How to Fix A Washer That Shakes and Moves

All front-load washing machines have shock absorbers that are used to dampen the tub movement in the spin cycle. The shock absorbers or struts are attached to the base frame and to the outer tub and you will need to remove the front panel or the rear panel to access them. When shock absorbers weaken or become damaged, unbalanced loads will cause the washer to shake or move and the machine will often make a loud banging sound during the spin cycle. If the symptom is not corrected, it can lead to damage to other components.

How to inspect the shock absorbers on a washing machine:

1. Unplug your washing machine before beginning.
2. Locate the shock absorbers. Depending on your model, you will need to remove the front or rear panel to access it.
3. Looking for signs of broken attachments, weakened dampening action, or leaking fluids, inspect the shock absorbers.
4. If you find signs of the symptoms above, you will need replacement shock absorbers. You should replace both shocks at the same time, even if only one shows the signs above as they wear at approximately the same rate.

The suspension springs on your washing machine are used to either suspend the tub assembly from the cabinet or to stabilize the tub assembly to the washer base. They also absorb the vibration of the wash basket while the machine is in the spin cycle. Occasionally these springs will become damaged, stretched or detached which can cause excessive noise and vibration from your washer during the spin cycle.

How to inspect the suspension spring in a washing machine:

1. Disconnect the power supply from your appliance before starting.
2. Remove the top or front panel of the washing machine to gain access to the suspension springs.
3. Inspect for stretching or damage and ensure that they are securely attached at both ends. Use caution when replacing the springs as they are under tension and always wear the proper protective clothing.
4. If you find any signs of damage, stretching, or wear, you will need replacement suspension springs. We recommend that you replace all the suspension springs at the same time if any are determined to be defective as they wear at approximately the same rate.
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Some washing machines have a snubber ring that helps dampen vibration from your washing machine during the spin cycle. It is normally located at the bottom of the machine and provides a cushion between the base and the tub support assembly. The snubber ring/tub wear pads are often made of hard plastic, although some damper pads are made of lubricated felt. Both styles will wear with normal use and eventually can allow the tub to move excessively. In extreme conditions, they can wear to the point where the metal base contacts the metal tub support and the washer will shake uncontrollably.

How to inspect the damper pad in a washing machine:

1. Unplug your washing machine and remove the front panel.
2. Locate and inspect the snubber. You will need to remove the tub springs in order to inspect the snubber.
3. On the plastic style snubber, look for signs of white dust on or near the snubber. On the felt style, look for dislodged or dry pads.
4. If you find either of the symptoms above, you will need a replacement snubber ring.

Some models of top-load washers use tub dampening straps to cushion the movement of the tub during the spin cycle. There are four straps attached to the top of the tub and to each corner of the cabinet. These straps are made of rubber and can fail with normal use. When the straps become stretched or damaged, the tub may contact the cabinet during the spin cycle, causing the washer to shake or move and creating a loud banging sound. Continuous large loads and excessive use will create more strain and cause premature failure of the straps.

How to inspect the tub dampening strap in a washing machine:

1. Begin by unplugging your washing machine, and then open the cabinet of your washer to locate the tub dampening straps.
2. There will be four straps, each connected to the wash tub and a corner of the cabinet. Looking for signs of fraying, damage, or wear, inspect the tub dampening straps.
3. If you find any of the above symptoms on one of your straps, you will need four replacement tub dampening straps. We recommend that you replace all four straps at the same time as they wear at approximately the same rate.

The leveling legs on a washing machine are used to support the washer and are adjustable so that the machine can be leveled. Some models use four threaded legs and others use two threaded legs and two self-leveling rear legs. If your washer is shaking or vibrating during the spin cycle you should first verify that the machine is level and sitting firmly on all four legs.

How to inspect the levelling legs of a washing machine:

1. While this repair does not involve dismantling, we recommend unplugging your appliance before beginning.
2. Tilt your washing machine on its front, side, or back in order to have access to the feet.
3. Begin by ensuring that all the leveling feet are level. If you find one or more are not, run a test cycle to see if the problem has been resolved. If not, inspect the feet for any signs of wear or damage, and to ensure they are threaded properly.
4. If you find any of the issues above, you will need replacement leveling legs.