Need a washing machine spider arm or shaft urgently? Refitec Kenya stocks genuine and compatible washing machine spare parts — including spiders, shafts, bearings, drums, and more — ready for same-day pickup or delivery across Kenya.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 0704843613
⚡ Quick Answers — Common Problems
| Problem | Likely Part Needed | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Drum shakes violently during spin | Spider arm (drum spider) | Replace the spider |
| Loud grinding/knocking noise | Shaft or bearings | Replace shaft + bearings |
| Drum doesn’t spin at all | Shaft, spider, or motor coupling | Inspect & replace faulty part |
| Clothes have oil/grease stains after wash | Shaft seal failure | Replace shaft seal & bearings |
| Drum wobbles or feels loose | Spider arm cracked/broken | Replace spider arm |
| Water leaking from the bottom of the drum | Drum bearing or shaft seal | Replace seal + bearing kit |
📲 Fastest fix: WhatsApp 0704843613 with your washing machine brand and model number — Refitec Kenya will confirm part availability instantly.
What Is a Washing Machine Spider Arm?
The washing machine spider (also called the drum spider or spider arm) is the metal bracket that connects the inner drum of your washing machine to the drive shaft. It is shaped like a spider — usually with 3 arms — and is one of the most stress-bearing components in a front-load washing machine.
Why Spider Arms Fail
- Constant high-speed spinning causes metal fatigue
- Corrosion from detergent residue and moisture
- Overloading the washing machine over time
- Poor-quality original parts wearing out prematurely
Signs Your Spider Arm Is Broken
- Loud banging during the spin cycle
- Drum scraping against the door seal or tub
- Visible cracks on the drum bracket (visible when you remove the drum)
- Drum wobble — the drum shifts to one side
What Is a Washing Machine Shaft?
The drive shaft (or drum shaft) is the steel rod that transfers rotation from the motor to the drum. It works in tandem with the spider arm and sits inside a set of drum bearings.
Signs Your Shaft Needs Replacement
- Rumbling or grinding noise especially during spin
- Excessive drum play — the drum can be physically pushed side to side
- Oil or grease leaking onto clothes
- Water leaking from the rear of the drum area
- Bearing seal damage — usually the shaft and bearings fail together
Washing Machine Spare Parts Available at Refitec Kenya
Refitec Kenya stocks a comprehensive range of washing machine parts for most major brands sold in Kenya:
🔩 Mechanical & Structural Parts
- Drum Spider Arms — 3-arm & 4-arm variants
- Drive Shafts — various sizes and thread types
- Drum Bearings — front and rear bearing kits
- Shaft Seals / Oil Seals
- Drum Paddles / Lifters
- Door Hinges & Door Locks
- Counterweight Blocks
⚙️ Motor & Drive Parts
- Motor Brushes
- Motor Coupling / Coupler
- Drive Belts (V-belts)
- Motor Capacitors
- Tachogenerators
💧 Water System Parts
- Water Inlet Valves
- Drain Pump Filters
- Drain Pumps
- Pressure Switches (water level sensors)
- Door Rubber Seals / Gaskets
- Dispenser Drawer Trays
🔌 Electrical & Control Parts
- PCB Control Boards
- Timer Modules
- Thermistors / Temperature Sensors
- Heating Elements
- Thermal Fuses
Brands Covered
Refitec Kenya carries spare parts compatible with:
- Samsung washing machines
- LG washing machines
- Whirlpool washing machines
- Bosch washing machines
- Hotpoint / Indesit washing machines
- Ariston washing machines
- Ramtons washing machines
- Mika washing machines
- Von washing machines
- Bruhm washing machines
- Other brands — call to confirm availability
How to Replace a Washing Machine Spider Arm — Step-by-Step Guide
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug the washing machine from power before beginning any repair.
Tools You Will Need
- Flathead & Phillips screwdrivers
- Spanner set / socket set
- Rubber mallet
- Bearing puller (optional but recommended)
- New spider arm and shaft (from Refitec Kenya)
Step 1: Remove the Back Panel
Unscrew all bolts on the rear panel of the machine and carefully lift it off. Set aside safely.
Step 2: Disconnect the Drive Belt
Locate the drive belt connecting the motor pulley to the drum pulley. Slide it off the drum pulley by rotating it gently while pulling the belt free.
Step 3: Remove the Drum Pulley
Use a socket wrench to remove the central nut on the drum pulley. Pull the pulley off the shaft. If it’s stuck, use a rubber mallet to gently tap it loose.
Step 4: Remove the Front Panel & Door Seal
- Open the door and peel back the rubber door seal (gasket) from the front panel groove.
- Unscrew the front panel bolts.
- Disconnect any door lock wiring harness connectors.
- Remove the front panel completely.
Step 5: Detach the Drum from the Tub
- The tub is usually split into two halves (front tub and rear tub) held together by screws or clips around the outer edge.
- Remove all tub bolts or clips going around the circumference of the outer tub.
- Carefully separate the front tub from the rear tub — the inner drum will now be accessible.
Step 6: Remove the Inner Drum
Lift the inner drum out of the outer tub. You will now see the spider arm bolted to the back of the drum.
Step 7: Remove the Old Spider Arm
- The spider arm is bolted to the drum using 3 or 4 bolts (depending on model).
- Unscrew these bolts and remove the old spider arm.
- Inspect the shaft at this point — if it is bent, corroded, or worn, replace it too.
Step 8: Remove the Old Shaft & Bearings (if replacing)
- Use a bearing puller or a flat rod and hammer to knock the old bearings out of the rear tub housing.
- Slide the old shaft out.
- Clean the bearing housing thoroughly before fitting new bearings.
Step 9: Install the New Shaft & Bearings
- Press the new rear bearing into the tub housing (use a socket of matching diameter as a drift).
- Insert the new shaft from inside the tub.
- Press the front bearing in from the outside.
- Fit the new shaft seal/oil seal to prevent water ingress.
Step 10: Attach the New Spider Arm
- Align the new spider arm onto the back of the drum.
- Thread in and tighten all spider arm bolts evenly in a cross pattern to avoid misalignment.
- Torque the bolts firmly but avoid over-tightening on aluminium drums.
Step 11: Reassemble the Machine
Reverse all the disassembly steps:
- Place the drum back into the rear tub half
- Join and bolt the front tub half to the rear tub half
- Refit the front panel and connect door lock wiring
- Refit the door seal back into the front panel groove
- Refit the drum pulley and tighten the central nut
- Refit the drive belt over the motor pulley and drum pulley
- Refit the rear panel
Step 12: Test the Machine
- Reconnect power.
- Run a short wash cycle (empty drum) to confirm no noise, vibration, or leaks.
- If vibration persists, recheck spider arm bolt torque and bearing seating.
How to Replace a Washing Machine Shaft — Step-by-Step
Shaft replacement closely follows the spider arm guide above. The key additional steps are:
- After removing the drum and spider arm, inspect the shaft for bending, corrosion, or scoring.
- Always replace bearings when replacing the shaft — worn bearings are usually what caused the shaft to fail.
- Replace the shaft seal at the same time to prevent future water damage to the new bearings.
- Use the correct shaft diameter for your machine model. Contact Refitec Kenya with your model number to confirm the right part.
Why Choose Refitec Kenya for Washing Machine Spare Parts?
✅ Wide Stock — Parts for most washing machine brands available in Kenya
✅ Genuine & Compatible Parts — Quality parts at fair prices
✅ Expert Advice — Describe your problem and get guidance on the right part
✅ Fast Service — Same-day availability for most common parts
✅ Trusted by Technicians — Preferred supplier for appliance repair professionals across Kenya
Get Your Washing Machine Spider, Shaft & Spare Parts Today
Don’t let a broken spider arm or worn shaft keep your washing machine out of commission. Refitec Kenya has the parts you need — in stock and ready.
📞 Contact Refitec Kenya
Call or WhatsApp: 0704843613
💬 WhatsApp us your washing machine brand, model, and the problem — we’ll confirm the part and price immediately.
Refitec Kenya — Your Reliable Source for Washing Machine Spare Parts in Kenya
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if my washing machine spider is broken?
A: The most common signs are a loud banging or clunking noise during the spin cycle, the drum scraping against the door seal, or visible cracks on the back of the drum bracket.
Q: Can I replace just the spider arm or do I need to replace the shaft too?
A: You can replace either part independently, but since replacing them involves the same disassembly process, it is often cost-effective to replace both — along with the bearings — at the same time if there is any wear on the shaft.
Q: How long does a washing machine spider last?
A: Typically 5–10 years depending on usage, load habits, and machine quality. Overloading significantly shortens spider arm life.
Q: Do you deliver washing machine spare parts in Kenya?
A: Contact Refitec Kenya on 0704843613 to discuss delivery options to your location.
Q: How do I know which spider arm or shaft fits my washing machine?
A: WhatsApp Refitec Kenya on 0704843613 with your washing machine’s brand name and model number (found on the sticker inside the door). They will confirm the correct compatible part for your machine.