How to fix a leaf blower that vibrates excessively

Does your leaf blower feel like it’s about to take off, shaking more than ever and making yard work a real pain? That crazy vibration isn’t just irritating, it might be pointing to some underlying problems that’ll only get worse if you ignore them. Let’s take a look at what’s causing all that shaking and how you can sort it out yourself.

Just a heads-up: The info here might not match up exactly with your specific leaf blower. We try to dish out helpful tips for DIY repairs across the board, but models can vary and that might change things like troubleshooting steps, error codes, or which parts you need. For the best advice, we suggest checking the manufacturer’s guide for your exact model or reaching out to us if you’ve got questions.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• If working indoors, make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a serious risk.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Never attempt to service or repair while it is running or when the engine is still warm. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.
• Exercise extreme caution when working near blades, augers, or any other moving parts. Keep your hands, fingers, and clothing clear of these areas at all times.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any hot parts to cool down before working on it.
• Empty the gas tank before beginning any work. Refill using fresh fuel.
• 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.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.
• When not in use, store the machine in a safe and dry location.

Read more: How to fix a leaf blower that starts and then stalls

Top causes for gas-powered leaf blowers

Damaged or unbalanced impeller

The impeller, or fan blade, can become damaged from hitting debris, leading to excessive vibration.

Steps:

1. Turn off the blower and ensure it is cool to the touch.
2. Remove the housing to access the impeller.
3. Inspect the impeller for cracks, chips, or bends.
4. If damaged, purchase a compatible replacement part as specified in the manual.
5. Install the new impeller, ensuring it is properly aligned and securely fastened.

Loose or worn-out engine mounts

Engine mounts or vibration dampeners absorb movement during operation. Worn or loose mounts can lead to excessive shaking.

Steps:

1. Remove the housing to expose the engine mounts.
2. Check the mounts for cracks, looseness, or wear.
3. Tighten any loose screws or bolts.
4. If mounts are damaged, replace them with new ones recommended for your blower model.
5. Reassemble the housing and test the blower.

Engine misfire

Misfires can cause uneven engine operation, often due to spark plug issues or improper fuel mixture.

Steps:

1. Locate the spark plug and remove the spark plug wire.
2. Unscrew the spark plug and inspect it for dirt, wear, or carbon buildup.
3. If dirty, clean the spark plug with a wire brush. If worn out, replace it with a new one.
4. Check the spark plug gap using a gap gauge, and adjust it to the manufacturer’s specification if necessary.
5. Ensure you are using the correct gas-to-oil ratio for the blower. Replace old or incorrect fuel with a fresh, proper mixture.

Top causes for electric (corded) leaf blowers

Unbalanced or damaged fan blade

The fan blade may become warped, cracked, or loose over time, leading to vibrations.

Steps:

1. Turn off the blower and unplug it to ensure safety.
2. Remove the housing to access the fan blade.
3. Inspect the blade for cracks, bends, or signs of warping.
4. Tighten the blade if it’s loose. If damaged, replace it with a new fan blade recommended for your model.
5. Reassemble the housing and test the blower.

Loose bearings

Bearings inside the motor can wear out or become loose, causing instability.

Steps:

1. Turn off and unplug the blower.
2. Open the housing to access the motor and bearings.
3. Check the bearings for wear or looseness. If they are worn or damaged, purchase compatible replacements.
4. Replace the bearings by carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Reassemble the blower and test its performance.

Damaged housing or mounts

Cracks in the casing or loose internal mounts can amplify vibrations.

Steps:

1. Inspect the blower’s housing for visible cracks or damage.
2. Check the internal mounts and screws for looseness.
3. Tighten any loose screws or bolts.
4. Repair small cracks in the housing with epoxy or replace the casing if the damage is severe.
5. Reassemble the blower and ensure all parts are securely fitted.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Leaf-Blowing

Top causes for battery-powered leaf blowers

Imbalanced fan assembly

The fan assembly may become misaligned or damaged, causing uneven operation and vibration.

Steps:

1. Turn off the blower and remove the battery to ensure safety.
2. Open the housing to access the fan assembly.
3. Inspect the fan for cracks, bends, or misalignment.
4. If the fan is damaged, replace it with a compatible part. If misaligned, adjust its position until it spins evenly.
5. Reassemble the blower and test to confirm the vibration is resolved.

Loose internal components

Screws, bolts, or motor mounts can loosen over time, leading to increased vibration.

Steps:

1. Turn off the blower and remove the battery.
2. Open the casing to access the internal components.
3. Look for any loose screws, bolts, or motor mounts.
4. Tighten all loose parts securely, replacing any stripped screws or damaged fasteners.
5. Close the casing and test the blower.

Improper battery fit

A poorly seated or loose battery can cause unnecessary vibration.

Steps:

1. Remove the battery and inspect the battery compartment for debris or damage.
2. Ensure the battery is fully seated in its slot when reinserted.
3. If the battery is loose, replace it with a new one that fits securely.
4. Test the blower to confirm the issue is resolved.

Top causes common to all types of leaf blowers

Unbalanced or damaged impeller

The impeller, responsible for creating airflow, can become damaged or misaligned, causing excessive vibration.

Steps:

1. Turn off the blower and disconnect it from the power source (unplug, remove battery, or ensure gas-powered engines are off and cool).
2. Remove the housing to access the impeller.
3. Inspect the impeller for cracks, chips, or misalignment.
4. Replace the impeller if damaged, or realign it if it’s off-center.
5. Reassemble the housing and test the blower.

Debris stuck in the impeller housing

Leaves, sticks, or other debris can become lodged in the impeller area, disrupting balance and airflow.

Steps:

1. Turn off the blower and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Remove the housing or any covers near the impeller.
3. Clear out any debris using gloves or a soft brush. Avoid using sharp tools to prevent damage.
4. Inspect the impeller for further damage caused by the debris.
5. Reassemble the housing and test the blower.

Loose screws or bolts

Over time, vibrations during regular use can loosen screws and bolts, leading to instability and further vibrations.

Steps:

1. Inspect all visible screws, bolts, and fasteners on the housing, motor, and impeller.
2. Tighten any loose screws or bolts using the appropriate tools.
3. Replace missing or stripped screws with new ones that match the manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Securely reassemble the blower, ensuring all parts are firmly in place.
5. Test the blower to ensure the vibrations have been resolved.

Read more: Troubleshooting and Fixing a Leaf Blower that Won’t Start

We’re here to help

Fixing a shaky leaf blower isn’t too tough if you’ve got the right advice and parts. If you need spare parts or a bit more help, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Head over to AppliancePartsPros.com for quality parts and more repair tips. We’re here to help you get your appliances up and running again.

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