Washers are heavy-duty appliances, and using them in the long run, may lead to faults. If your washer is vibrating excessively, it indicates that one of the interior parts is faulty. If you want to know how to fix the excessively vibrating washer, you are at the right place.
A worn-out shock absorber is a primary reason for a washing machine’s vigorous vibration. In such a case, you must replace the shock absorbers. Excessive vibration can also occur due to an uneven surface. Adjust the washer’s legs or replace them if damaged.
In this article, I will help you understand 6 common reasons why the washer is shaking excessively. You will also know how to stabilize the washer from moving. So, keep moving.
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This post includes some affiliate links.Why is my washer shake really bad? (Quick fix)
It is normal for the washing machine to shake when the washing cycle is initiated.
But when it begins shaking vigorously, it indicates an issue you must not take lightly.
It usually happens due to the faulty parts of the washer that must be replaced to fix the issue.
Here are 6 common reasons why your washer is shaking badly and steps to fix the issue.
1. The washer is not placed on a leveled surface
It is important to place the washer on a leveled surface as it moves and vibrates during the washing and spinning cycle.
If the washers are placed on a bumpy surface, they get off balance and shake vigorously.
While the washer is shaking vigorously, it affects the floor of the laundry room and will also cause mechanical damage to the washer.
If left unbothered, it will be a hazard to the people operating the machine.
If you have placed the washer on an elevated place without any support, vigorous shaking will let the washing machine move out of its place, and your washer will break.
When you notice your washer shaking too much, you must check if it is placed on a leveled surface.
Some washers come with adjustable legs to make them placed on any floor.
But if the legs are continuously prone to absorb vibrations due to the frequent movement, they will be worn out soon.
Follow the steps below to check if the washer is placed on the leveled surface:
- Begin by disconnecting the washer from the electric outlet or turning off the circuit breaker if your washer is hard-wired.
- Disconnect the water supply lines and turn off the water supply valve.
- Move the washer forward to check the condition of the floor. Check if the floor is leveled with the help of the bubble level or the level app on the mobile phone.
- If the flooring is not leveled, experts advise installing marine-grade plywood on the surface where you place the washer.
- If the floor is not leveled, you can adjust the legs of the washer. To do so, tilt the washer to the side and access the bottom of the washer.
- Using a wrench, level the legs of the washer.
- If the legs are worn out, you must replace them.
If the bump is causing the issue, your washer must stop shaking.
2. Faulty shock absorber
Shock absorbers expand and contract to control the excess vibration of the washer.
You can locate the shock absorber at the bottom of the washer, next to the tub, which is attached to the base of the washer.
Depending on the model of the washer, the number of shock absorbers differs.
Generally, there are 4 shock absorbers attached to the drum of the washer to support the rotation when the washing cycle begins.
The washer will have excessive vibrations if the shock absorber is worn out.
You can check if the shock absorbers are damaged by inspecting them visually.
Follow the steps below to replace the shock absorbers.
These steps apply to front-load washers:
- Unplug the washer from the electric outlet to prevent yourself from electrical hazards.
- Turn off the water supply valve and detach the water supply hoses attached to the back side of the washer.
- Move the washer from its original position to get room to work.
- Remove the top panel of the washer by unthreading the screws attached to it.
- Detach the detergent drawer from the washer and keep it aside.
- Remove the washer’s control panel by unthreading the screws.
- Open the washer’s door and detach the retainer clip securing the door seal.
- Remove the door seal from the slot and push it inside the washer.
- Unthread the screws securing the door latch assembly from the door.
- Remove the washer’s front panel by unthreading the screws at the top and bottom.
- You can locate the shock absorber between the washer’s drum and bass.
- Using a flathead screwdriver, detach the mounting locking tabs from the upper shock absorbent mounts.
- After releasing the locking tabs, pliers rotate the shock absorbents in the clockwise directions to completely detach the shock absorbent from the washer’s drum.
- Detach the shock absorbent from the base of the washer and detach it completely.
- Replace the new shock absorbent and secure it with the locking tabs at both ends.
- Reattach the front panel and secure it with screws.
- Reposition the door latch to the front door and secure it with screws.
- Realign the door seal to the front panel and secure it with the retaining clip.
- Reattach the control panel and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the detergent drawer and secure it with the locking tab.
- Reposition the top panel and secure it with screws.
- Access the back panel of the washer.
- Remove the back panel by unthreading the screws.
- Access the rear shock absorbent and remove it from the washer.
- Replace the new shock absorbent and secure it with locking tabs.
- Realign the back panel and secure it with the screws.
- Plug in the washer and check if the excessive vibration has stopped.
3. Faulty suspension rods
Suspension rods are found in the top loading washer.
It detects the movements of the washer and controls its vibration.
If even one suspension rod breaks, the washing machine will vibrate.
You can fix this issue by replacing the suspension rods:
- Unplug the washer from the electric outlet.
- Disconnect the water supply, and drain hoses from the washer.
- Access the back panel of the washing machine and remove it by unthreading the screws.
- Remove the top panel and front panel by removing the screws.
- Remove the control panel from the washing machine by removing the screws.
- Access the suspension rod and disconnect it from the washer.
- Purchase the new suspension rod based on the model of the suspension rod.
- Tilt the washer to the side and remove the bottom panel of the washer.
- Replace the new suspension rod and secure it with the locking tabs and screws.
- Reattach the back panel and secure it with the screws.
- Reattach the control panel and secure it with the screws.
- Reattach the top panel and secure it with screws.
4. Faulty dampening straps
Dampening straps are placed at the top of the washing machine and function as a support mechanism for suspension rods.
It helps reduce the washing machine’s excess movement and prevents vigorous vibration in the washer.
If they are faulty, replace the dampening straps:
- Unplug the washer from the electric outlet.
- Turn off the water supply valve and disconnect the drain hose and water supply pipe.
- Access the back panel of the washer and unthread the screws securing it in place.
- Remove the control panel of the washer using a screwdriver.
- Detach the front panel of the washer by removing the screws holding it in place. Run the putty knife through the frame, and release the locking clip.
- Remove the top panel of the washer by removing the screw. And place the top panel aside.
- You can locate the dampening strap after removing the top panel. Consider referring to the user manual to find the exact location of the dampening strap.
- You can see screws securing the dampening strap to the washer’s tub.
- Unthread the screws to release the faulty dampening straps.
- Replace the new dampening straps, secure them with screws, and realign the Bracket to unthread the screws.
- Reattach the top panel of the washer and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the back panel of the washer and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the control panel and realign the screws using a screwdriver.
- Reattach the front panel and secure it with the screws.
- Turn on the water supply valve and reconnect the drain and supply hoses.
- Plug in the washer and begin the test cycle. The excess vibration of your washer would have stopped.
5. Clogged drain pump
The drain pump facilitates water draining at the end of the washing cycle.
If the drain pump is blocked with dirt and debris, it causes not only draining issues but also causes excess vibrations in the washer.
To fix this issue, you must unclog the drain pump.
Follow the steps to unclog the drain pump:
- Unplug the washer from the electric outlet.
- Turn off the water supply valve. Remove the drain hose and water supply pipe from the washing machine.
- Locate the drain hose panel and remove the cover to access the drain filter.
- Place a bowl near the panel to catch any excess water.
- Open the panel and access the inner hose pipe. Catch the excess water in a bowl.
- Remove the drain filter and set it aside.
- Detach the drain pump and clean it with vinegar and baking soda.
- Reattach the drain pump and reposition the inner hose pipe into the washer.
- Turn on the water supply valve and reconnect the drain hose and water supply pipe.
- Plug in the washer and check if the excessive vibration has stopped.
6. Broken drum spider
A drum spider is attached to the washer’s drum and supports the rotation of the drum to prevent excess vibration.
A drum spider can be located with three arms, where each arm is attached to the washer’s drum.
Follow the steps below to replace the drum spider:
- Unplug the washer from the electric outlet.
- Turn off the water supply valve and disconnect the drain hose and water supply pipe.
- Detach the washer’s top panel by removing the screws holding it with the washer.
- Remove the back and front panels by removing the screws securing them.
- Access the rotor of the washer and pull it to disconnect the rotor from the shaft.
- Remove the control panel from the washer by unthreading the screws.
- Open the washer’s door and remove the door latch from the washer.
- Access the washer’s drum and remove all the hinges attached to it.
- Remove the screws attaching the front side of the drum with the washer.
- Detach the washer’s drum and set it in a safe place.
- Detach the inner basket of the washer and place it aside.
- After removing the inner basket, you can see the drum spider assembly.
- You can see the drum spider secured with 3 screws.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the screws and detach the drum spider assembly.
- Replace the new drum spider assembly and secure it with 3 screws.
- Reattach the drum and secure it with the screws and hinges.
- Reattach the rotor to the rotor shaft.
- Reattach the back panel and front panel. Secure them with screws.
- Reattach the top panel and control panel.
- Turn on the water supply valve and reattach the drain and water supply hose.
- Reposition the washer to its original place and plug it into the electric outlet.
- Begin the washer cycle after the replacement and check if the washer vibrates too much.
Also read: 6 Ways To Fix Loose Drum In Washing Machine.
How do I stabilize my washer from moving?
Taking preventive measures to prevent your washing machine from moving is significant.
Buy vibration pads under the washer’s leg to prevent the washer from getting damaged due to excessive vibration.
Never overload the drum, as it may put the washer in an off-balanced state.
Make sure the floor where you place the washer is strong and level.
When you purchase the new washer, they come with a transit bolt to prevent the washer from getting damaged.
If the transit bolts are still attached to the washer, detach them to reduce the excessive vibrations.
Check the feet of your washers and adjust them using a wrench.
Final thoughts
Movement and spinning are significant to run the washer effectively. But you must know the difference between normal vibration and excessive vibrations.
A washer vibrating too much may be related to the faults in the shock absorbents. Shock absorbers are attached between the washer’s drum and the basement to support the rotation of the drum. In the long run, absorbents wear out and cause excessive vibration in the washer.
Another major cause is placing the washer on an unlevel surface. Check if the washer is placed on a leveled surface, or you can adjust the washer’s leg. While beginning the washing cycle, make sure you don’t overload it.
Avoid loading the heavy clothes in the drum as it may cause off balance in the washer. Also, I have discussed other common causes for the excessive vibration and steps to fix it. Follow the steps to fix the issues.
Consider referring to the user manual to locate the parts of the washer to make the process easy.
Related articles:
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Reference: LG Official Guide, Kenmore User manual, GE washer front load user manual, Maytag Front Load Washing Machine Official Troubleshooting Guide.
