Top Load Washing Machine Shakes Violently

The snubber pad dampens the vibration of the washer tub.

Top load washing machine shakes violently.

The short pause and vibration when the washer spin cycle reaches approximately 400 rpm is a normal. If the snubber pad is worn out missing or coated with a sticky substance such as detergent fabric softener or transmission oil the washer will vibrate or shake during operation. Once the washing machine sees the load is properly balanced the spin cycle continues and ramps up to maximum rpm with minimal vibration. These rods can be easily replaced in about 15 minutes.

Redistributing the load will usually solve this issue if the cause is due to too many clothes on one side of the unit. They also absorb the vibration of the wash basket while the machine is in the spin cycle. A shaking washing machine can be quite concerning. The suspension springs on your washing machine are used to either suspend the tub assembly from the cabinet or to stabilize the tub assembly to the washer base.

It may feel like the floor is about to collapse underneath your machine and the sound can make it seem like the entire building is falling apart. Inspect the snubber pad. When the washer vibrates it is because the drum inside is spinning the load at a rapid rate. If the washer is walking vibrating shaking or moving check the following.

Hook it back into the center. If the washing machine is not balanced it may shake violently during the spin cycle causing water to spill on the floor. A short video about my whirlpool washer shaking madly due to worn suspension rods. Assuming you have a front loading washing machine recommended for energy efficiency you can access the suspension springs through the top panel.

On 1995 and newer top load washers you must remove the shipping material just before sliding the washer into place. The gravitational force on the load pushes the clothes against the outside of the drum which then pushes on the washer. The best way to determine the cause of shaking and vibration in your washer is to start with the simple. If your remove the bottom panel on a top load washer and see a spring rolling around your suspension rod fell off.

If the snubber pad is worn out or missing replace it. A washing machine imbalance can be caused by a unit that does not sit level to the ground. Occasionally these springs will become damaged stretched or detached which can cause excessive.