Why does the washing machine jump during the spin cycle and what should I do?

Like any other commonly used household appliances, washing machines may suffer from malfunctions. Quite often, problems with the device manifest themselves in the form of very strong vibration. Next, you will find out the most common reasons why the washing machine jumps during washing, and find out if you can fix them yourself.

Causes and prevention of strong vibration

Sometimes a problem is easier to prevent than to eliminate, and this is also true if the washing machine vibrates. To prevent this, a number of measures can be taken in advance. So what to do to make the machine stable:

• Immediately after installation of the equipment, so that it does not jump, be sure to remove the bolts holding the drum and tank during transportation. At the same time, it is better to save them, so that they can then be used when transporting the machine or selling it.

• The surface under the appliance must be perfectly flat so that the washing machine does not vibrate.
• Before fixing the device, it is installed using a level so that the presence of a skew does not provoke an imbalance. The washing machine jumps when squeezing the laundry because the unregulated legs cause vibrations.

Tip: after installing the legs, so that they do not move further, each of them is fixed in place with a lock nut.

• The reason for moving the machine from place to place may be a smooth, sliding floor. How to fix it in place? For the legs of the device, you can use anti-slip nozzles or simply install the equipment on a rubber mat.

What types of machines often vibrate during the spin cycle

The natural vibration of technology is a normal phenomenon, because the rotation speed of the drum during spinning is huge. Of course, to make their washing machine considered noiseless, manufacturers are doing everything possible, however, some models are more prone to “shaking” due to their technological parameters.

Thus, a narrow washing machine is most vulnerable in this sense. This is due to a much smaller footprint than large machines. This leads to low stability and "jumping" in the bathroom when washing. Another risk factor is a narrow drum, which provokes an uneven distribution of linen in it, leading to an imbalance and “jumps”.

Before installing the washing machine, find out what material the tank is made of. Devices with a metal tank are louder and shaking than cars with plastic tanks. The washing technique with a tank, which does not touch the body, turned out to be quieter and more stable.

What do the “jumps” of the washing machine say and how to solve the problem

If the installation is done correctly, and all risk factors are excluded, then the answer to the question: why does the washing machine jump, should be looked for in various malfunctions and misuse.

Improper operation

1. Error loading laundry and choosing a program

Errors in using a washing machine can occur not only when you don’t know how to fix the equipment, but also in the discrepancy between the selected program and the type of laundry. You can find out by an elementary study of the operating instructions. An important nuance: although the size of the tank is designed for a certain amount of linen, in different modes the weight of the loaded things may vary and will be less than the nominal capacity. Therefore, when overloaded and accordingly uneven arrangement of linen, the machine jumps a lot.

Your actions: if shaking occurs, stop the running program, get things out, then divide them into two halves and wring them in turn. If the laundry is tangled, disassemble it.

1. Excess object between drum and tank

In the space between these two structural elements, a small object from erasable clothes can sometimes get. According to statistics, most often it becomes a bone made of metal, which was previously part of the bra, and the next place is occupied by coins and pins.

Your actions: if you want to save, you can try to do it yourself. But it’s safer to call a wizard who will disassemble the device, will clean and remove the stuck item. By the way, in some cases it turns out that the washing machine is jumping due to factory defects. And then you have to temporarily part with this technique, while it will be repaired or replaced.

Component malfunctions

To dampen natural vibrations during the spin cycle, the body of the equipment is equipped with elements that must prevent vibration: springs, shock absorbers or dampers. Over time, these parts are subject to wear and tear and do not fulfill their function. Because of this, the tank warps, and the parts collide with each other. How to determine the type of malfunction?

1. The problem with axial bearings

This is the second most frequent cause of vibration of the washing machine during spin cycle. You can diagnose it if you hear a specific rattle, and the drum moves freely from one side to the other. To check, scroll the drum when there is no laundry in the machine, if you hear a strange rumble, it's time to call the master.

Tip: immediately stop using the equipment in the event of such a malfunction, or if a breakdown awaits it that cannot be repaired.

What to do: call a master who knows how to fix new bearings.

1. Counterweight Destruction

This part also contributes to damping vibrations. The counterweight is a heavy block of cast iron or concrete, which are located on the upper and lower sides of the body and are attached directly to the tank. Blocks allow you to keep the equipment in one place. Basically, problems arise due to the fact that during operation, the fasteners can weaken and become unusable. But the counterweight made of concrete can collapse over time, and then the washing machine jumps when washing.

What to do: Call a master who knows how to fix the counterweight or replace it.

1. Motor failure

One of the most problematic issues explaining why the washing machine vibrates. One cause of vibration is loose bolts. This can be fixed quickly and without difficulty. In other cases, you may need a complicated repair or a complete replacement of this extremely important spare part. Incidentally, quite often the engine malfunction is caused by excessive vibrations due to improper operation.

What to do: urgently call a master who will repair the electric motor or replace it with a new one.

Repair Video

In this video, the home appliance repair master will talk about the main reasons why the washing machine jumps during the spin cycle. In addition, you will learn how to resolve the problem.

Read also: Why the washing machine does not wring out the laundry.