Washing Machine Drum & Tub Parts

Washing Machine Drum and Tub Parts

The tub is the heart of your washing machine — it holds water, clothes, and absorbs constant mechanical stress from agitation and spin cycles. When your drum won't turn, leaks, or makes grinding noise, drum and tub parts are often the fix. Front-load washers rely on tub bearings; top-loaders depend on basket seals and drive couplings. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement drum, bearing, or seal assembly for your washer.

Common symptoms that point to drum and tub failure include loud grinding or rumbling during spin, water leaking from the tub seams, the drum not turning at all, or visible rust stains on clothes. Many of these repairs are DIY-friendly once you have the correct OEM part — a tub bearing or rear drum assembly on an or front-loader is a straightforward replacement that saves you hundreds versus a service call.

• Tub bearings: Loud grinding or roaring during spin cycle; common on Cabrio, Bravos, front-loaders
• Rear drum assemblies: and front-loaders; bearing included with OEM drum
• Drive couplings: direct-drive washers; won't agitate or spin
• Tub seals and gaskets: Water leaking from drum; front-load washers
• Basket seals: Top-load washers; water leaking into the tub

Washing Machine Drum and Tub: Frequently Asked Questions

What's that grinding noise coming from my washing machine during the spin cycle?

A loud grinding or roaring noise is almost always a failed tub bearing. The bearing spins millions of times over the life of the washer, and when it wears out, the tub rubs metal-on-metal inside the outer drum. On Cabrio and top-loaders, a bad tub bearing is notorious and requires the complete tub and bearing assembly. On and front-loaders, the bearing comes as part of the rear drum assembly. Once you confirm the bearing is your issue with your model number, OEM replacement is the right move — aftermarket bearings often fail quickly because the tolerances don't match the original design.

My front-load washer is leaking water. Is it the tub seal?

Water leaking from a front-load washer can point to a cracked or warped tub, a failed tub seal, or — more commonly — a torn or deteriorated door boot gasket. If water is visible coming from the back seam of the drum or pooling inside the outer tub, then the tub itself or the seal between the inner and outer tub has failed. Use your exact model number to identify whether your machine uses a replaceable tub seal kit or if you need the complete inner tub assembly. Some models (particularly older and units) have tub cracks that are not economical to repair; comparing the part cost to a new machine is worth your time.

How do I find my washing machine's model number?

Your model number is printed on a label inside the washer — typically on the side wall of the outer tub (top-loaders) or on the door frame/dispenser area (front-loaders). Write it down and use Repair Clinic's model number lookup to confirm which drum, bearing, or tub seal assembly fits your exact machine. Never guess on drum parts — a bearing for a Cabrio won't fit a Bravos, and a front-load drum won't work in a top-load frame.

Can I replace just the bearing, or do I have to buy the whole drum assembly?

For most modern washers (especially, and front-loaders), OEM bearings come pressed into the rear drum assembly — they're not sold separately. Pressing out an old bearing and installing a new one is possible but requires a bearing press and specialty tools; most DIYers end up replacing the entire rear drum assembly, which is how manufacturers designed the repair. For older top-load models, tub bearings may be available separately, but verify with your model number before assuming. Using the correct OEM assembly helps support proper fit and longevity.

Filter Washing Machine Parts by Your Model Number

Check the inside of the washer door frame or lid for a model number label. Depending on the design, you may also find it on the back panel or along the top edge of the tub opening. Copy the complete model number, including any letters, numbers, or slash marks. Enter it in the model number search to pull up the parts matched to your unit, not just parts for one drum or tub part. The model number filters the full washing machine parts catalog to items made for your specific washer. This saves time when comparing compatible parts and helps prevent ordering a part that does not fit.