Rheem
Motor Bearing Failure
Pump is extremely noisy, with grinding or screeching sounds coming from the motor area.
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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
Worn front or rear bearings in Rheem motor, Water intrusion past mechanical seal into motor, Misalignment between motor and wet end, Extended operation under overload conditions
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Turn OFF power immediately to prevent further damage.
- Confirm noise source: Remove the pump lid and run briefly (if safe) to confirm the noise is from the motor, not cavitation or plumbing.
- Inspect for leaks: Look for water dripping between the motor and pump housing. A failed mechanical seal often leads to bearing damage.
- Replace motor or bearings: On most Rheem pool pumps, replacing the entire motor assembly is more practical than pressing in new bearings. Transfer the wet end components to the new motor.
- Replace mechanical seal: Always install a new Rheem‑compatible shaft seal when replacing the motor to prevent repeat failures.
- Align and tighten: Reassemble carefully, ensuring the motor and pump housing mate squarely and all bolts are evenly tightened.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Rheem Pump Motor Assembly
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