Which Washing Machines Can a Householder Still Repair — Including Bearings?

19th February 2026

Washing machines are great when the work and usually last a few years but some manufacturers have been introducing ways to ensure profits by doing things to make them harder or impossible to repair.

Coming across a man on Youtube who has been making excellent videos on how to fix things like washing machines, tumble driers, cookers and much we took a closer look at washing machines. He recommends the ones to buy and the ones to avoid.

Most modern washing machines are deliberately built so you can't replace the drum bearings yourself anymore.
Manufacturers increasingly use sealed tubs, meaning the outer drum is welded shut. If the bearings fail, you're expected to replace the entire drum assembly — often costing more than a new machine.

But some brands and models still allow DIY bearing replacement.

Let's break it down clearly.

Why You "Can't" Repair Bearings on Many New Machines
Manufacturers have shifted to sealed tubs because:

It's cheaper to manufacture

It reduces warranty claims

It pushes customers toward buying new machines

It makes DIY repair nearly impossible

This is why videos like "Why You CAN'T REPAIR Your Washing Machine Bearings ANYMORE!" are popping up everywhere — because it's true for a large chunk of the market.

The search results confirm that bearings can be replaced if the machine allows it, and spare bearings are widely sold for compatible models. But many newer models simply don't allow access.

🛠️ Which Washing Machines Can You Still Repair Yourself?
Here’s the good news:
Some brands still use split tubs with replaceable bearings.
These are the machines a householder can realistically repair.

✅ 1. Bosch (most mid‑range models)
Many Bosch machines still use bolted split tubs.

Bearings can be replaced with standard parts.

Good long‑term repairability.

✅ 2. Siemens
Similar design philosophy to Bosch.

Many models still allow bearing replacement.

✅ 3. Miele (premium, but repairable)
Very expensive upfront, but built to be repaired.

Bearings are replaceable on most models.

Machines last 15-20 years with maintenance.

✅ 4. Samsung (selected models)
The search results show Samsung bearings sold as standalone parts, meaning many Samsung models still have replaceable bearings.
Examples include:

6206RS

6205RS

6207ZZ

This strongly suggests Samsung still supports DIY repair on many models.

✅ 5. LG (many models)
LG direct‑drive machines often have split tubs.

Bearings are replaceable, though the job is fiddly.

✅ 6. Older Hotpoint / Indesit / Whirlpool
The search results show universal bearings compatible with these brands.

This means older models (pre‑2015 especially) are repairable.

❌ Which Machines You Can’t Repair (Sealed Tubs)
These brands increasingly use sealed drums:

Hotpoint (newer models)

Indesit (newer models)

Beko

Candy / Hoover

Zanussi / AEG (many models)

On these machines, bearing failure = scrap the machine.

🧰 How to Tell If a Machine Is Repairable Before Buying
Look for:

✔️ "Split tub" or "bolted tub" in the specs
If the outer drum is bolted together, bearings are replaceable.

✔️ Availability of spare bearings
If eSpares or PartsCentre sells bearings for your exact model, it’s repairable.
The search results show a huge range of bearings available for many brands.

✔️ Avoid sealed tubs
If the drum is described as "sealed," "welded," or "non‑serviceable," walk away.

🧩 Is It Worth Replacing Bearings?
The search results say:

It is worth doing if the machine is under 8 years old and otherwise in good condition.

If the machine is older or has multiple issues, replacement may be better.

🧵 Bottom Line
You can still repair washing machine bearings — but only on the right brands.
If you want a machine you can fix yourself, choose:

Best choices:
Bosch

Siemens

Miele

Samsung

LG

Avoid for DIY repair:
Newer Hotpoint

Newer Indesit

Beko

Candy/Hoover

Many AEG/Zanussi models

[url=https://www.youtube.com/@How-to-repair/videos]All the videos HERE[/url]