Appliance Spares
Quick answer: An Aldi Stirling front loader that’s grown loud and rumbly on the spin — a grinding roar that gets worse as the speed climbs — almost always has worn drum bearings. The fix is a $58.95 bearing and lip-seal kit. It’s the most involved washer repair, but the part is a fraction of a new machine, and ignoring it lets the failing bearing damage the drum shaft. Here’s how to confirm it and what the job involves.
Stirling bearing & lip-seal kit — SFLW10 · find your model
What worn bearings sound like
The drum bearings sit behind the drum and carry it as it spins at speed. As they wear, the smooth ride turns into a roar. The tell-tale signs:
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| Grinding / aircraft-like roar on spin | Bearings worn — the louder the spin, the louder the noise |
| Rumble you can feel through the floor | Bearings well gone — replace before further damage |
| Play when you rock the drum by hand | Bearing or spider wear — the drum shouldn’t move in and out |
| Brown gritty water or a rusty smear on washing | The rear lip seal has failed and let water into the bearing |
| Banging (not grinding) on spin | Suspension, not bearings — check the dampers instead |
Confirm it’s the bearings
- Unplug at the wall. Open the door and spin the empty drum hard by hand — listen for a rumble or grinding as it slows, and feel for roughness.
- Rock the drum in and out and up and down at the rim. More than a tiny amount of play means the bearings (or the spider) are worn.
- Check the rear lip seal area for rust or water staining — a leaking seal is what kills the bearings, so the kit replaces both together.
Why the kit includes the lip seal: the bearings fail because the rear lip seal lets a trickle of water through onto them. Replacing bearings without the seal just repeats the failure — always fit the seal at the same time, which is why we supply them as one kit.
What the job involves
This is a tear-down repair — the drum has to come out and the outer tub split to reach the bearings. It’s very doable for a confident DIYer with a few hours and a socket set, but it’s the one Stirling repair where you should weigh the time:
- Drain the machine and disconnect power and water.
- Remove the top, front and rear panels, the door boot, and the drive belt.
- Lift out the drum and tub assembly and split the tub.
- Drive out the worn bearings and the old rear lip seal.
- Press in the new bearings, fit the new lip seal, and reassemble in reverse.
- Run a short spin and listen — it should be quiet and smooth again.
Repair cost summary (Australia 2026)
| Path | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| DIY: bearing & lip-seal kit | $58.95 | 2–4 hours |
| Professional repair: part + labour | $300–$450 | workshop job |
| Replacement Stirling washer | $400–$700 | — |
The judgement call: on a newer Stirling, the kit is the clear choice. On a very old machine where the bearings have already scored the shaft, weigh the labour against a replacement — but catch it early and it’s an easy win.
Frequently asked questions
My Stirling washer roars on the spin — is it the bearings?
A roar or grind that worsens as the spin speeds up is the classic worn-bearing sound. Spin the empty drum by hand and listen as it slows to confirm.
Can I just replace the bearings and not the seal?
No — the failed rear lip seal is what let water into the bearings in the first place. Fit both together (the kit includes the seal) or it’ll fail again.
Is it worth fixing or should I replace the machine?
At under $60 for the part it’s well worth it on a sound machine. The only caution is a very old washer where the shaft is already damaged.
Where do I get the Stirling bearing kit?
We stock it for the SFLW10 and related models — Aldi has no parts service. See the Aldi Stirling parts guide for your model.
Same-day dispatch?
Yes — before 12pm Sydney time, same-day dispatch Australia-wide, flat $10.60 shipping.
Related
- Aldi Stirling washing machine parts — full guide
- Stirling washer not spinning
- All Stirling parts in stock
Ready to fix it?
- Run your model number through the Oz Appliance Spares Part Finder — model in, exact-fit kit out.
- Browse 3,000+ parts in stock
- Order before 12pm Sydney time → ships same day from our Sydney Northern Beaches warehouse, Australia-wide.
Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.
