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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)

Jerry Rtw4640yq0 for Model Number RTW4640YQ0

Have a Roper RTW4640YQ0. At beginning of spin cycle , the insides bang against the cabinet and machine walks clockwise about 45 degrees on the floor as well as banging into adjacent wall and dryer. 1) Inspected 4 suspension rods as this thread suggests. Top hooks in to the swivel balls OK. Bottom springs look OK and seated in the plastic pockets of water tub.Appear matched in spring strength as tub is level. Passes the suggested test ( in this subject) of push one at a time ,all the way down & quickly release no excessive over travel. 2) Noted only 2 suspension rods on the right side have horizontal springs from water tub to suspension rods that were quite stretched out . Fitted all 4 rods with slightly stronger springs from hardware store. NO HELP. 3) Dynamic balance plastic ring on top of basket . W10238307 . As quickly rotate basket back & forth 45 degrees , hear slosh of fluid in ring. Sounds not very filled. Other forums say some types or designs have metal ball bearings or heavy oily fluids or freeze resistant fluids or interior baffles to retain fluid in place... *** This one seems audibly underfilled ? As the machine over some years did exhibit mild shaking but banging only became severe recently. Is it possible the fluid has evaporated slowly over time thru the obvious 3/8" diameter plug on the top of the ring ? I see in parts diagrams the ring is not called out as separate from the basket . Efforts to pull it off the basket only moves it 1/4 " at most . No obvious catches to release like the white ring above it . Searching for the part number is unsuccessful . I am considering drilling out the 3/8" plug , looking at fluid level and filling to perhaps 3/4 with diluted automotive antifreeze & sealing up hole with a new plug & RTV . I've read a LOT and watched many UTUBES . This forum has come the closest to an answer. However this ROPER ultra simple very clever design that uses only 4 suspension rods does not appear in most repair forums, where up to 12 different parts beyond the suspension rods are indicated as possible causes and fixes. Thanks in advance ! jerry RTW4640YQ0 2.11.2021

1 Answer

Jerry, The balance ring could be a cause but typically the fluid in it would not evaporate. It would be recommended to check the pulley on the bottom of the gearcase to make sure that the pulley is not loose and if it is put some Loctite on it to make sure that it does not loosen up again.

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1 Answer

Hello Philip, the water fill is usually about 3/4 of the total capacity of the balance ring,

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1 Answer

Hello Andy, I'm sorry but we will need to ask you to please post a new question including the verified model number from the units' I.D. tag since the one provided will not come up for us as a valid model number. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

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1 Answer

Roger, The balance ring holds fluid to help balance the unit in a spin. If the fluid has leaked out it will definitely affect the unit. We would need a model number to help you look up parts or be of any further assistance.

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Arthur for Model Number GUD27GSSJ0WW

My GE stacked washer/dryer combo, has problem with washer. After putting some 2 feet x 3 feet cotton foot carpets x 4, I guess the washer got off balance and started slamming the washer/dryer around. It does this now on every load. I opened it up and checked the 4 hanging rods, and can't tell if there is something wrong. It tried leveling the washer, but it still off balances the load. I even ran the diagnostic spin, and had the front open, and even if I tried to hold the drum, it was way more than a 5 pound off balance. I was basically shaking violently. I notice this washer doesn't have those upper bands for other washers that people show in their videows. Only the 4 hanging rods. I assume the balancing of this washer is 1. The 4 hanging rods. 2. balancing ring? 3. something else regarding the center shaft?

1 Answer

Hello Arthur, first, check the spin basket and check if it is warped, out of round, in spin mode it should spin true and not wobble inside the outer tub, if it seems ok replace the tub suspension rods.

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Brian for Model Number LSR6332KQ0

I have a very bad vibration and unbalanced tub during the spin cycle. I inspected my machine and the springs and pads all looked to be in good condition. Minimal wear on the pads. I can hear liquid in the balance ring. I replaced all the springs but the problem still persists. I made sure the machine was level and that the self-leveling feet in the back were working properly. Not sure what else might be causing the problem. Can I just replace the balance ring on this model? It looks like the balance ring does not come off on this model. Please tell me what the problem might be.

1 Answer

Brian, it would be recommended that the tub nut WP21366 is checked to ensure that it has not loosened. If it has, it would need to be tightened. Unfortunately, the balance ring is only available as part of the spin basket W10389329.

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1 Answer

Bonita, it would be recommended that the damper pads 203956 and suspension spring WP22001300 (unfortunately, the manufacturer has discontinued this spring) are inspected for any damage. If the damper pads slip or start to fail, or the springs break, they can cause this washer to start to shake and vibrate excessively.

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1 Answer

Sheila, the spin basket does utilize a fluid in the top and bottom balance rings. The level of the washer will need to be checked and corrected as necessary. The next test would be placing a cup of water on the dryer (dryer can not touch the washer) and starting a spin cycle while the washer is empty. If the vibrations transfer to where the cup is vibrating, the floor may be the cause for the excessive vibration as there should be very little to no vibration transfer. If this all checks good and there are no loose bolts or nuts, then the suspension rods W10820048 would be the most likely cause.

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1 Answer

Area2, It could be the balance ring. The balance ring should have a solution in it and if it does not it will cause the unit to not spin properly. The other thing would be if the stator is damaged or if the shaft has become loose.

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1 Answer

John, If you have recently moved, make sure no shipping bolts are left connected to the unit. Other issues that cause out of balance are the struts underneath the unit, DC66-00470C Two needed for front and DC66-00531B two needed for the rear. The only other possibility would be the bearing in the rear or the spider assembly broke but both usually comes witrh a noise complaint also.

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