Suspension rods for washers, dryers, and dishwashers are a set of wires that attach to the front and back of your appliance. The suspension rod is attached at both ends, one end to the inside frame and the other to the outer frame. If you notice any sagging in between these two points, it could indicate a faulty suspension rod.
Signs to Know if washer suspension rods are bad:
Many different signs can hint at a problem with the washer suspension rods.
1. When the Washing machine shakes from side to side while it is in use:
One of these signs would be when your washing machine shakes from side to side while it is in use. It means that there could be a loose connection between the main body and the actual washing drum, which could cause problems if not fixed immediately.
2. Loud Noises:
Other symptoms include loud noises coming from the machine or a squeaking sound during operation. It could indicate a problem with one of the suspension rods because they’re not absorbing any vibrations from going through cycles to keep them quiet and stable. Finally, check for leaks at where the hose attaches to the legs on either side of your washing machine drum.”
3. Any visible cracks:
Any visible cracks in the plastic tubing on either side of the coupling nut at the top and bottom connect with the rod arm.
4. Water Level in the Machine Will be Uneven:
The water level in the machine will be uneven. Sometimes there may not be enough water for it to fill up, or sometimes too much, so you’ll see bubbles coming out from under the lid. It happens because the rod has loosened and doesn’t do its job anymore.
5. Clothes don’t wash properly:
When this happens, your clothes won’t get washed properly, and there’s a chance that they might fall through into the drum below if it isn’t balanced just right. -You might notice that when you open up your washing machine after running a load of dirty clothes.
6. Increase your rub wash cycle:
If it fails, your clothes will not get clean; you’ll have more wear and tear on your clothing because they constantly rub against each other in the wash cycle.
How do you replace a washing machine suspension rod?
There are a few different ways to replace the suspension rod on your washing machine. It depends on what type of suspension rod you have and whether it is broken or replaced. If the rod is broken, you will need to remove all objects from your washer before continuing with this instructable.
Then start by removing any screws that hold the top and bottom together and separate them so you can access the suspension rods. Now disconnect each one by hand because they may break as well, then slowly lower them until they rest in their lowest position inside the cabinet of your washer. After this step, remove any other pieces attached to these rods, such as brackets or clips, using a screwdriver or wrench set (if needed).
Replacement cost of the washing machine suspension rod:
The suspension rod of a washing machine is the metal part that connects the drum to the frame, and it’s pretty common for one of these rods to break. The whole thing costs about $50-$100, depending on where you go and if you have to replace anything else.
Other Factors That Might Cause the Shaking
Factor #1: Imbalanced Load
When your washing machine shakes aggressively, the first thing to examine is the load itself. An uneven distribution of clothes can throw the spin cycle off balance. Try redistributing items to balance heavyweight and lightweight fabrics. Also check for overloading, as too many clothes won’t allow proper agitation. Getting the load balanced properly often solves excess shaking issues.
Factor #2: Worn Suspension Rods
If adjusting the load doesn’t help, inspect the suspension rods, located below the washing machine drum. These rods are designed to minimize vibrations during spin cycles. But over time, they can become loose or deteriorate from constant motion. Visually check rods for cracking or missing rubber mounts. Wiggle rods to test for looseness. If worn out, replacement rods may be needed to stop the shaking. This maintains drum stability.
Factor #3: Faulty Motor Mounts
Sometimes the problem is underneath, where motor mounts attach the outer tub to the base. These mounts can wear out or become misaligned. Visually inspect mounts for cracking or detachment. Use a flashlight to look from all angles. Try wiggling the tub to check for looseness. If mounts are damaged, replacement is required. Solid motor mounts prevent the entire unit from excessive motion.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why does my washer shake bad?
When water flows through pipes, they create vibration, which can cause your washing machine to shake. The shaking is usually worse if the pipes are old or not well secured. If there are loose connections or kinks in the pipe, this could also contribute to shaking during the use of the washing machine.
Can you lay a washer down?
Yes, but not in the same way that you can lay other things down.
The trick is to put them on their side and balance them with something heavy like a book or weight. It will keep them from rolling away while they are drying off after being wet from washing clothes.
This method has been tested and proven by many people worldwide who have had problems with their washers because they were laid down incorrectly during laundry time!
With that in mind, there are some easy ways to stop the shaking and get back to your day!
1) Put a rubber mat under the front feet of your washer- this will help stabilize the machine on an uneven floor. The mat should also fit between the two legs on each side of the was.
2) Ensure that all four feet are level with one another- if they aren’t already, then adjust them until they are.
3) Make sure there isn’t anything blocking or touching any part of your washer.
Do you have a washer that is vibrating when in use?
If your washer is not sitting level, it could be because the suspension rods are bad. The suspension rods provide stability for the machine to rest on and allow its movement during its cycle. If they’re broken or worn out, then you’ll need to replace them with new ones.
Conclusion:
If you feel your washer is off-balance, unstable or vibrating when washing clothes, it may be time to check out the suspension rods. Although these are easy to replace and inexpensive, do not attempt this unless you know what you’re doing. If replaced incorrectly, they can cause more harm than good. You need to do it carefully. If you don’t handle it, call the professionals.
