How much does it cost to replace washing machine bearings?

It is one of the most expensive breakdowns due to labor costs. It usually ranges between €150 and €200, as it involves dismantling the entire machine.

How many years does an average washing machine last?

The average lifespan is between 10 and 12 years. From the eighth year onwards, the risk of mechanical fatigue and chain breakdowns increases drastically.

Repair or Replace? Ultimate Guide to Know if Your Washing Machine is a Total Loss

Technician evaluating a dismantled washing machine to decide whether to repair it

In the car insurance sector, everyone understands what a "total loss" is: when fixing the damage costs more than the car's value. Well, your washing machine can also be a total loss, even if the lights still turn on.

The Golden 50% Rule

To keep things simple, let's start with the basic rule we professionals use (and which consumer organizations recommend). If you have the technician's quote in front of you, do this math:

"If the total cost of repair (parts + labor + tax) exceeds 50% of what a new washing machine with similar features would cost you, DO NOT repair it."

For example: If you have a breakdown costing €180 and a new equivalent washing machine (same load capacity and efficiency) costs €350, it is an economic total loss. You are paying more than half the value of something new to keep something old alive.

"Total Loss" Breakdowns: When to Say Goodbye

There are faults that, when I see them upon opening the back cover, I already know the honest recommendation is not to touch anything. These are structural or critical breakdowns:

1. Bearings and Bushings (The Plane Noise)

If when spinning it sounds like a Boeing 747 is taking off in your kitchen, it's probably the bearings. You can read more about this in our article on spinning noise.

The problem: The part is cheap (about €20-30), but the labor is brutal. You have to dismantle the entire washing machine, take out the tub, open it (if it's not heat-sealed, which is another issue), and use extraction tools.
Estimated cost: €150 - €200.
Verdict: On washing machines over 6-7 years old, it almost never pays off.

2. Main Electronic Board (The Brain)

If the washing machine doesn't turn on or does weird things and the technician rules "it's the board," get ready. It is the most expensive component.
Estimated cost: €180 - €250 (part + programming + assembly).
Verdict: Total loss in 90% of cases, except for very high-end machines (Miele, for example).

3. Broken Spider or Cracked Tub

These are catastrophic mechanical failures. If the drum is loose or there is a crack in the tub, the repair far exceeds the value of the machine.

Mechanical Obsolescence: The Cascade Effect

Here is where my 10 years of experience come in. Sometimes, people tell me: "But Sebastian, it's only €120, a new one costs €400". The problem isn't that repair, it's metal fatigue.

A 10-year-old washing machine has tired shock absorbers, dry rubber seals, and a worn motor. If you fix the pump today, the extra vibration from old shock absorbers might break something else in two months. It's what we call the "cascade effect." Repairing an old machine is like putting a new engine in a car with a rusted chassis.

Comparison Table: Age vs. Decision

To make your life easier, I have created this table based on current market prices (2025-2026) and the average lifespan (which is around 10-12 years according to consumer studies).

Washing Machine Age	Typical Breakdown	Approx. Cost	What to do?
0 - 5 years	Minor electronics, pump, seals.	€50 - €120	REPAIR (Usually worth it)
6 - 9 years	Brushes, heating element, pump.	€80 - €150	EVALUATE (Apply 50% rule)
6 - 9 years	Bearings, Main board.	> €180	DO NOT REPAIR (High risk)
> 10 years	Any serious failure.	> €100	TOTAL LOSS (Replace)

Breakdowns THAT ARE Worth It (Almost Always)

It's not all bad news. There are things that fail and are cheap to fix, even on "mature" washing machines:

Clogged Filter or Blocked Pump: Sometimes you don't even need a part, just cleaning. If this happens to you, check our guide on what to do if the washing machine won't drain. Technical cost: €50 - €80.
Door Seal Replacement: If it has mold or is cracked. It is basic maintenance.
Motor Brushes: These are wear parts (like car tires). Changing them brings the motor back to life for little money (€80 - €100 with labor).

The Advice I Can Give You

Making the decision under pressure is the worst. Your washing machine breaks on a Tuesday and you have an overflowing laundry basket. That urgency makes you accept inflated repair quotes or buy the first cheap washing machine you see, which will turn out bad in the long run.

My honest recommendation: Don't rush. If your washing machine has died or you are waiting for the quote and need to wash NOW, come to LaColada in Ponferrada. For a few euros, you can wash and dry all the week's laundry in less than an hour.

Use self-service as a "bridge." Wash your clothes with our professional machines while you take the time to compare prices, read energy labels, and decide with a cool head whether to repair your old companion or make the leap to a new one. Your wallet will thank you.