It is only when our highly dependable appliances begin to break down do we appreciate how much we rely on them. This is especially true of our Whirlpool washing machines.
Whirlpool is a highly reliable and renowned brand. Therefore, when their innovative washing machines begin to vibrate and shake violently during their spin cycle, it is critical that you address the issues immediately. There are numerous potential causes.
However, this article should help you identify and resolve the matter as soon as possible.
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What Is a Spin Cycle
Whirlpool washers are a renowned washing machine brand. Like many respectable manufacturers, their washers incorporate a spin cycle as standard.
The purpose of a spin cycle is to remove as much excess water as possible that is retained by your laundry load. This ingenious technique minimizes drying time so that you can get clean, fresh laundry as soon as possible.
A spin cycle is a straightforward but effective process. Once the washing cycle has finished, the washing machine will spin the load at a very high RPM to apply a powerful centrifugal force onto the textiles inside.
It is essentially applying pressure to the materials a bit like ringing out a cloth. The greater the force applied, the more moisture is extracted.
Most often, the cycle will only last around 15 minutes. After that time, the machine will drain the residual water and leave you with damp rather than sodden clothes.
What’s The Cause and How to Fix It
As simple and effective as the spin cycle, it can cause some issues. Typically the process is short and can be a little loud due to the extreme speeds the internal drum is reaching.
However, you may have noticed that your whirlpool washer begins to shake violently during this spin cycle. You should address this issue immediately as it can exacerbate the internal issue or even damage the surrounding floor and walls.
Although this is a fairly common fault that occurs, but there can be many sources of this one problem. Therefore, this article will outline the critical problem that you should consider when this happens.
Balance Ring
The Whirlpool washing machine balancing ring sits on top of the drum to counter the forces created during spins. This ring functions by using fluid as a vibration absorber which will allow the machine to spin quietly.
To assess if this is the issue, you must first remove the top of the Whirpool washing machine and remove the securing screws. Inside the device, you will see a tube near the front of the drum that should be filled with fluid.
If it is empty, simply top it up with water and put it on a sprint to check if it is fixed.
Balancing
Suppose there is a very uneven distribution of material inside the washing machine. If this happens, it can cause the abnormal load to push the machine violently from side to side as it spins rapidly.
It may be surprising as the load may not have much weight when you put it in the washing machine. But remember, once textiles are wet, they can absorb vast amounts of water, easily tripling their weight.
The best method to tackle this issue would be not to combine laundry with large surface areas. For example, sheets and comforters are very large textiles that often don’t distribute themselves efficiently, coming into one giant, heavy ball.
It is best to mix large and small items together to ensure that the load can distribute evenly. This is a simple solution to what can seem like a severe problem.
Overfilling
Most of us are not particularly fond of the tiresome laundry process. Nevertheless, we have all been guilty of wanting to complete our washing in one entire load rather than the recommended two smaller ones.
Unfortunately, overfilling our machines can have many irritating consequences. Not only will it not be able to clean every garment effectively, but it may also mess with the washing process.
Such a sizeable heavy mass will push the washing machine to its limits, which can cause it to rattle violently. The best solution is to follow the user’s manual and never overload the device in the first place.
Shock Absorbers
A washing machine experiences impressive forces during a washing and spinning cycle. To deal with the energy that is being produced, shock absorbers are utilized to dampen the internal pressures.
Like a car, a washing machine needs shock absorbers to handle undulating pressure and impact. They perform an essential role that prevents the device from crashing chaotically around your washing cupboard.
Sadly, they will naturally deteriorate over time. However, if this should happen, it will allow your washing machine to move more aggressively during a spin cycle.
This will get progressively worse over time rather than fail immediately. To fix this, you will need a professional and experienced technician to replace them for you.
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Suspension Rods
Like shock absorbers, suspension rods play a vital role during a wash and spin cycle. The suspension rod holds the washing drum from above and works with shock absorbers at the bottom.
These rods are particularly effective at suppressing basket vibrations during the spin cycle. Therefore, they can be a cause for excessive vibrations during the spin and wash cycle.
Like shock absorbers, the suspension rods will become less effective over time. As a result, they will also become increasingly ineffective. However, they are also known for causing a squeaking sound as they deteriorate.
These cannot be fixed, and you will require a replacement set. Again this is a job best left to the professionals.
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Drum Bearing
The washing machine’s drum requires a bearing to ensure clean, smooth spinning for the cycles. Over time, however, the bearing will eventually become defective.
This is especially true for Whirlpool washing machines as they create very hot pressurized environments utilizing grease-busting detergents to clean your clothes. Unfortunately, heated, moisture, and grease busters are horrible news for bearings should they ever mix.
Should these bearings begin to break down, it will cause your Whirlpool spin cycle to vibrate aggressively. If you notice a vibration during the washing cycles, too, it is the best indicator that the bearings are the problem.
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Feet Adjustment
The Whirlpool washing machines come fitted with adjustable feet. This is a critical feature as it will allow you to keep the machine level regardless of the uneven texture of your floor.
However, with continual agitation from the movements generated by the washing machine, it can slowly unscrew the feet. If this happens, it will make the device appear to move violently during the spin cycles.
Fortunately, this is a relatively simple problem to diagnose and address. First, try to rock the machine from side to side when the machine is off.
If the machine moves at all, then you know that the feet have become uneven. To resolve this, you can simply manually adjust the feet until it is perfectly level once again.
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Technical Issues
A home washing machine is one of the most necessary and well-used appliances we own. Over time these innovative devices have become increasingly efficient and effective at their job.
However, they eventually break down with so much use, even with the best possible care. Think about how frequently you must use your machine each year and how constantly it performs.
Inevitably, we must accept that our beloved Whirpool washing machine that we depend on will eventually develop a severe issue. Although all of the most common problems have been discussed in this article, there is plenty of rare but possible problem that can cause your Whirlpool washer to shake violently.
Conclusion
In a perfect world, we would never have to face the issue of fixing our beloved Whirlpool washing machine. But, sadly, over time, this outcome becomes increasingly inevitable. However, after reading this article, you will be equipped with the appropriate knowledge to tackle any problems that cause the washing machine to shake during the washing cycle violently.
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.
