How to Fix Unbalanced Washer: Troubleshooting the Problem

What is this buzzy, sometimes bum-bum as in thumping, coming from the washer? If just now you heard voices like that, calm down – it is not like your washer being possessed by some evil spirits. It may come from unbalanced weight inside the drum, which may be caused by several factors that make the drum tilted.

No, don’t call a pro yet, as you can still fix it yourself by applying these how-to-fix unbalanced washer tricks below.

Read also: Whirlpool Washer Stuck on Sensing

How to Fix Unbalanced Washer with Three Options of Troubleshooting

It is not the only diet that may become unbalanced. Your washer may experience it too. This will be triggered mostly if you put the washing machine on a titled level, unstable flooring, too much load, some disturbing ‘foreign bodies’, or simply because of the washer’s gear dysfunction.

How to Fix Unbalanced Washer

Let’s talk more profoundly about how to fix an unbalanced washer by troubleshooting the problem.

Read also: Troubleshooting Tips for Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Issues

  1. Too much load on one side

If you’re using a top loader or front load washers, be mindful of how you load your clothes. An uneven load can cause an unbalanced washing machine, especially in top-load and front-load models.

Distribute your clothes evenly to maintain balance during the spin cycle and prevent the washer from becoming unbalanced. Most washers tend to be capable of distributing loads within the drum.

Yet, if your washer is weary or has operated intensively for a long time, it is best to control how you put your clothes while washing. This is to avoid an unbalanced load washing machine.

  1. Is the machine placed on such a tilt?

Whether you have a top-loading washer or a front-load washer, ensuring the machine is level is essential. An unbalanced base frame can cause the washer to tilt, leading to an unbalanced washing machine.

Use a spirit level to check the level of the machine and adjust the feet accordingly. This simple adjustment can significantly improve the balance during the spin cycle.

Your washing machine should be perfectly level since tilting the machine will cause the drum to become unbalanced – given that the load will shift to the slope direction. Hence, washing machine drum off track may happen.

Use a spirit level to check whether this surface fix needs to balance the level perfectly. If it is tilted, you can adjust the feet with a wrench and a crowbar.

  1. Unstable floor

It turns out that an unstable floor will cause the vibrations to become more severe. Hence, you should try to dismiss anything that may cause more vibration and strengthen the subfloor itself. For example, you may put on a piece of thick plywood beneath the machine, such as 1 inch thick (or more).

Another recommended thing is to dig for something wrong inside. You should consider skipping it if you have no experience with opening the washer for this troubleshooting step. Get a professional to dig deeper and locate what’s wrong with your machine.

If you decide to do it yourself, you must befriend the owner’s manual book. Find out the way to remove the panel of the machine so that you can check for:

  • Any unremoved shipping bolts
  • Any damaged washing machine components include suspension springs, shock absorbers, snubber ring, or driver bearings.+

Read also: LG Washing Machine Error Code DE

  1. Suspension Rod and Locking Nut

In both top load and front load washers, the suspension rod plays a crucial role in keeping the machine balanced. If your washer is unbalanced, check the suspension rod for any signs of wear or damage.

Additionally, ensure that the locking nut on the rod is tightened correctly. A loose or damaged suspension rod can cause significant imbalance during the wash cycle.

Regular Maintenance

Regular washer repair and maintenance are key to preventing an unbalanced washing machine. This includes checking for uneven loads and ensuring all components, such as the suspension rod and base frame, are in good condition.

For front-load washers, it’s also important to regularly clean the door seal to prevent debris from affecting the balance.

The last option of this how-to-fix unbalanced washer trick may be difficult for you, as it is also difficult for many others. If the problem persists, consider calling a professional to get some help.

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HomeTips is an experienced author and expert technician. With years of practical experience in the field authored several informative articles on various aspects related to home improvement, including installation, maintenance, and repair.