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Customer Questions and Answers for Balance Ring by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18026481
Manufacturer Part Number: WP387240

The Balance Ring is an OEM part for Whirlpool washing machines. This part maintains the stability of the washer drum during the spin cycle. It contains liquid that helps balance the load, minimizing vibrations and noise while ensuring smooth operation.

Causes of a bad balance ring can include general wear and tear, exposure to heavy or unbalanced loads, or physical damage.

Symptoms of a bad balance ring include:

  • Excessive shaking or vibrating during the spin cycle
  • Loud banging noises
  • Washer moving or walking during operation
  • Uneven or off-balance loads

This OEM Whirlpool part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper and some Kenmore models.

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Balance Ring (Part Number: OEM18026481)

Jodey for Model Number WF42H5000AW/A2-0000

I've been fighting balance issues on a 2 year old Samsung front load washer. At high speed it works. Just getting to speed is the issue. I replaced the shocks and it did not fix it. Spider ring is fine. No other noticeable problems on disassembly. Now I'm on to the balance ring. It is not fluid filled at all. Appears to have a dozen or so large ball bearings inside that do not move quickly at all. You can't half the ring and manually make the balls spin around the perimeter. Just turning it slowly and waiting for them to move a few inches at a time like they are gummed up. Not a smooth fluid movement at all. Not sure what to expect of this component but just giving the description. Does it sound like this is the problem?

1 Answer

Jodey, if the balance rings DC97-12135A sound like they are dry inside, then they would certainly need to be replaced as there should be a fluid movement in them. However, the back 6601-000148 and front 6601-002637 spin bearings should be inspected for signs of wear and if the spin basket can wiggle independently of the outer tub when set in the rear tub assembly. The spin basket should not have any play to be able to wiggle.

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David for Model Number WTW5000DW0

My machine is out of balance. During the spin cycle, there is a horrendous BANGING that occurs most, b ut not all, of the time. After doing some research, I replace the 4 corner suspension rod springs. The old ones look fine and I had a gut feeling this was not the problem, but it was an easy swap. After the 'repair', the tub is still out of balance. The liquid balance ring has fluid in it (I can hear it) so I don't think it's that. What else should I look at? I

1 Answer

David, you may want to inspect the spin basket for any overly loose movement between the hub W10528947 and the gearcase W11454734 shaft. You may also want to inspect the gearcase for a loose shaft (indicating worn bearings). You may also want to verify that the unit is level on all four of the legs as any leg that is not seated firmly down can cause this issue as well.

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1 Answer

Hello Aldo, I'm sorry but the manufacturer does not supply us with this information. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

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Also N. for Model Number 110.92273800

Washer started running out of balance on spin cycle. Machine is level, the 4 springs, pressure plate and both sets of pads (all 8) have been replaced. The balance ring has no cracks/leaks and contains 50% solution fill. The rear spring connected to the base is intact, and not rusted. After replacing all these parts, machine is only slightly better during the spin cycle, but still vibrating too much and shaking the floor and walls. Any other repair options would be appreciated. I ran the machine with lid open and it appears the top of the tub is shifting back and forth more than the base during the spin with no clothes/load.

1 Answer

Hello Also, The balance ring cannot be completely full since this would not allow for the shifting of the weight to create a balanced situation. Normally if the suspension springs are in good shape and the counterbalance spring is properly positioned, the machine is properly leveled and sitting on a firm floor, the issue is normally related to the skate plate WP3946509.

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Allen for Model Number wtw6600sw2

My Whirlpool Cabrio top loading washer always goes unbalanced when it hits a certain rpm around medium, almost like harmonics and starts bouncing up and down violently. Replaced the four suspension springs, bearings and shaft. I haven't replaced the balance rings yet... which I believe are part of the drum and you would have to replace the whole drum on this unit. I have pulled the drum and it has no leaks where the balance rings are. The bottom ring which is basically the whole bottom is in good shape and seems to have liquid in it hard to tell how much. The top ring has liquid in it as well and is in good shape seems to be half full, but looks like it is two pieces sandwiched together. Wondering if there are two rings on the top of this model? Also wondering maybe the suspension springs I bought were garbage and not doing there job, how would I test the springs if they were good even though they are new? In the process of replacing the washer hub kit soon as I receive them, but really doubt that is the problem. Last step is the drum itself because tha'ts all that left. What do you think?

1 Answer

Allen, you can test suspension rods by pressing the tub assembly down as far as you can and quickly releasing. The tub should rise right back up and not bounce up and down. The basket will only have one counter balance fluid ring on the top. You may want to double check to make sure the new suspension rods are seated fully at the top of the frame as this can cause issues. You may also want to check to ensure that the unit is level.

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Robert for Model Number WF330ANW/XAA

Tub is tremously out of balance, and sometimes smoke comes out of the tub. Completely dissassembled the machine expecting the spider assembly to be broken. Spider assembly is intact and the bearing seem fine. Overall the machine looks relatively new even though it is 6 years old and get alot of use. Shocks and springs also seem fine. Not sure about the balance ring. From what I have read, the balance ring seems ok. Can you confim how to determine if the balance ring is bad. And what else I should be looking at to fix the out of balance issue.

1 Answer

Robert, The balance ring would be good as long as the liquid is still in it with the bearing inside. This could be that the bearings are not in place in the tub properly causing the off balance.

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1 Answer

Joshua, you will need to replace the suspension rods. Over time the springs get weak and allow more movement than they should, resulting in excessive movement.

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1 Answer

Ryan, You will want to make sure that the unit is level, if it is then this would most likely be an issue with the pads on the skate plate and would need part numbers upper 285219, and lower 285744.

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1 Answer

Mike, Yes this bearing is supposed to be loose in the balance ring and will need to check to make sure that there is solution still sloshing around in the balance ring and if not then the ring would need replaced.

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1 Answer

Kerry, There are some bearings inside the balance ring as well as the liquid that is in it.

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