The main reason why your front load washer is always off balance is because of uneven load distribution inside the drum. To fix this, you need to pause the cycle and rearrange the clothes evenly. Other possible causes include placing the washer on an uneven surface, worn out shock absorbers, damaged suspension springs, or faulty control board. In this article, we will explain each of these causes in detail and how to troubleshoot them.
One of the most common and easy to fix causes of an off balance washer is uneven load distribution. This happens when the clothes are clumped together on one side of the drum, creating an imbalance in the weight and rotation. This can cause the washer to vibrate, shake, make loud noises, or even stop the cycle.
To prevent this, you should always load the washer properly, following these tips:
Do not overload the washer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the maximum load size and weight for your model.
Do not mix heavy and light items in the same load. Wash similar fabrics and weights together, or use the appropriate cycle for each type of load.
Do not wash large items like blankets, comforters, or rugs alone. Add some smaller items to balance the load, or use a bulky cycle if your washer has one.
Do not wrap items around the agitator or impeller. This can cause the clothes to get tangled and create an imbalance. Instead, drop the items loosely into the drum, leaving some space in the center.
Pause the cycle and redistribute the load manually if you hear the washer making unusual noises or shaking excessively. Open the door, move the clothes around, and close the door. Resume the cycle and check if the problem is solved.
Another possible cause of an off balance washer is placing it on an uneven or unstable surface. This can affect the alignment and stability of the washer, causing it to wobble or tilt during the spin cycle. To fix this, you need to adjust the leveling legs of the washer, following these steps:
Unplug the washer and disconnect the water hoses.
Use a level tool to check if the washer is level from side to side and front to back. If not, tilt the washer slightly and turn the leveling legs clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower them until the washer is level.
Tighten the locking nuts on the leveling legs to secure them in place.
Reconnect the water hoses and plug in the washer.
Run a test cycle and check if the washer is balanced and stable.
Worn out shock absorbers
Shock absorbers are the parts that absorb the vibrations and movements of the tub during the wash and spin cycles. They are located at the bottom of the washer, attached to the tub and the base frame. Over time, they can wear out, break, or leak, causing the tub to bounce or sway excessively. This can make the washer go off balance and produce loud banging sounds.
To check and replace the shock absorbers, you need to follow these steps:
Unplug the washer and remove the front or rear access panel, depending on your model.
Locate the shock absorbers at the bottom of the washer. There are usually four of them, two on each side of the tub.
Inspect the shock absorbers for any signs of damage, such as cracks, breaks, leaks, or loose connections. If you find any, you need to replace them with new ones.
To remove the old shock absorbers, use a pair of pliers to squeeze the tabs on the top and bottom ends and pull them out of the brackets.
To install the new shock absorbers, insert them into the brackets and snap them into place. Make sure they are securely attached and aligned.
Replace the access panel and plug in the washer.
Run a test cycle and check if the washer is balanced and quiet.
Suspension springs are the parts that support the tub and keep it in place during the wash and spin cycles. They are located at the top of the washer, attached to the tub and the cabinet. Over time, they can stretch, break, or detach, causing the tub to sag or move out of position. This can make the washer go off balance and produce loud thumping sounds.
To check and replace the suspension springs, you need to follow these steps:
Unplug the washer and remove the top panel, depending on your model.
Locate the suspension springs at the top of the washer. There are usually four of them, one on each corner of the tub.
Inspect the suspension springs for any signs of damage, such as stretching, breaking, or detaching. If you find any, you need to replace them with new ones.
To remove the old suspension springs, use a pair of pliers to unhook them from the tub and the cabinet.
To install the new suspension springs, hook them onto the tub and the cabinet. Make sure they are securely attached and have the same tension.
Replace the top panel and plug in the washer.
Run a test cycle and check if the washer is balanced and smooth.
Faulty control board
The control board is the part that controls the functions and cycles of the washer. It is located behind the control panel, depending on your model. Sometimes, the control board can malfunction, causing the washer to spin at the wrong speed or time. This can make the washer go off balance and stop the cycle prematurely.
To check and replace the control board, you need to follow these steps:
Unplug the washer and remove the control panel, depending on your model.
Locate the control board behind the control panel. It is a rectangular circuit board with wires and connectors attached to it.
Inspect the control board for any signs of damage, such as burns, cracks, or loose connections. If you find any, you need to replace it with a new one.
To remove the old control board, disconnect the wires and connectors from it and unscrew it from the control panel.
To install the new control board, screw it onto the control panel and reconnect the wires and connectors to it. Make sure they are securely attached and match the colors and labels.
Replace the control panel and plug in the washer.
Run a test cycle and check if the washer is balanced and working properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your front load washer can go off balance due to various reasons, such as uneven load distribution, uneven surface, worn out shock absorbers, damaged suspension springs, or faulty control board. To fix this, you need to troubleshoot each of these causes and replace the faulty parts if necessary. By doing so, you can restore the balance and performance of your washer and prevent further damage or injury.
We hope this article has helped you understand why your front load washer is always off balance and how to fix it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy washing!
