Whirlpool Washer Shakes During Spin Cycle

Your whirlpool washer is a vital household appliance. An essential tool for maintaining clothes clean and fresh. Yet, what happens when it begins to shake during the spin cycle? A washing machine shaking unchecked can lead to a variety of problems. It can become annoyingly loud, start moving across the floor, cause undue wear and tear on the machine itself, and even result in water leakage. These issues can cause significant inconvenience and potentially costly repairs. Therefore, understanding the reasons behind why your whirlpool washer shakes during its spin cycle and finding solutions is crucial. The vibration or shaking during the spin cycle can be caused by various factors. Let's delve into the most common reasons and their potential solutions. The first and foremost reason is an unbalanced load. When laundry is unevenly distributed in the washer, it can cause the machine to shake when it spins. This happens because the weight of the clothes is not equally distributed, causing an imbalance in the drum. To resolve this, simply open the washer, rearrange the load, and start the spin cycle again. Make sure you evenly distribute the load when loading the machine to avoid such an occurrence. The second common reason pertains to the washer's leveling. If the washer is not on a level surface, it can rock back and forth during the spin cycle. In turn, this can lead to noticeable shaking and moving. Check the level of your washer by using a carpenter's level on the top. Then, adjust the washer's feet until the bubble on the level is centered. Furthermore, avoid placing your washer on a plush carpet as this can contribute to instability. Thirdly, the vibrations can be traced back to worn out or damaged suspension springs or shock absorbers. These components function as the washer's stabilizing system during the spin cycle. Damaged springs or absorbers no longer effectively reduce the washer's vibrations, resulting in shaking. Typically, this problem requires a professional repair, so if you suspect this is the case, it might be best to call a technician. Transport bolts are another cause for an unstable and shaking washer. These bolts are designed to keep the tub in place during transportation, preventing any damage. If these bolts are not removed before using the washing machine, the trapped tub will shake violently during the spin cycle. Inspect your machine for any transport bolts and remove them if necessary. A lesser common reason is a faulty drive pulley. This is the part at the back of the washer drum that drives it during the spin cycle. If it becomes loose or damaged, it can also cause the washer to shake. Fixing this problem generally requires technical know how and should commonly be handled by a professional. Though it isn’t the pleasantest of chores, routinely cleaning your washer is essential. Over time, residue can accumulate along the washer's drum, causing an imbalance leading to shaking. Running an empty load with hot water and vinegar or a built-for-purpose washing machine cleaner should get the job done. Lastly, overloading or underloading might be another cause for shaking. Washers are designed to operate with optimal loads. When they’re overly filled, the load can become imbalanced causing the machine to shake. Alternatively, too few items in your washer could cause a similar issue since the washer seeks to distribute the load evenly for an effective spin. Therefore, always ensure you adhere strictly to your washer's recommended load size to prevent such issues. In conclusion, although it’s distressing when your whirlpool washer shakes during the spin cycle, the fix is often straightforward. Whether it be adjusting the load size, leveling the machine, or potentially calling in a technician for more complex issues, remedies are generally easy to implement. It’s crucial to promptly address these issues to prevent any further damage to your washer, prolonging its lifespan and saving you from unnecessary costs or inconvenience.