The main reason why your front load washer shakes violently during the spin cycle is an unbalanced load. This can happen when you wash one large or heavy item, such as a comforter or a blanket, or when the laundry gets tangled up in the drum. Other possible causes include uneven leveling, worn-out shock absorbers, or loose transit bolts. In this article, we will explain how to fix these issues and prevent your washer from shaking too much.
An unbalanced load is the most common cause of a shaking washer. When the weight of the laundry is not evenly distributed in the drum, it can cause the washer to wobble and vibrate during the spin cycle. This can damage the washer and the floor, as well as make a lot of noise.
To balance the load, you should follow these steps:
Pause the washer and open the door. Check if the laundry is clumped together or stuck to one side of the drum. If so, redistribute the items evenly around the drum. You may also need to add some small items, such as towels or socks, to balance out a large or heavy item.
Close the door and resume the cycle. The washer should spin more smoothly and quietly. If not, you may need to adjust the leveling feet or check the shock absorbers.
To prevent unbalanced loads in the future, you should avoid washing one large or heavy item at a time. Instead, mix different sizes and weights of laundry in each load. You should also use the appropriate cycle and spin speed for the type of fabric you are washing.
Another reason why your washer may shake violently is that it is not level. If the washer is tilted or wobbly, it can cause the drum to spin unevenly and create vibrations. This can also affect the performance and lifespan of the washer.
To level the washer, you should follow these steps:
Place a spirit level on top of the washer. Check if the bubble is centered. If not, the washer is not level.
Locate the leveling feet at the bottom of the washer. They are usually adjustable by turning them clockwise or counterclockwise. You may need a wrench or a pliers to do this.
Adjust the leveling feet until the washer is level. You can use the spirit level to check your progress. Make sure the feet are firmly touching the floor and not loose.
Run a spin cycle and observe the washer. It should not shake or move. If it does, you may need to tighten the locking nuts on the leveling feet or check the shock absorbers.
How to Replace the Shock Absorbers
The shock absorbers are the parts that cushion the movement of the tub and the drum. They are usually located at the bottom or the back of the washer. Over time, the shock absorbers can wear out or break, causing the washer to shake violently during the spin cycle.
To replace the shock absorbers, you should follow these steps:
Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply. You may also need to drain the water from the hoses and the tub.
Remove the front or the back panel of the washer. You may need a screwdriver or a hex key to do this. Be careful not to damage the wires or the hoses.
Locate the shock absorbers. They are usually attached to the tub and the base of the washer with bolts or pins. You may need a wrench or a pliers to remove them.
Replace the old shock absorbers with new ones. Make sure they are compatible with your washer model and installed correctly. You may need to align the holes and secure the bolts or pins.
Reattach the panel and plug in the washer. Turn on the water supply and run a spin cycle. The washer should not shake or make loud noises. If it does, you may need to check the transit bolts or call a professional.
The transit bolts are the metal rods that hold the tub and the drum in place during transportation. They are usually located at the back of the washer. If you forget to remove them when you install the washer, they can cause the washer to shake violently during the spin cycle. They can also damage the tub and the drum.
To remove the transit bolts, you should follow these steps:
Unplug the washer and pull it away from the wall. You may need to disconnect the hoses and the power cord.
Locate the transit bolts at the back of the washer. They are usually marked with stickers or labels. You may need a wrench or a socket to remove them.
Remove the transit bolts and the spacers. Keep them in a safe place in case you need to move the washer again.
Plug in the washer and push it back to the wall. Reconnect the hoses and the power cord. Run a spin cycle and check if the washer shakes. If not, you have solved the problem.
Conclusion
A front load washer that shakes violently during the spin cycle can be annoying and harmful. The main reason for this problem is an unbalanced load, which can be fixed by redistributing the laundry in the drum. Other possible causes include uneven leveling, worn-out shock absorbers, or loose transit bolts, which can be fixed by adjusting the feet, replacing the parts, or removing the rods. By following these tips, you can prevent your washer from shaking too much and enjoy a smooth and quiet laundry experience.
