Although... if anyone is still reading this thread... my pump started "chirping" this year. After it runs for an hour or two.. it starts making bird noises or high pitched squawks every 10 seconds or so. Bearings going? A gasket of some kind?
Opening this weekend- new question
- Thread starter Swordfish
- Start date
Hmmm, I haven't heard that before, could be a bearing possibly, but I don't know if they make any noise before they go out?
I'll try to take a video soon. Talked with local pool store about it and they said they never heard of that either. I went as far as opening the multiport valve to ensure no debris was in there and the spider gasket was good, and also checking the impeller (by feel) for debris.
That little bird is in fact your bearing going. Time to replace the seal n bearings. If it’s a salt water pool, make sure you get a viton seal.
Pumps are not that quiet to begin with, as I have a new pump/motor. Although when you hear a bearing that has dried out, it is loud. For something to start after an hour or so is odd. Check underneath the motor housing behind the basket. Fold some paper towels and see if there is an apparent drip. If the bearings are not worn, replacing the seal is not hard to do. Although, if the whole motor is corroded, you will not be able to get to the bearings as there are multiple steps. Trust me, these pumps are built to break down.
So, the chirping started the second day after opening. Then yesterday it was hit or miss. Today it is gone. I'll let it go for now and see what happens.
Is it better to go through the effort of replacing the seal & bearings or just get a new pump altogether should the situation deteriorate? The pump is at least 6 years old, perhaps older. Does replacing the bearings give much longer life, or just delay the inevitable full replacement slightly?
Is it better to go through the effort of replacing the seal & bearings or just get a new pump altogether should the situation deteriorate? The pump is at least 6 years old, perhaps older. Does replacing the bearings give much longer life, or just delay the inevitable full replacement slightly?
Swordfish:
How To: Replace the Bearings in a Pool Pump Motor - Part I - YouTube
How To: Replace the Bearings in a Pool Pump Motor - Part 2 - YouTube
These videos will guide you. I was not concerned about the bearings for me as I have friends that could have pulled this off. There are 4 long screws that gave me trouble. Two of them snapped. The retaining ring at the end to get to the shaft also gave me trouble. Very easy when there is no corrosion. Could not even get to the front bearing that was completely corroded and held by the retaining screw. I may however change out the seals every 2 years as a preventative maintenance. There are quality seals by a company in NJ and they are about $17. May be worth it as my front bearing was bad and the back was fine.
The only thing I do not like about the videos is that they do not tell you where and how the bearings go back. Maybe there is a guide, but I have no idea. I decided to use my old pump as a guide and created another set up for the winter. I will take the new pump in as there is one bonding screw and 3 wires to the timer to see if I can get a few more years out of the pump. Mine only lasted 4 full seasons and 8 months not in use as pool build was at the end. Also, I will flush with clean water when closing the pool a couple of times when taken apart with the modified cover.
How To: Replace the Bearings in a Pool Pump Motor - Part I - YouTube
How To: Replace the Bearings in a Pool Pump Motor - Part 2 - YouTube
These videos will guide you. I was not concerned about the bearings for me as I have friends that could have pulled this off. There are 4 long screws that gave me trouble. Two of them snapped. The retaining ring at the end to get to the shaft also gave me trouble. Very easy when there is no corrosion. Could not even get to the front bearing that was completely corroded and held by the retaining screw. I may however change out the seals every 2 years as a preventative maintenance. There are quality seals by a company in NJ and they are about $17. May be worth it as my front bearing was bad and the back was fine.
The only thing I do not like about the videos is that they do not tell you where and how the bearings go back. Maybe there is a guide, but I have no idea. I decided to use my old pump as a guide and created another set up for the winter. I will take the new pump in as there is one bonding screw and 3 wires to the timer to see if I can get a few more years out of the pump. Mine only lasted 4 full seasons and 8 months not in use as pool build was at the end. Also, I will flush with clean water when closing the pool a couple of times when taken apart with the modified cover.