- Visible basket misalignment or tub contact marks A collapsed bearing allows the basket to tilt and rub against the outer tub, creating scrape marks or uneven gaps.
How to Replace It
- Unplug the washer and turn off both hot and cold water supply valves.
- Remove the top panel, rear access panel, and front panel or door assembly as needed to access the tub, following your model’s service manual.
- Disconnect wiring harnesses, drain pump hose, water inlet hoses, and detergent dispenser connections, labeling each for reassembly.
- Remove the rotor bolt and slide the rotor off the basket shaft, then unbolt and lift out the stator assembly.
- Disconnect the suspension springs and shock absorbers, then carefully lift the entire tub assembly out of the cabinet.
- Separate the front and rear tub halves by removing the band clamp and perimeter screws, exposing the bearing and seal in the rear tub.
- Press or drive out the old rear tub bearing and seal from the rear tub housing, clean all surfaces, and press in the new bearing and seal (LG part MAP61913707 for compatible models).
- Reassemble the tub halves with a new tub gasket, reinstall the tub into the cabinet, attach the suspension, shocks, motor components, hoses, and wiring.
- Replace all access panels, restore power and water, and run a test cycle to verify quiet operation, free rotation, and no leaks.
The Part You Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| LG rear tub bearing | Amazon | LG part MAP61913707 for compatible models. Check your model and serial plate on the door frame or rear panel and verify the correct bearing or rear-tub assembly part number through LG Parts or your appliance-parts supplier. |
| Tub gasket and seal | Amazon | match your model and serial number |
Related Error Codes
If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:
- Lg Washer Ae error code
- Lg Washer Cd error code
- Lg Washer Ce error code
- Lg Washer Cl error code
- Lg Washer De error code
- Lg Washer De1 error code
- Lg Washer De2 error code
- Lg Washer Dhe error code
- Lg Washer E03 error code
- Lg Washer E21 error code
When to Call a Pro
Tub bearing replacement requires full disassembly of the washer, heavy lifting of the tub assembly, and press or bearing-driver tools to remove and install the bearing without cracking the tub housing. If you lack the tools, workspace, or experience with major appliance teardowns, hire a qualified appliance technician. Also call a pro if you see motor damage, cracked tub halves, or if the basket still drags after confirming no foreign objects or load issues, since other internal faults may be present.