Restore Smooth Movement and Proper Cleaning Performance to Hayward-Style Pool Cleaners

When a suction pool cleaner stops moving freely, climbs poorly, or begins dragging instead of gliding across the pool floor, worn bearings are often the cause. The Swimables SW-61-055 Hayward-Style Cleaner Bearings are designed to restore smooth wheel rotation and proper movement in Hayward-style suction pool cleaners, bringing back the performance your cleaner was built to deliver.

These replacement bearings install inside the cleaner wheels and reduce friction between moving parts. Over time, exposure to water, debris, sand, and constant rotation causes factory bearings to wear down. As resistance increases, the cleaner loses efficiency, coverage suffers, and strain is placed on internal components. Replacing worn bearings is a simple, cost-effective way to extend the life of your cleaner and restore consistent cleaning patterns.

If your cleaner is struggling to move, slipping on turns, or leaving areas untouched, replacing the bearings before more serious damage occurs can save you from costly repairs or full cleaner replacement.

Designed for Hayward-Style Suction Pool Cleaners

The Swimables SW-61-055 bearings are manufactured as direct-fit replacements for Hayward-style suction pool cleaners, including many models that share the same internal wheel and axle design.

These bearings are commonly used in cleaners such as:

• Hayward Navigator®

• Hayward PoolVac® series

• Hayward PoolVac XL®

• Other compatible Hayward-style suction cleaners

If your cleaner uses wheel-mounted bearings to allow smooth rotation across the pool surface, the SW-61-055 bearings are engineered to match original specifications for fit, durability, and performance.

For additional replacement parts that commonly wear at the same time, browse related components in our Pool Cleaner Replacement Parts Collection.

Why Worn Cleaner Bearings Cause Performance Problems

Cleaner bearings play a critical role in how your suction cleaner moves. They allow the wheels to rotate freely while maintaining proper alignment with the cleaner body. As bearings wear, several issues can develop:

• Wheels bind or rotate unevenly

• Cleaner slows down or stalls

• Poor wall climbing and coverage

• Skipping or jerky movement patterns

• Increased stress on axles and wheel hubs

These symptoms are often mistaken for hose problems or suction issues, but in many cases the root cause is internal bearing wear. Replacing the bearings restores proper wheel motion and allows the cleaner to move as designed.

If your cleaner is already disassembled for service, this is also a good time to inspect related items such as wheel kits and axles found in the Pressure Cleaner Parts.

Benefits of Replacing Bearings with Swimables SW-61-055

Swimables replacement parts are built to meet or exceed OEM performance standards while offering excellent value. The SW-61-055 bearings provide several key advantages:

• Restores smooth, consistent wheel rotation

• Reduces internal friction and drag

• Improves cleaner speed and coverage

• Helps maintain proper wall-climbing ability

• Extends the overall life of the cleaner

• Prevents premature wear on axles and wheel hubs

• Cost-effective alternative to full wheel or cleaner replacement

Replacing bearings is one of the easiest maintenance steps you can take to keep a suction cleaner operating efficiently.

Common Signs It’s Time to Replace Cleaner Bearings

If you notice any of the following symptoms, worn bearings are a likely cause:

• Cleaner moves slowly despite good suction

• Wheels feel stiff or do not spin freely by hand

• Cleaner gets stuck in the same areas

• Inconsistent or incomplete cleaning patterns

• Grinding or resistance when turning wheels

Addressing bearing wear early prevents secondary damage to more expensive components and keeps your cleaner running smoothly throughout the season.

Installation Overview

Replacing Hayward-style cleaner bearings is a straightforward repair for most pool owners and service technicians.

General Installation Steps:

1. Remove the cleaner from the pool and disconnect the hose

2. Disassemble the wheel assemblies according to the cleaner model

3. Remove worn or damaged bearings from the wheels

4. Install the new Swimables SW-61-055 bearings

5. Reassemble the wheels and cleaner body

6. Return the cleaner to the pool and test operation

No special tools are typically required beyond basic hand tools. Always inspect axles and wheel hubs during installation to ensure proper fit and alignment.

For cleaners that show broader wear, you may also want to explore full wheel assemblies or tune-up components available in our Pool Cleaner Tune-Up Kits Collection.

Built for Pool Environments

Cleaner bearings operate in harsh conditions: constant water exposure, debris intrusion, chemical contact, and continuous movement. The Swimables SW-61-055 bearings are designed to withstand these challenges and maintain smooth rotation over long service intervals.

They are suitable for use in:

• Chlorine pools

• Saltwater pools

• Plaster, vinyl, and fiberglass surfaces

Proper bearing function helps reduce overall wear throughout the cleaner, contributing to quieter operation and more reliable performance.

Who Should Replace Cleaner Bearings?

This product is ideal for:

• Pool owners maintaining Hayward-style suction cleaners

• Service technicians performing routine cleaner repairs

• Property managers maintaining multiple pools

• Anyone experiencing reduced cleaner movement or coverage

Replacing bearings is a smart preventative maintenance step that can significantly extend cleaner life.

Buy with Confidence from Benchmark Pool Supply

At Benchmark Pool Supply, we specialize in reliable replacement parts that keep pool equipment performing at its best. The Swimables SW-61-055 Hayward-Style Cleaner Bearings are stocked to help you restore cleaner performance quickly and affordably.

When you purchase from Benchmark Pool Supply, you get:

• Verified compatibility and quality parts

• Fast shipping or convenient local pickup

• Knowledgeable pool-industry support

• A trusted source for pool cleaner parts and accessories

Whether you’re maintaining a single residential cleaner or servicing multiple pools, we make it easy to find the parts you need to keep equipment running smoothly.

For a complete selection of compatible components, browse our All Pool Cleaner Parts Collection.