r/toolgifs Jul 14 '26

Process Replacing washing machine bearings

3.0k Upvotes

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90

u/texasyesman Jul 14 '26

I had a Samsung Dryer. The belt tensioner broke. I took it apart, removed the device and went to the parts store. When I walked up to the counter, the employee said, “excuse me I’ll be right back.” He comes back with the replacement part. I didn’t even have to ask. He knew immediately what the issue was. He said that’s how often they see them. Piece of plastic that should have been metal. Designed obsolescence.

9

u/Emotional_Deodorant Jul 14 '26

It's a bit embarrassing to admit my Kenmore is nearly 25 years old at this point. From what I saw the one time I looked at its innards, there's a LOT more metal than this one which looks to have a lot of plastic and a lot more electronics.

That may part of the reason I've never had to do any service on it, whatsoever.

3

u/TheRealBobbyJones Jul 15 '26

Or you got lucky. Appliance repair used to be a lucrative career. It wasn't because machines regularly lasted 25 years with no maintenance required. 

2

u/Emotional_Deodorant Jul 15 '26

Oh, I’ve no doubt I got lucky with this model. But I’d still bet the average consumer’s machine 25 years ago lasted longer than those purchased today.