When your washing machine shakes, there is no mistaking that distinct and surprisingly disruptive sound. We’re all familiar with the distant whir of a properly functioning washing machine and the dangerous clunking that means a top-loader needs to be rebalanced. But what about constant shaking, rattling, and vibrating when your washer is performing its daily clothes-spinning duties?
A noisy washing machine not only interrupts your peace of mind and the soundscape of your home, but it could also be doing damage to your washer by thrashing it around and shortening its lifespan. If you’re tired of your washing machine making so much noise, skittering across the floor, or doing damage to itself, then it’s time to do some repairs. In many cases, this is a problem that can be solved with a few home adjustments but you may need to call for repairs if an internal stabilizing part is a problem.
When a washer starts to shake violently on a regular basis or vibrate loudly, the cause is either internal or external. If it is external, then the washer is not braced correctly to account for its own internal movements. If the problem is internal, then the drum movements inside are unbalanced and this will need to be remedied.
The single leading cause for a noisy washer that won’t stop wobbling is uneven appliance feet. Your washer needs to sit level, meaning that the top of the washer is completely flat, even if the floor underneath the washer is uneven.
In top-loading washers, in particular, the balance of your washer load matters a great deal. And with heavy enough items, you can even unbalance an HE front-loading washer. If the load is unbalanced, the washer will have a hard time absorbing the uneven spinning velocity and you may hear some shaking or clattering.
If it’s not the feet and it’s not the load balance, then your problem is most likely the shock absorbers that hold the washer drum in place. For both front-loading and top-loading washers, you may notice an increased amount of shaking, vibrating, and clunking washer noise when the shock absorbers aren’t performing up to par. The shock absorbers are meant to gently hold the drum in place, but they can become detached, start leaking lubricant, or break over time and with heavy use.
This may be the time to call a repair service. But if you’re comfortable opening up your washer, you can safely diagnose the issue. Follow the instructions for your model of washer to remove the front panel. You should be able to identify one of three problems by looking at the shock absorbers connected to the outside of the drum.
If your problem is with the feet or the load balance, then it’s easy to fix your vibrating washer at home without assistance. However, if the problem is deeper, decide on your own comfort level with self-repairs. If you’re handy or trained in appliance repair, then replace your shock absorbers with confidence. Or if you’d rather make sure it’s done right by a professional, call a repair service before your laundry starts to pile up.
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