slow oil leak from motor coupler shaft

[sekerbs]

Just registered; what an awesome resource!!

I have a 3.5 yr old Whirlpool wtw5700sw washer that is working fine but has developed a slow leak from the bearing around the motor coupler shaft.  Replacing the transmission seems straightforward but I don't want to spend $150 if I don't have to...  Is it possible to replace the bearing?  Will I hurt the washer by just using it until it doesn't work anymore?  Could I prolong the life of the transmission by adding gear oil through the breather hole with a syringe every few months?

Thanks much,
Scott

[tgoods]

No need to replace the transmission, just replace the oil seal, 285352.  Remove the cabinet, motor and coupler.  Tilt the washer back so you don't lose more oil.  I drive a drywall screw into the face of the seal and that pops it right out.  Use a socket slightly smaller than the seal, extension and hammer to drive in the new seal.

[sekerbs]

Thank-you SO much for the info!!!   Should I add some oil before I put the new seal on?  How much oil should be in the transmission?

[tgoods]

If you haven't lost much, I wouldn't worry about it. I've seen a transmission with a bad cover from the factory that lost half of it's oil and was still running fine.  A few drips from the seal probably won't hurt it.  There's a Whirlpool part number for the oil but I just use regular 80w90 gear oil. 

[sekerbs]

Excellent!!  Hopefully the part will come tomorrow and I'll be able to get everything back together for the weekend.  Thanks again!

[sekerbs]

The old seal popped right out with the drywall screw trick!!  Added some 90w anti-foaming gear oil from Napa auto parts (about $5 for 32oz) and the new seal tapped in very smoothly with a 3/4" deep socket.  4 full loads so far and not a drip to be seen!!!   Thanks again  for the responses and information - really saved me some $$$$$$!!

[tgoods]