How to stop an unbalanced Maytag washer from shaking

If your top-load Maytag washing machine is shaking, bouncing, or causing excessive noise or vibration during spin cycles, these are signs that your machine is unbalanced, which could cause damage to your machine if left unchecked. 

Let’s unpack how you can stop your washing machine from shaking and vibrating.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Maytag washer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you’ll need

• 7/16-inch socket
• Flat-head screwdriver
• 5/16-inch socket

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Keep safety first

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

How to troubleshoot an unbalanced Maytag washer that’s shaking

Follow these steps to fix a shaking and vibrating washer that’s showing signs of being out of balance.

Step 1: Check the spin basket

Start with the counterbalance ring on top of the spin basket.

1. Make sure the washer is unplugged and disconnected from the water supply.
2. Manually spin the basket by hand to get it rotating.
3. Abruptly stop the basket’s rotation with your hands.
4. Listen carefully for any sloshing water sounds inside the basket.

If you hear the liquid moving around, the counterbalance ring is likely working correctly.

If you don’t hear any water noises, you may need to replace the counterbalance ring.

The counterbalance ring is filled with a specific amount of liquid (usually water or a water-glycol mixture) and is designed to distribute weight evenly around the top of the spin basket. If it’s damaged, leaking, or not functioning properly, it can cause the spin basket to become unbalanced.

Read more: How To Replace A Washer Balance Ring

Step 2: Inspect the drive hub 

The drive hub connects the agitator and spin basket to the washer’s transmission.

1. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the center cap on the agitator.
2. Use the 7/16-inch socket to unscrew and remove the agitator bolt.
3. Carefully lift off the agitator plate and set it aside.

Inspect the drive hub area for any cracks, breaks, or a damaged or missing retainer clip. If you find any damage, the drive hub needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Check the gearcase 

The gearcase transfers power from the motor to the spinning basket and agitator. Excessive play means the gearcase is worn out and fails to properly transfer power, which can lead to a shaking washer with balance issues.

With the agitator plate removed, firmly grab the exposed drive shaft and wiggle it back and forth. There should be no play or wiggling movement.

If the drive shaft wiggles around, it’s a clear sign the gearcase needs to be replaced.

Read more: Maytag washer not spinning or agitating: A troubleshooting guide

Step 4: Look at the belt 

The belt connects the motor to the spinning basket and helps facilitate the spin cycles.

1. Tilt your Maytag washer onto its back so the bottom is exposed.
2. Remove the belt shield cover bolts with the 5/16-inch socket.
3. Take off the belt shield and slide the belt off the pulleys.

Look for any signs of wear and tear on the belt, such as:

• Flat or dry spots
• Cracks, glazing, or hardening
• Fraying or shredding

If the belt is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

Step 5: Check the suspension rods 

The suspension rods support the entire wash tub and basket assembly. They provide shock absorption and stabilization to keep everything level during the wash and spin cycles.

If you’ve made it through all the previous steps and all the other parts looked good, then the suspension rods are most likely the culprit. Here’s how to make sure:

1. Make sure your washer is standing upright and level.
2. Press down firmly on the top of the wash tub, compressing it down as far as you can.
3. Release the pressure and watch how the tub settles back into position.

In a healthy washer, the tub should resettle quickly with minimal bouncing or wobbling. But if the tub continues bouncing up and down repeatedly, it’s a strong indicator that one or more of the suspension rods are failing and need to be replaced.

Read more: How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine

How to prevent a washer from shaking or getting unbalanced

If you’ve checked your washer’s parts and found them in good condition, consider these tips to prevent the machine from shaking or getting out of balance.

• Make sure the washer is level. You can use a bubble level to check if it’s balanced. If needed, adjust the washer’s leveling legs or use shims under the legs to stabilize it.
• Make sure the floor under your washer is smooth, sturdy and capable of supporting the weight and vibration of the washer. If the floor is weak or uneven, you might need to reinforce it or place a thick plywood panel under the washer.
• Use anti-vibration pads to reduce excessive vibration. These pads fit under a washer’s feet and are particularly useful if your washer is on a second floor or on a non-concrete floor.
• When you’re loading laundry into your washer, balance the load by evenly distributing items inside the basket. Mix large and small items.
• Never overload the washer or try to press items down or squeeze them into the basket. In the best case scenario, your laundry won’t get clean, and in the worst case, you can damage your washer by overloading and straining its parts.
• Avoid filling a washer over 3/4 of the way with laundry. Follow your model’s manufacturer guidelines regarding load capacity.
• If you need to wash oversized and bulky items such as comforters and large blankets, use large commercial machines whenever possible so they can move around freely and get thoroughly cleaned. Washing a single heavy item in your washer can cause it to shake excessively and become unbalanced, so try to add a few other items to balance the load.
• Select the appropriate cycle for the type of load you’re washing. Some machines have specific cycles to handle heavy items like towels and bedding, which can help distribute the weight more evenly.

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your shaking washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog, and more. We can also help you troubleshoot common washer problems here.

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