Pentair SuperFlo
Worn Motor Bearings
Pump is running but is extremely noisy, with a high-pitched whine or grinding sound.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Age-related bearing wear, Water intrusion past shaft seal, Corrosion from improper bonding or grounding, Operation in high-heat conditions
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power at the breaker before touching the motor.
- 1. Isolate the noise source: Place a screwdriver or mechanic’s stethoscope against the motor housing and your ear on the handle (do not touch live parts). Loud, rough sounds localized at the motor indicate bearing issues.
- 2. Check for leaks at shaft seal: Look under the pump where the motor meets the pump housing. Continuous dripping or salt deposits suggest a failed shaft seal that may have damaged the bearings.
- 3. Short-term mitigation: There is no reliable field fix for worn bearings; running the pump in this condition risks complete failure. Reduce runtime and speed (on VS models) only as a temporary measure.
- 4. Plan for replacement: Replace the motor (and shaft seal kit) or the complete SuperFlo pump assembly. Bearing replacement requires motor disassembly and press tools and is typically done by a motor shop.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
SuperFlo Motor Assembly
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