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Solved! the ultimate guide to stop your maytag washer’s violent shaking

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • If the shock absorbers become worn or damaged, they may not be able to effectively absorb the force of the spinning clothes, resulting in excessive shaking.
  • By understanding the causes of excessive washer shaking and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively address this issue and restore the smooth operation of your Maytag washer.
  • The most common reasons for washer shaking during the spin cycle include an unbalanced load, faulty shock absorbers, or a damaged tub bearing.

When your Maytag washer starts shaking violently, it can be a disconcerting and frustrating experience. Understanding the causes behind this issue is crucial for finding an effective solution. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various reasons why your Maytag washer may be shaking excessively, providing you with the knowledge to restore its smooth operation.

Causes of Excessive Washer Shaking

1. Unbalanced Load

One of the most common causes of washer shaking is an unbalanced load. When clothes are unevenly distributed within the tub, it creates an imbalance that can cause the washer to vibrate excessively. To prevent this, ensure that you distribute the laundry evenly before starting a cycle.

2. Faulty Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers play a vital role in dampening vibrations during the spin cycle. If the shock absorbers become worn or damaged, they may not be able to effectively absorb the force of the spinning clothes, resulting in excessive shaking.

3. Damaged Tub Bearings

The tub bearings support the weight of the tub and facilitate its smooth rotation. If the bearings become damaged or worn, they can create friction and cause the tub to shake violently.

4. Loose Drive Belt

The drive belt connects the motor to the tub and transmits power for spinning. A loose or damaged drive belt can cause the tub to wobble and shake excessively.

5. Transportation Bolts Still Attached

When you purchase a new Maytag washer, it usually comes with transportation bolts installed to prevent damage during shipping. These bolts must be removed before operating the washer. If they are left attached, they can cause the washer to shake violently.

6. Worn Drive Coupler

The drive coupler connects the motor to the transmission. If the drive coupler becomes worn or damaged, it can create a misalignment between the motor and transmission, leading to excessive shaking.

7. Faulty Motor

In rare cases, a faulty motor can cause washer shaking. The motor is responsible for powering the spinning of the tub. If the motor is not functioning properly, it can result in uneven spinning and excessive vibrations.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

1. Rebalance the Load

If the load is unbalanced, stop the washer and redistribute the clothes evenly. Ensure that heavy items are placed on the bottom and lighter items on top.

2. Replace Shock Absorbers

If the shock absorbers are faulty, they need to be replaced. Contact a qualified appliance repair technician for this task.

3. Replace Tub Bearings

Replacing tub bearings requires professional expertise. If you suspect that the tub bearings are damaged, it is advisable to call an appliance repair technician.

4. Tighten Drive Belt

A loose drive belt can be tightened by adjusting the tensioner. Refer to the washer’s user manual for specific instructions on how to tighten the drive belt.

5. Remove Transportation Bolts

Locate the transportation bolts at the back of the washer and remove them using a wrench or socket.

6. Replace Drive Coupler

Replacing the drive coupler is a complex task that should be performed by a qualified appliance repair technician.

7. Contact Maytag Support

If the above troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, contact Maytag support for further assistance. They may provide additional troubleshooting tips or dispatch a technician to repair your washer.

Takeaways: Restoring Smooth Washer Operation

By understanding the causes of excessive washer shaking and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively address this issue and restore the smooth operation of your Maytag washer. Remember to always prioritize safety and call a qualified appliance repair technician for tasks that require professional expertise.

What You Need to Know

Q1. Why does my Maytag washer shake during the spin cycle?

A: The most common reasons for washer shaking during the spin cycle include an unbalanced load, faulty shock absorbers, or a damaged tub bearing.

Q2. How can I prevent my washer from shaking?

A: Ensure that the load is balanced, replace faulty shock absorbers or tub bearings, and remove any transportation bolts before operating the washer.

Q3. Can I repair a Maytag washer that is shaking violently on my own?

A: Some troubleshooting steps, such as rebalancing the load or tightening the drive belt, can be performed by homeowners. However, more complex repairs, such as replacing shock absorbers or tub bearings, should be left to qualified appliance repair technicians.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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