How Much Does Washing Machine Motor Cost?

Breaking Down the Washing Machine Motor Price Puzzle

Alright, let’s be real — your washing machine motor just died. Did it take out half your weekend plans? Probably. But before you declare war on your appliance, let’s chat about how much does a washing machine motor cost, shall we?

Spoiler alert: It’s not as simple as a one-price-fits-all sticker. Prices vary wildly depending on brand, model, and whether you’re the weekend warrior type who loves to DIY or prefer the magic of a professional repair tech waving their magic wrench.

DIY Washing Machine Motor Costs: The Part You Buy

If you’re handy enough to roll up your sleeves and tackle the job yourself, you’re winning at life — and budget. Purchasing the washing machine motor alone ranges roughly from $20 to $200. Yep, that’s a pretty broad band of prices because the motor itself isn’t one-size-fits-all.

  • Budget Buys: Unbranded or aftermarket motors often start around $20 to $100, perfect for basic models or tight wallets. Just be mindful of quality—sometimes you get what you pay for.
  • Popular Brand Motors: Genuine OEM motors from Whirlpool, Maytag, or GE usually fall between $80 and $170, with some models stretching a bit higher depending on horsepower and tech.
  • High-End or Fancy Models: If your washing machine is rocking an inverter drive or other advanced features, motors (or motor assemblies) can push past $300, sometimes hitting the $360 mark or more.
  • Frigidaire Users: They tend to pay a little extra, with drive motors priced from roughly $190 to $285, according to parts suppliers.

If you want to check out different motors and parts by brand, places like Maytag Replacement Parts and Whirlpool Parts have extensive catalogs. Meanwhile, eBay offers a slew of new and used motors if you dare explore the world of online resales.

To DIY or Not to DIY: Labor Costs Can Tighten the Purse Strings

Here’s the real kicker—if tackling the project yourself isn’t in your wheelhouse, calling a pro to replace that motor adds a significant chunk to your bill. Expect the total cost, part plus labor, to hover between $320 and $400. This includes both the motor itself and the skilled hands to make everything whirl smoothly again.

Keep in mind labor costs vary depending on your location and the complexity of your washing machine model. The official repair guys don’t work for free, after all—and neither should they. But if you fancy yourself a bit of a handyman (or handywoman), grabbing just the motor can save you a few hundred bucks.

New vs. Used Motors: The Frugal Shopper’s Dilemma

“But wait,” you say, “can’t I just buy a used motor and save loads?” Absolutely, you savvy saver! Used washing machine motors can sometimes be found for as low as $30 to $50, an attractive option if you’re willing to roll the dice on reliability.

The tradeoff? Used parts may not last as long or come with any warranty. The charm of a shiny new OEM motor is a longer lifespan and peace of mind. For example, listings on sites like eBay’s washing machine motors provide a marketplace for both cheap steals and new parts.

How to Decide: Replace the Motor or Buy New Machine?

Sometimes, you don’t just have to ask “how much does a washing machine motor cost,” but also, “is it worth it?”

  • Age Matters: If your machine has been hanging tough for over a decade, throwing money at the motor might be just postponing an inevitable farewell.
  • Model Specifics: Confirm compatibility by ensuring the new motor matches your washer’s make and model. No point buying a Ferrari motor for a Toyota washing machine (or whatever the appliance equivalent is!).
  • DIY Skillset: Are you a confident DIY guru? You could save big on labor by swapping the motor yourself using manuals and tutorials from sources like Maytag’s repair guides.

More Than Just the Motor: Other Washing Machine Costs You Might Consider

While pondering motor prices, it might be smart to check out other common laundry upgrade or repair costs, like washing machine hose replacements or cleaning services. We’ve got you covered with detailed insights on those too:

Where to Buy Your Washing Machine Motor? (Affiliate Picks)

If the decision’s made and you want to grab a reliable replacement motor, here are some handy affiliate links to help you find your perfect match quickly—no labyrinthine web surfing required.

Final Spin Cycle: The Bottom Line

So, how much does a washing machine motor cost? If you’re going DIY, expect to shell out anywhere from $20 to $200 for the part itself, skewed by brand and motor sophistication. Bringing in the cavalry—aka a professional technician—pushes total costs up to roughly $320 to $400, inclusive of labor.

Used motors offer a frugal alternative but come with reliability caveats. Whether you replace the motor or opt for a whole new washing machine depends on your machine’s age, your wallet, and your patience for fixer-upper projects.

Treat your washing machine motor well, and it’ll keep your clothes—and your spirits—fresh for many cycles to come. Need more appliance wisdom? Our washing machine cost guide in USA and average washing machine cost insights have got the scoop on budgeting for the big laundry day upgrade.