How to test the suspension rods on an unbalanced Maytag washer

If your Maytag washer is unbalanced during agitation and spin, the problem may be with the suspension rods. This part is responsible for supporting and stabilizing the wash tub. Before you call for a repair technician, you can quickly test the part yourself to determine if it’s the source of the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem and get your appliance back up and running.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance, 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.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What do the suspension rods do?

The suspension rods are connected between the outer tub frame and the inner wash tub. They provide structural support to hold the heavy wash tub in place. As the wash tub spins at high speeds during the spin cycle, the suspension rods act as shock absorbers. They help dampen the vibrations and movements of the tub, keeping the washer from shaking and moving around.

The suspension rods ensure the wash tub remains centered and properly aligned within the outer tub frame. This helps prevent the tub from shifting off-center, which can cause the washer to become unbalanced and shake excessively. 

If the suspension rods become worn, damaged, or fail, it can result in an unbalanced washer that shakes, vibrates excessively, or has trouble spinning the load effectively. 

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

Safety precautions

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

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• 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.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 

Read more: How to replace suspension rods in a top-load Maytag washer

Testing steps

1. Make sure the washer is upright and level. Do not test the suspension rods if the washer is tilted or uneven.
2. Gently press down on the tub as far as you can, applying firm pressure.
3. Hold the tub down for a few seconds, then release your grip and observe how the tub settles back into position.
4. The tub should bounce back up quickly and settle back into place without excessive bouncing or oscillation. If the tub bounces up and down multiple times before stabilizing, it could indicate an issue with the suspension rods.
5. Keep in mind that this test won’t necessarily identify which specific suspension rod(s) may be faulty. It can only indicate if there is a general issue with the suspension system.
6. If the test shows potential suspension rod problems, you’ll need to further investigate by accessing and inspecting each suspension rod individually. 
7. Once you’ve completed the suspension rod testing, make sure to restore power to the washer by plugging it back in or flipping the breaker back on if it was turned off.

Read more: How to fix an unbalanced Maytag washer

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Maytag 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.

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