How to properly install a washing machine so that it does not jump during the spin cycle?

What to do if your washing machine shakes, jumps and makes noise? Our tips will be useful to those who want to save money on calling a specialist: everything is accessible and simple. From removing anchors to rubber mats, we've got you covered!

Why does the washing machine jump during the spin cycle and what can be done about it?

First of all, check whether everything was done according to the instructions during installation. Often the machine jumps simply because the transportation anchors were not removed before use. They can be called transportation bolts, but this is not entirely correct - in addition to the bolts, there are other parts, but this is not significant. They are installed in the machine to rigidly fix the tank, which, as the name implies, protects the machine from damage during transportation. Sometimes during installation they forget to remove them or simply do not understand why they need to be removed, and this leads to strong vibration during the spin cycle. When the anchors are removed, the tank hangs freely on shock absorbers, which soften vibration. If you have no idea how to do this, it is better to call a professional. Readers who are fairly confident in their abilities can simply use the instructions - they describe in detail and with illustrations how to remove the anchors when installing a washing machine.

Another reason for a jumping car could be that the legs are not adjusted.This can be dangerous: if it is not completely level, some parts may touch each other and become damaged. Check the machine for unsteadiness by shaking it from side to side - the fact that it gives way clearly indicates that the legs are not adjusted correctly. It's not at all difficult to fix it yourself. Most often, the legs of the machine are simply tightened like bolts, so anyone can do it correctly. The best option for adjustment is to put a building level on the machine (if you don’t have one, you can use a saucer with water, but it will not give such accuracy). You must first place a building level parallel to the front (the door is located on it) and back walls of the machine, check the tilt in this plane and adjust. After that, place it parallel to the side walls, that is, perpendicular to the previous position, and do the same.

If the previous tips did not work, perhaps the reason is not the machine, but the unsuitable floor for it (too smooth, crooked or not strong enough). To fix this, you can buy a thick rubber mat, special rubber pads or suction cups. The pads will need to be glued on: check with the sellers on how to do this with the ones you purchased. You can probably find all this in any home goods store. In addition, the machine could simply move. Check to see if it is in contact with walls, pipes or other objects around it.

Still don't know why the washing machine is jumping? Some machines start to shake and make noise when they can't balance the laundry properly. It’s worth checking the instructions to see how much laundry they recommend loading.It is also recommended to add a couple of towels if you are washing one bulky item (for example, a jacket) so that the laundry is evenly distributed. When loading, try to distribute the items evenly throughout the drum and avoid washing too little or too much.

Shock absorber in a washing machine

If the machine worked properly before

The machine worked fine for a while, but now it jumps? This may indicate a malfunction, and it is better to deal with breakdowns as early as possible, before they lead to more serious damage. Most often these are problems with the counterweight, shock absorbers or bearings.

• Shock absorbers.

Shock absorbers in washing machines are designed to soften vibrations and prevent the tank from hitting the body, which keeps all parts safe and sound.

To check the shock absorber, pull the tank towards you and release it. To do this, you need to put your hand inside the drum, grab onto it and pull. If it just returns to its place, everything is fine. If it swings from side to side, the shock absorbers will have to be changed.

To repair shock absorbers, you need to change the plastic linings. Disconnect the shock absorber from the body (to do this you need to unscrew a few screws and remove it). If you find damaged covers, remove them and replace them with new ones. To do this, you need to unclench the U-shaped metal rods, install new parts and return the rods to their original position.

• Counterweights.

The counterweight is a heavy block that also prevents vibration, making the washing machine stable. It is made of concrete or plastic. Concrete counterweights crumble and break down over time. But more often, problems arise with the fastening - they become loose, and a characteristic knocking and vibration occurs.If you don't know how to replace them correctly, calling a professional would be a good solution.

• Bearings.

Unfortunately, some failures in washing machines are almost inevitable due to moisture. Bearings, for example, will most likely begin to rust and deteriorate over time, causing them to become unusable. At first, the machine makes an iron grinding sound, and when the damage becomes more serious, the drum begins to move freely from side to side, and the machine vibrates strongly. If you suspect a bearing failure, it is highly not recommended to use the machine - during operation they can literally fly apart, damaging other parts. It is better not to change the bearing yourself - such work requires experience and special knowledge.

Advice

If you are not confident in your abilities and knowledge, we strongly recommend that you seek help from a specialist.

There are many known cases when, not knowing what, how and why to do, unlucky craftsmen simply broke the equipment. Some parts of washing machines are quite expensive, and a new machine even more so. So it may happen that in pursuit of savings you end up having to spend money on more complex repairs and purchasing new spare parts.