Sometimes during washing, you have to watch the washing machine – when the spin cycle starts, it starts to move. This happens due to strong vibration, the reasons for which can be different. Therefore, in this article we will understand why the washing machine jumps during spinning and what to do about it.
Reason 1: the transport bolts have not been removed
If the new washing machine jumps when spinning, the transport bolts may not have been removed. They do not fix the drum “firmly”, but only limit its mobility. So everything will work, but at the same time, the washing units wear out quickly and the machine jumps when spinning.
The problem can be solved simply by removing the transport bolts. They are located at the back. Their number can be different – three, four, five – depending on the model and manufacturer. The bolts are simply unscrewed using a screwdriver of the appropriate size.
Reason 2: the washing machine is not leveled
In the installation instructions, each manufacturer reminds of the need to place the washing machine horizontally in all planes. In reality, many (especially during independent installation) neglect this. And in vain. The washing machine jumps when spinning, most often precisely because it was not set up.
This, by the way, is not as innocent as it seems. Skew leads to uneven wear of shock absorbers, bearings, transmission belt. So, if your machine jumps, check if it is set correctly.
Check that the housing is not tilted forward or backward. To do this, put the construction level along the short side. Right, then left. Adjust the position of the legs if necessary. Then apply a level either along the long side or along the height of the machine. This is how it is checked whether it is not piled to one side.
After everything is set perfectly in all planes, it is necessary to tighten the locking bolts on the legs – they must be “driven” under the body of the machine itself. This prevents the legs from changing.
Reason 3: the laundry was distributed unevenly
If the washing machine jumps when spinning, and you know for sure that the bolts have been removed and it has been leveled, it is possible that the laundry in the tank was unevenly distributed during washing. This often happens if a duvet cover and small items are washed at the same time. In some inexplicable way, all the things turn out to be inside the duvet cover, strayed to one side. In this case, when spinning the drum, the washing machine also starts to jump.
Laundry is unevenly distributed even in case of excessive loading. This happens because there is not enough free space. Overloading, by the way, has a negative effect on the quality of washing.
In this case, the solution to the problem is simple: turn off the power (press the “stop” key) to interrupt washing. Wait until the door unlocks, redistribute the laundry or remove the excess and start the washing machine again. In some models, after turning on the power, it will start working from the place where it was interrupted, in others you will have to set the spin mode and speed.
Reason 4: problems with shock absorbers
Shock absorbers are provided in the design to stabilize the drum of the washing machine. If they work poorly, too powerful a vibration is created when the drum rotates. As a result, the washing machine jumps during spinning.
Sometimes there is a strong knocking. This happens if the shock absorbers have become so weak that they do not hold the drum with a load of wet laundry. And he knocks on the hull. If this is the case, you should immediately stop washing and start correcting the situation. Otherwise, the drum may break some important part.
You can make sure that the washing machine jumps when spinning due to a failed shock absorber if you remove its top cover and press the drum with your hand several times. It should be applied with force, and immediately spring into place. If it “goes” too easily, the shock absorbers must be changed.
Reason 5: the counterweight is broken/displaced
Another device that helps keep the drum in the right position is a counterweight. This is a powerful part located in the upper part of the drum. It works in tandem with a shock absorber – it evens out the balance and does not allow the drum to deviate too much (shock absorbers do not allow it to move down too much). A correctly centered counterweight is the guarantee that the washing machine stands in place.
The shape, dimensions, location of the counterweights are different. Even in different models of the same company, they can differ significantly. They are always fastened with powerful pins or bolts. Examine the counterweight. If there is no visible damage, it is good. Try to move it. If there is play, the fastening may have loosened. Try to tighten the bolts or studs. If the backlash has disappeared – well, you can try to start the car. Maybe she doesn’t “jump” anymore.
Sometimes, if the washing machine “jumped” for a long time and it was not paid attention to, from beating and impacts, the counterweight can crack. Also, due to vibrations, the hole into which the fastener is inserted can become larger. All this leads to the elimination of the counterweight, and you notice that the washing machine jumps more and more when spinning.
You can get rid of the jumps of the washing machine in this case only by replacing the counterweight. It can be purchased at the service center. But you need to know exactly the model of your car and have the exact dimensions.
There may be trouble with discontinued models — it will be difficult to find a counterbalance of the desired shape and mass. It will not work from another machine. The way out then is to find the same washing machine in the ads (usually sold for a real penny). Let it be with a non-working motor or control, but with a whole counterweight. Take it apart, remove the counterweight and put it on your car. This decision can be successful: you will have a stock of spare parts for repairing the washing machine.
Reason 6: Bearing problems
Another reason for the strong vibration of the washing machine is worn bearings. But in this case, when the drum rotates, you hear a grinding, crackling or similar sounds. It appears if you spin an empty drum by hand. Also, if you move it from side to side, holding one of the crossbars, you feel a large backlash. Large or small depends on the degree of wear of the bearings. In their normal state, there is simply no movement. If there are all these signs, most likely the bearing will have to be changed. And it is not so simple.
The bearing is located in the central part of the tank where the drum axis is attached. If there are rusty streaks coming from the bearing, this is a sign that it has been triggered. You can make sure of this by removing the drum.
The washing machine jumps when spinning: what else can it be
Sometimes, after going over possible options, no violations are found. There are some other points that can cause the machine to vibrate:
- The floor is too hard. If the washing machine is standing on a tiled floor, even if it is perfectly installed and with a working filling, it can jump. All because of the stiffness and inelasticity of the floor covering. In this case, special anti-vibration pads or a regular rubber mat can be placed under the legs. The problem will be solved.
- Some objects are stuck between the drum and the tank. Often these are pennies, underwires from bras, small metal parts that fell out of pockets. In this case, you will have to disassemble the machine, remove the drum, collect all foreign objects. In order not to repeat the problem, carefully check the laundry before loading.
In order not to have to solve problems with a washing machine that “runs” when spinning, it must be installed correctly. The main thing is to expose it horizontally in all planes. The second point is not to overload the machine with laundry. Then shock absorbers and bearings will serve for a long time.