What Is the Most Expensive Part to Replace on a Washing Machine?

If your washing machine has started making strange noises, leaking water, or just won’t spin, you’re probably wondering: is it worth fixing? Or should you just buy a new one? The answer often comes down to one thing-the cost of the part that’s broken. And while some repairs are cheap and easy, others can cost almost as much as a new machine. So what’s the most expensive part to replace on a washing machine?

The Drum Assembly

The drum is the big stainless steel or plastic tub that holds your clothes. It’s not just a container-it’s a precision component that spins at high speeds, sometimes over 1,000 RPM. When it cracks, warps, or the bearings inside it wear out, the whole thing needs to be replaced. And that’s where the cost spikes.

Replacing the drum on a front-load washing machine usually costs between $400 and $700 in Australia, including labor. Why so much? Because the drum isn’t sold alone. It comes as a full assembly: drum, bearings, shaft, seals, and sometimes even the outer tub. A cracked drum won’t just leak-it’ll throw the machine out of balance, shaking the whole unit across the floor. And if you ignore it, you’ll damage the motor or suspension system too.

Top brands like Samsung, LG, and Bosch use proprietary drum designs. That means you can’t just grab a generic part from a hardware store. You need the exact OEM part, which is expensive. In Perth, a technician might charge $180 per hour, and replacing a drum takes 3 to 5 hours. That’s $540 to $900 just in labor before you even add the part.

The Motor

The motor is the heart of your washing machine. It’s what makes the drum spin, the pump run, and the water drain. Modern machines use direct-drive motors-no belts, no pulleys. That’s good for reliability, but bad for repair costs.

A direct-drive motor replacement can cost between $350 and $650. If your machine is making a loud grinding noise or won’t spin at all, it’s often the motor. But here’s the catch: many technicians will first try to fix the control board or the clutch before replacing the motor. That’s because a bad motor can be misdiagnosed. Sometimes, it’s just a faulty sensor or a worn-out drive coupler.

Still, if the motor is truly dead, there’s no workaround. You can’t rewind it. You can’t rebuild it. You have to replace the whole unit. And since it’s bolted directly to the drum assembly, replacing it means taking apart most of the machine. That’s why labor costs pile up fast.

The Control Board

The control board is the brain of your washing machine. It tells the motor when to start, how fast to spin, when to fill with water, and when to drain. If it fails, your machine might not turn on at all-or it might start filling with water but never spin.

Replacing the control board costs between $250 and $500. It’s not the heaviest part, but it’s one of the most expensive. Why? Because it’s electronic. And electronics are hard to test without the right tools. A technician might spend an hour just running diagnostics before confirming the board is bad.

Here’s the twist: control boards fail often because of water damage. If your machine has had leaks in the past-maybe from a cracked hose or a faulty door seal-the moisture can creep into the control panel and fry the circuitry. That’s why cleaning up leaks early matters. A $20 seal replacement can save you a $450 control board.

The Door Lock and Seal

It’s not the most expensive, but it’s one of the most common failures. The door lock keeps the machine sealed during the spin cycle. If it breaks, the machine won’t start for safety reasons. The rubber door seal (also called the bellow) keeps water from leaking out.

Replacing the door lock costs around $80 to $150. The seal runs $120 to $200. Both are labor-heavy because you have to disassemble the front panel. But here’s the thing: these parts are often replaced together. If the seal is cracked, the lock is probably worn out too. And if you don’t fix both, you’ll be back in a few months.

When It’s Not Worth Fixing

Here’s the reality: if your washing machine is over 8 years old and the drum or motor needs replacing, you’re probably better off buying new. Why? Because the cost of repair often hits 60% to 80% of the price of a new machine. And new machines are more energy-efficient, quieter, and come with better warranties.

Let’s say your 10-year-old LG washer needs a new drum. Total cost: $650. A brand-new equivalent model costs $900. You’re paying $650 to get 2 more years of use. But a new machine will last 12 to 15 years. That’s a better deal long-term.

There are exceptions. If your machine is a high-end model with smart features or a built-in dryer, it might be worth repairing. Same if you’ve had it for 3 years and it’s still under warranty. But if it’s older and you’ve already replaced parts like the pump or hoses before? Walk away.

How to Avoid Costly Repairs

The best way to avoid a $700 repair is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

• Don’t overload the machine. Too many clothes strain the drum and motor.
• Use the right detergent. Powder or liquid? Use HE detergent if you have a front-loader. Too much suds can damage seals and electronics.
• Clean the drum monthly. Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner. Mold and grime build up fast in damp environments.
• Check the door seal every 3 months. Wipe it dry after each use. If you see black mold or cracks, replace it before it leaks.
• Level the machine. If it rocks or vibrates, adjust the feet. Uneven machines wear out bearings faster.

These small habits can add 5 to 7 years to your machine’s life. And that’s worth more than any repair bill.

What to Do When Your Machine Breaks

When your washing machine stops working, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

1. Check the power. Is it plugged in? Is the circuit breaker tripped?
2. Look for error codes. Most modern machines show a code like E1, E2, or UE. Google the code with your brand and model-it’ll tell you what’s wrong.
3. Listen. A squealing noise? Probably a worn belt. A grinding noise? Likely the drum bearings. A humming with no spin? Could be the motor or control board.
4. Call a technician with experience in your brand. Don’t go with the cheapest quote. Ask if they use OEM parts.
5. Get a written quote before they start. Make sure it includes parts, labor, and any diagnostic fees.

Some repair shops will charge $50 just to come out and look. That’s fine if they’re reputable. But if they say, ‘Oh, it’s probably the motor,’ without testing anything? Walk out. A good technician will test voltage, check sensors, and inspect hoses before giving you a diagnosis.

Final Thought: Repair or Replace?

There’s no magic number. But here’s a simple rule: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new machine, and your unit is over 7 years old, replace it. You’ll save money in the long run, use less water and electricity, and avoid the stress of another breakdown.

And if you’re thinking about buying new? Look for models with a 10-year warranty on the motor and drum. Brands like Miele, Bosch, and Samsung offer those. They’re pricier upfront-but if you’re doing the math, they’re cheaper over time.