110.20912991 squeal when motor is running

[binovc]

My washer (that I have done much work to over the years) has developed an intermittent loud high pitch squeal, and it happens even when the transmission is in neutral drain mode, so apparently not anything above the transmission is causing this.

It will do an entire load with no noise, and then on the second load it will begin.  Sometimes just here and there, and at other times it can become continuous and screechingly loud causing  my wife to leave the house.

I tried putting in a different pump, but has no effect.  It ran quiet the first load, and then began squealing again on the next load.

The coupler looks ok, and I replaced it a couple years back.  I can't imagine it having anything to do with this squeal, but correct me if I'm wrong.

I removed the motor, and can tell a small intermittent "groan," and occasional light squeak when I rotate the shaft by hand.  When I spin the motor with an electric drill, the squeal doesn't appear, but possibly because I haven't run it long enough to get to that point.

My thinking is possibly a motor bearing?  And not until it heats up sufficiently (i.e. second load)?

I would appreciate any ideas.  

If a bearing IS suspect, I do have a bearing supply store nearby, but it doesn't look like that motor can even be disassembled...  Oiling the bearing somehow?  And with what? (and what NOT to use).  I have the normal gamut of oils, nothing exotic; various motor oils, compressor oil, 3 in 1 oil, sewing machine oil...

I have a different washer (Kenmore 800 series, 110.29822801) but I do not think the motors are interchangable.

And yes, I realize buying a new (or used) motor is an option (anyone have one?)

Much thanks, as always.

[binovc]

In case some other appliance DIY'ers may be having the same issue, I thought I'd post a follow-up.

I added some 3-In-One SAE 20 (oil for 1/4hp and larger electric motors) to each bearing, while spinning the shaft (vertically) with a drill.  Re-installed the motor, and have run at least half a dozen loads with no more (knock on wood) squeal.   

Still curious why this motor has no bolts holding the frame together like a normal electric motor.

[Vance R]

This was design for easy service. Drain pump and motor both use clips to held in place. The whole cabinet come off easy to expose everything.