What Should You Do When Your Top Loader Washer Starts Shaking Violently
Professional Repair Experiences
Have you ever felt like your laundry room has turned into a mini earthquake zone? I’ve been there. One moment, you’re expecting a peaceful laundry day, and the next, your top load washer is shaking so violently during the spin cycle that you think it might break free and run away. A shaking washer isn’t just an irritating noise; it’s a sign that something’s not quite right under the hood. Over time, this can lead to serious damage to your appliance and, of course, your nerves.
After dealing with this issue firsthand, I’ve learned that understanding the root causes of the violent shaking is key to solving the problem effectively. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience tackling a shaky washer, breaking down the most common reasons for this issue and providing step-by-step solutions to help you fix it—or at least know when it’s time to call in the pros.
Common Causes of a Shaking Washer
From my own trials, I’ve discovered that several issues can cause a top load washer to shake like it’s got a grudge against your laundry room floor. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Unbalanced Loads
My Experience:
I used to just toss clothes in without a second thought. Bad idea. More than once, I’ve been greeted by my washer doing a dance routine mid-cycle because the load inside was uneven. One side of the drum was filled with heavy towels while the other side had nothing but a couple of socks. This imbalance caused the drum to spin unevenly, which made the washer shake violently.
Solution:
Stop the cycle, open the lid, and redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum. It’s tempting to overstuff the washer to save time, but trust me, it’s not worth it. Make sure you’re not overloading the washer, and try to balance out heavy items like towels or jeans with lighter clothes,
Shipping Bolts Not Removed
My Experience:
When I installed my washer, I didn’t realize that the shipping bolts—those bolts meant to keep the drum secure during transport—needed to be removed. The first time I ran it, the washer nearly walked itself out of the laundry room. Turns out, these bolts can cause severe shaking if not removed.
Solution:
Check the back of your washer. If you see any remaining bolts, use a wrench to remove them. Make sure the drum has a little give—it should move slightly when you press on it, which means it’s free to do its job.
Improper Installation
My Experience:
Another time, I noticed the washer was still shaking, even after checking the load and the shipping bolts. The culprit? An uneven floor. It didn’t even cross my mind that my old, slanted laundry room floor was the problem. If the washer isn’t sitting level, it’s going to shake like crazy.
Solution:
Grab a level (I just used a free app on my phone) and check if the washer is balanced. If not, adjust the feet until it’s sitting evenly on the ground. This small step can save you a lot of headaches—and noise.
Worn Shock Absorbers
My Experience:
After some time, I noticed the shaking had returned with a vengeance. I did some digging (and a bit of panel removal) and found out that the shock absorbers, which are supposed to minimize movement and vibrations, were worn out.
Solution:
If you’re comfortable doing a bit of light appliance surgery, remove the front or back panel and inspect the shock absorbers. If they’re damaged or look worn out, replace them.
Faulty Suspension Springs
My Experience:
This was one of those moments where I thought, “This is beyond me.” Suspension springs help keep the drum stable, and if they wear out or break, your washer will shake like it’s in an earthquake. When I realized my suspension springs were the issue, I decided to call in a professional—it was clear this was out of my DIY comfort zone.
Solution:
Check the suspension springs for any signs of wear or damage. If you’re handy, you might be able to replace them yourself. But honestly, this is usually best handled by a professional appliance repair technician.
Preventive Tips to Keep Your Washer Stable
From my experience, a little preventive maintenance goes a long way in keeping your washer from becoming a shaky nightmare:
- Even Out Loads: Always make sure to distribute clothes evenly around the drum. Balance is key.
- Regular Maintenance: Don’t wait for something to go wrong—check and maintain those shock absorbers and springs regularly.
- Proper Installation: Make sure your washer is installed on a level surface. Trust me, this saves a lot of hassle down the line.
A top load washer that shakes violently isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a red flag that something isn’t right. Ignoring it could mean more damage, more noise, and more frustration. By identifying the cause and following these steps, you can keep your washer running smoothly and extend its lifespan.
However, if you’ve tried everything and your washer is still doing the Harlem Shake, don’t be afraid to call in a professional. Sometimes, the expertise of a seasoned appliance repair technician is exactly what you need to diagnose and fix more complex issues.
FAQs
Why does my top load washer shake violently on the spin cycle?
Unbalanced loads, shipping bolts left in place, improper installation, or faulty components like shock absorbers or suspension springs can all cause violent shaking.
How do I balance my top load washer?
Adjust the feet of the washer to ensure it is level on the ground. Also, redistribute clothes evenly around the drum during the wash.
Can overloading the washer cause it to shake?
Absolutely. Overloading can cause the drum to spin unevenly, leading to excessive shaking.
What are shock absorbers, and why are they important?
Shock absorbers minimize vibrations in your washer. If they’re worn out, they need to be replaced to keep the machine stable and prevent shaking.
Should I call a professional for a shaking washer?
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t solve the issue, calling a professional is a smart move to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
By sharing my own experiences, I hope to make the process a little less intimidating. Remember, while DIY fixes can work wonders, knowing when to call in an expert can save you from bigger headaches down the road.
For all your wahing machine repair needs, as well as any other home appliance repairs, reach out to Atlanta Appliance Repairs. Our experienced technicians are equipped to handle everything from minor repairs to more complex problems, ensuring your appliances are in top working order. Contact us today for dependable service that you can trust to keep your home running smoothly.
-
The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Trying to Fix Their Own LG Appliances
-
Why LG Washers Stop Spinning and the Fix I Recommend Most
-
My Go-To Fix for LG Dishwashers That Won’t Drain
-
What I Learned from 20 years of Repairing Frigidaire Appliances
-
From leaks to legends personal stories of fixing Frigidaire dishwashers
-
Why My Kenmore Oven Wouldn’t Heat Up: How I Diagnosed and Replaced the Igniter
-
Kenmore Refrigerator Not Cooling: My Experience with Replacing a Faulty Condenser Fan
-
How I Fixed a Kenmore Washing Machine’s Leaky Nightmare: Solving Drain Pump and Hose Problems
-
The Day My Kenmore Dryer Stopped Heating: Diagnosing and Fixing Heating Element Issues
-
Why Your Jenn-Air Microwave Isn’t Heating and How to Fix It
-
The Most Overlooked Maintenance Tips for Your Jenn-Air Cooktop
-
Why Your Jenn-Air Microwave Isn’t Heating and How to Fix It