Pump Bearings On the Way Out - How long do I have?!

Jump to latest Follow Reply
jasonwbaggett

jasonwbaggett

0
Sep 9, 2017
66
Nashville, TN
Pool Size
14000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Aqua Rite (T-3)
Hi everyone!

I have a Hayward/Century pump which appears to have been leaking a bit. I read that a leaking shaft seal can lead to problems with bearings. Lo and behold, the thing started intermittently squealing like a stuck pig last week. Now it seems to be squeaking (loudly) any time its running. Today I ordered new bearings, a shaft seal assembly, and a seal repair kit. I run the pump 12 hours a day. Slightly concerned the thing is going to catch fire before the parts arrive. Is that a realistic concern? And if so, any suggestions for how to mitigate the risk while waiting on the parts? My budget prefers the $30ish fix for the parts than a $300+ish for a pump.

Happy swimming everyone! Make sure you're getting in to swim. Season will be over before ya know it!
 
Thank you. I just went out there and shut it off. Of course tomorrow we're having a pool party for my kids! Hopefully they'll keep cake, pizza, and bodily fluids out of the pool. Fingers crossed the parts arrive sooner rather than later. I don't have a sump pump handy but might try to run it in a few one hour bursts a day and add some chlorine so I can limp by in the meantime.
 
If its squealing as loudly as you say, those bearings on on their last legs. Its quite pssible that the bearings are completely dried out of grease and likely the balls have been blown out of the bearings as well. I wouldnt risk trying to run it until you can get the replacement parts installes or risk further damage to the shaft, and maybe even the motor if it fets so hot to start buring itself up trying to run.
 
Hi everyone! Somewhat of an update... I bought replacement bearings, shaft seal assembly, and a "pool pump o-ring seal repair kit". Once I removed the motor I could see the bottom half was totally corroded. I started taking it apart but when attempting to remove the front end bell, the head of the bolt sheared off. So I attempt to extract it, and of course the extractor broke off in there. I've been searching for parts online to replace just the shaft assembly or end bell -- but outside of the bearings, I can't seem to find those specific parts from "inside" the motor. Aside from the noise (and leaking) the motor seemed to have plenty of umph left in it, so I hate toss the whole thing out.... but I'm starting to think another few parts orders of $30 - $60 and I'd have enough to replace the motor. Inyo has the replacement for $173. Should I just cut my losses and get a new pump? Budget is always a factor for me but I could swing the $173. If I do replace it, anything else I should consider or a recommended vendor? Thanks! (Thus far, pool isn't green yet. I'm periodically dumping in a gallon and brushing it around.)
1597342330191.png
1597342350573.png
 
Just to bring this thread to a close for my own peace of mind (or some other poor lost soul who may find it in the future!) --- given the corrosion on the pump, I should've just gone ahead and replaced it from the get go. Ordered it on a Thursday and had it by Sunday. I was shocked by how easy it was to replace. I'm glad I bought new gaskets and seals. And even though I never got to use the replacement bearings, I've packed them in the box along with the old pump and will stick it in a corner of the shed to possibly cannibalize someday in the future. Appreciate the guidance!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply