Experiencing your Maytag washer shaking violently on spin cycle can be quite alarming. While a little shaking is normal, it’s concerning if the noise can be heard throughout the house.
There is no need to worry; I will help you decipher the reasons behind this behavior and provide easy tips to restore your washer to its normal, quiet operation.
You can fix your Maytag washer’s violent shaking during the spin cycle by redistributing the load and replacing damaged shock absorbers, balance rings, or shock dampeners.
Now, let’s dive deep into the world of Maytag washer troubleshooting and end the shake, rattle, and roll.
Table of Contents
- Why Your Maytag Washer is Vibrating During Spinning?
- Overloading
- Damaged Shock Absorbers
- Uneven Loading
- How to Fix Your Maytag Washer Shaking Violently on Spin Cycle?
- Shock Absorber Malfunction:
- Malfunctioned Balance Ring
- Bad Shock Dampener:
- How to Repair Maytag Washer Vibrating during Other Washing Cycles?
- Damaged Suspension Rods:
- Broken Suspension Springs:
- Rear Drum with Bearing:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: How much does a Maytag washing machine repair cost?
- Q2: When should a washing machine be repaired as opposed to replaced?
- Summing Up
- Steven Settles
Why Your Maytag Washer is Vibrating During Spinning?
The sudden and violent shaking of your Maytag washer during the spin cycle can be quite alarming and may leave you scratching your head for the cause.
Here are some common culprits that might be behind this unnerving situation:
Also Read: 16 Washing Machine Brands to Avoid & 3 Reliable Brands
Overloading
This is one of the most common mistakes that many of us make. We often think stuffing the washer with as many clothes as possible will save time and energy, but the opposite is true.
Overloading the washer leads to ineffective cleaning and can cause the machine to shake violently during the spin cycle.
This happens because excessive weight makes it difficult for the washer to maintain its balance. The key to preventing this is simple – lighten the load or redistribute it evenly.
Damaged Shock Absorbers
The shock absorbers or dampeners in your Maytag washer are designed to cushion the movements of the drum during the spin cycle.
If worn out or damaged, they won’t be able to effectively dampen the vibrations, leading to violent shaking of the machine.
This is a more serious issue that requires replacing the damaged parts.
Uneven Loading
This issue is closely related to overloading but can occur even with smaller loads.
If you jam all your clothes into one side of the washing machine or add bulky items, such as a blanket, it can lead to an uneven distribution of the load.
This unevenness can cause the washer to bang against the tub walls during the spin cycle, leading to violent shaking.
To fix this, pause the machine, open the washer, and redistribute the load so that it’s evenly spread out.
How to Fix Your Maytag Washer Shaking Violently on Spin Cycle?
If you have tried redistributing the load and the machine is still shaking and rattling, it might have a mechanical issue.
But before we go into a detailed troubleshooting guide, check out the following table, which summarizes all the common issues and their easy fixes.
| Common Issues | Easy Fix |
|---|---|
| Overloading | Lighten the load or redistribute it evenly. |
| Damaged Shock Absorbers | Replace all the shock absorbers. |
| Uneven Loading | Redistribute the load evenly. |
| Shock Absorber Malfunction | Replace all the shock absorbers. |
| Malfunctioned Balance Ring | Replace the balance ring (by a professional). |
| Bad Shock Dampener | Replace the dampener. |
| Snapped Counterbalance or Suspension Springs | Replace springs and lubricate with WD-40. |
| Damaged Suspension Rods | Replace all the suspension rods. |
| Broken Rear Drum Bearings | Replace the rear drum and bearings. |
Shock Absorber Malfunction:
The shock absorber is an essential component of your Maytag washer that contributes to its smooth operation.
It is designed to absorb the vibrations and movements of the drum during the wash cycle, preventing the machine from shaking violently.
However, with regular use, the shock absorbers can become separated or broken, compromising their ability to cushion the machine’s movements.
Operating your washer with faulty shock absorbers can increase vibrations and noise. It can even cause damage to other parts of your washer.
Easy Fix:
If you notice that your shock absorbers are separated, broken, or show signs of wear, replacing all of them, not just the damaged ones, is essential.
Malfunctioned Balance Ring
The balance ring is a crucial component that acts as a counterweight during the spin cycle. It is filled with fluid and helps to keep the drum balanced.
However, if it loses fluid or gets off-balance, it can cause the machine to shake violently.
Easy Fix:
Unfortunately, this is not something you can fix yourself. The balance ring will need to be replaced by a professional.
Bad Shock Dampener:
Maytag washers are designed for the user’s convenience, so almost all their models are equipped with shock dampeners.
These dampeners are crucial in cushioning the shakes during the spin cycle, ensuring your washer operates smoothly and quietly.
However, the dampeners can wear out or get damaged due to the constant movement and pressure they endure.
Easy Fix:
If you notice that the dampener looks worn out or damaged, you must replace it.
How to Repair Maytag Washer Vibrating during Other Washing Cycles?
In addition to the spin cycle exclusive issues, there are other potential causes for your Maytag washing machine shaking violently during other phases of the wash cycle:
Damaged Suspension Rods:
The suspension rods are fundamental components that support the drum and absorb the vibrations generated during the wash cycle.
These rods ensure that the drum remains stable and the machine operates smoothly.
However, if any of the suspension rods snap or become damaged, it can cause the machine to shake uncontrollably throughout the entire washing process.
This affects the efficiency of your washer and can cause additional damage to other components.
Easy Fix:
Replacement is usually the only option, and replacing all the rods, not just the broken ones is recommended to ensure the machine operates optimally.
Broken Suspension Springs:
There could be an issue with the suspension rings. The counterbalance and suspension springs are essential for maintaining the balance of the drum during the wash cycle.
These springs counteract the forces generated by the spinning drum, preventing the machine from shaking violently.
On the other hand, if any of these springs snap or become damaged, you will have a very shaky, off-balance washing machine.
Easy Fix:
It’s necessary to replace them and add a little WD-40 to ensure they stay stretchy and lubricated.
Regular maintenance of these springs can prevent costly repairs and prolong the life of your washer.
Rear Drum with Bearing:
The bearings in the rear drum are crucial for the smooth rotation of the drum. These bearings minimize friction and ensure that the drum rotates evenly.
If the bearings break or become damaged, you will have a violently shaking machine before it eventually stops spinning.
Easy Fix:
Replacing the rear drum and bearings is necessary, although it can be quite pricey. It is essential to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does a Maytag washing machine repair cost?
On average, you will spend between $160 to $380 to get your Maytag machine repaired. However, the first 5 years of using a Maytag usually involve a warranty covering labor and parts for virtually all repairs. After that, a limited 10-year warranty on the machine’s main parts is available, making most repairs fairly affordable, even if it’s something major like a drum.
Q2: When should a washing machine be repaired as opposed to replaced?
Repair your washing machine if the warranty covers the costs or if the repair cost is less than 50% of the machine’s value. Otherwise, replacing the machine is usually more economical if it is older than 10 years.
Summing Up
While it can be worrying to experience your Maytag washer shaking violently during the spin cycle, it is often due to simple reasons like overloading or uneven loading.
However, if redistributing the load does not solve the issue, it could be due to mechanical problems linked to the shock absorber, balance ring, or shock dampener.
Other causes, like damaged suspension rods, springs, or rear drums, can also lead to violent shaking.
Ensure to check your warranty and consider the cost of repair versus replacement before making a decision.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.