Have you noticed that your washing machine has started to make a loud noise and jump during the spin cycle? Perhaps the reason is that the drum is unbalanced. If you have such a problem, you need to solve it, because excessive noise and vibration not only disturb you, but also lead to wear on the parts of the washing machine.
In earlier models, the imbalance leads to strong vibrations during the spin cycle. And modern models can stop if the system fails to restore balance.
Balancing the washing machine drum: instructions
Have you noticed that your washing machine has started to make a loud noise and jump during the spin cycle?
Perhaps the reason is that the drum is unbalanced. If you have such a problem, you need to solve it, because excessive noise and vibration not only disturb you, but also lead to wear on the parts of the washing machine. In earlier models, the imbalance leads to strong vibrations during the spin cycle. And modern models can stop if the system fails to restore balance.
Why is the balance disrupted?
Typically, drum imbalance occurs when the automatic control system enters the spin phase. Linen bunched together leads to imbalance, and the equipment is subject to severe shaking. The imbalance problem occurs due to the following reasons:
In many modern models, the appearance of an imbalance can be recognized by displaying an error with the corresponding code. To prevent problems from occurring, do not load the machine more than specified in the instructions. Filling - up to 70 percent of the volume. If things are bulky, when wet they will become heavy and cause overload - this must be taken into account when loading the tank. It is advisable to wash items of different sizes together - this will distribute the load evenly.
How to balance a drum with your own hands
Washing machine drum balancing is automatically built into modern models from Samsung, LG, Bosch, and Ardo. This additional feature is called "Imbalance Control". In this case, the system will not allow the washing machine to spin until the problem is resolved. To do this, the drum rotates in different directions, sometimes slowing down, sometimes accelerating.
If you set the spin to maximum speed, but the imbalance is not corrected, then the machine will significantly reduce the spin speed so as not to harm its parts. Or the spin cycle will be stopped altogether. In any case, you will get almost wet laundry out of the drum.
How to do balancing yourself? Proceed sequentially:
Top-loading washers make it easier to center laundry because you don't have to drain the water to open the door. If, after distributing the items, the washer shakes again during the spin cycle, check the balancing stones. They are located behind the front and rear panels of the SMA and are attached to the drum. Sometimes their fastenings become loose, leading to imbalance.
Automatic load balancing
Automatic balancing is relevant when the user decides to wash a lot of clothes, resulting in an imbalance in the drum. That is, things accumulate in one area, and the mechanism is overloaded. This is fraught with rapid wear of the supporting elements, the engine and, in particular, the bearings. The owner himself cannot identify such a problem by eye, but with a modern Smeg washing machine this is not required. Automatic balancing starts if a special sensor is triggered. The washer stops the cycle and begins to slowly rotate the drum from side to side so that the laundry is distributed evenly.
How to avoid imbalance
Make sure that you load the drum according to the norm for your washing machine. If the washing machine is designed for three kilograms of laundry, this does not mean that you need to fill the drum to capacity. It should be 2/3 full. And:
If you are just going to buy a washing machine, choose the load capacity in accordance with the number of everyday items to wash. If, when choosing a drum volume of 7-8 kg, you cannot collect enough for a daily load, washing once a week will not always be convenient.
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Imbalance of washing machine during spin cycle
A washing machine vibrating strongly during the spin cycle (and in particularly “severe” cases even moving around the room and bouncing slightly) is not as rare a phenomenon as one might think. The reason may lie either in the initial violation of the installation rules or in imbalance over time.
Why is an imbalance in a washing machine dangerous?
This condition of the washing unit not only causes discomfort to the owners and their neighbors due to loud noise, but also leads to an increased load on the machine parts, their premature wear and the approach of a more serious breakdown.
This is the main reason why a machine with an unbalanced drum should not continue to be used - the problem must be solved.
Some modern washing machines even have a function to stop the rotation of the drum if the system receives a signal that the balancing is off. Older and simpler models do not stop washing, and strong vibration occurs during the spin cycle.
Causes of imbalance
Incorrect distribution of laundry in the drum
This is often the reason. For example, if you put only one fairly voluminous item in it (pillow, blanket, down jacket, etc.), then the washing machine will not work correctly by default - when spinning, the item will occupy only one section of the drum, without creating an even load on it.
Many modern washing machine models will stop washing and display an error message or try to spin the laundry at very low speeds.
Similar reasons why the SMA may show an error related to imbalance:
An imbalance will occur if the shaft (the part that is responsible for transmitting torque from the motor) is rusted or bent.
Other problems may arise:
Mistakes made during installation
Installation errors can also lead to problems:
Washing machine error codes for imbalance
As we wrote above, most modern washing machines have an imbalance control function - it is mandatory for units that support spin speeds above 1000 rpm.
A special sensor transmits a signal to the control board in the event that an imbalance is detected inside the operating unit (due to the uneven arrangement of things and for other reasons). The unit tries to solve the problem itself by reducing the spin speed and rotating the drum alternately in different directions. If this does not help, an error code appears on the display and the wash stops.
There will be different codes for different brands. For example, for LG this is the code UE (drum imbalance during spin) or CE. And for Samsung - code E4 or UE.
How to balance a drum
If the problem lies in uneven loading of laundry, then you need to:
1. Unplug the machine from the outlet.
2. Drain the water manually (the emergency drain is always located at the bottom of the SMA).
3. Open the hatch and redistribute things, add something else or remove some of the laundry.
4. Restart the wash.
Does it continue to shake? Then it is better to contact the service center.
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Purpose of this function
In short, imbalance control in a washing machine is a timely response of the system to an imbalance occurring inside the machine. A special sensor detects uneven distribution of things in the drum or other reasons for deviation from the norm and sends a threat signal to the control board. The unit tries to solve the problem on its own, and if unsuccessful, stops the wash to avoid damage. Otherwise, the laundry crumpled on one side will cause jumps, which will lead to strong vibration, shock and mechanical damage to internal parts. The result will be failure of the bearing assembly, shaft cross and drum surface.
With functioning imbalance control, this will not happen. The sensor will immediately detect a deviation from the norm, reduce the rotation speed, reduce vibration, stop the cycle and give a warning sound. Afterwards, the owner will have to independently eliminate the cause of the imbalance, for example, open the door and evenly distribute things in the drum.
All modern washing machines with a spin speed above 1000 rpm are necessarily equipped with an imbalance control function.
It is better to carefully read the factory instructions after purchasing the machine and before starting the first wash. It describes recommendations for eliminating imbalances on a specific model, and also provides basic rules for operating the washing machine. For example, the main nuance that provokes excessive vibration is failure to comply with the permissible load. Do not forget to take into account that the capacity in kg indicated on the marking refers to cotton fabrics. Synthetic materials and wool products are somewhat heavier, so we strictly monitor the weight of the laundry we wash.
Balancing a washing machine drum - how to do it yourself
If your washing machine jumps and hums a lot during the spin process, then the balance of the drum is likely to be imbalanced. This type of malfunction must be corrected as quickly as possible. And the point here is not only the noise that the machine creates. When the drum is unbalanced, parts of the device wear out. In this article you will learn how to balance a machine drum.
Causes of strong vibration during the spin stage
If the machine vibrates too much, this factor clearly indicates the appearance of an imbalance. Our specialists will help you find out what exactly the problem is. Most often in our practice we encounter malfunctions of the following components:
Only specialists will be able to reliably determine the cause of the malfunction. The approach to servicing new and used machines has fundamental differences. In the first case, the most likely causes are improper transportation and installation; in the second, wear and tear of key functional units.
For what reasons does the imbalance occur?
The imbalance occurs during the spin process. The laundry in the drum of the machine clumps into a lump, resulting in an imbalance. At the same time, the washing equipment begins to shake violently.
The following are the main reasons why imbalance may occur:
On some modern models of washing equipment, when an imbalance occurs, a corresponding error code appears on the display.
How to fix the problem yourself?
It should be noted that modern models of washing equipment from LG, Samsung, Bosch or Ardo are equipped with automatic drum balancing. The name of this function is “Imbalance Control”.
If the balance is imbalanced, this system will not allow the washing machine to start spinning the laundry until the problem is corrected. The drum of the machine will spin in different directions with deceleration and acceleration.
If the user has set the spin of the laundry at the highest speed, and the imbalance has not been corrected, the washing machine will greatly reduce the rotation speed of the drum during spinning. In this way, the machine will prevent damage to parts. Also, the spinning of the laundry may stop completely. In both cases, the user will remove almost wet items from the drum.
You can balance the drum yourself. The following steps must be taken:
It should be noted that on top-loading machines, centering the laundry is much easier. Indeed, in this case, opening the door does not require draining the water.
In some cases, the machine begins to rock during the spin process, even after centering the laundry. In this case, it is necessary to check the condition of the balancing stones.
These parts are fixed to the drum. They are located behind the back and front panels of the machine. Imbalance occurs when the fasteners of these parts become loose. To fix the problem, you need to tighten these fasteners.
Balancing a washing machine drum - how to do it yourself
If your washing machine jumps and hums a lot during the spin process, then the balance of the drum is likely to be imbalanced. This type of malfunction must be corrected as quickly as possible. And the point here is not only the noise that the machine creates. When the drum is unbalanced, parts of the device wear out. In this article you will learn how to balance a machine drum.
How to fix the problem yourself?
It should be noted that modern models of washing equipment from LG, Samsung, Bosch or Ardo are equipped with automatic drum balancing. The name of this function is “Imbalance Control”.
If the user has set the spin of the laundry at the highest speed, and the imbalance has not been corrected, the washing machine will greatly reduce the rotation speed of the drum during spinning. In this way, the machine will prevent damage to parts. Also, the spinning of the laundry may stop completely. In both cases, the user will remove almost wet items from the drum.
You can balance the drum yourself. The following steps must be taken:
It should be noted that on top-loading machines, centering the laundry is much easier. Indeed, in this case, opening the door does not require draining the water.
In some cases, the machine begins to rock during the spin process, even after centering the laundry. In this case, it is necessary to check the condition of the balancing stones.
These parts are fixed to the drum. They are located behind the back and front panels of the machine. Imbalance occurs when the fasteners of these parts become loose. To fix the problem, you need to tighten these fasteners.
Why does it vibrate and bounce so much?
During normal operation, LG washing machines should experience some vibration, especially during intensive drum rotation stages. Moreover, for devices with a belt drive it is higher than for direct drive ones. This is explained by design features. But there shouldn't be any significant shaking.
All the reasons for the “bouncing” of the LG washing machine can be divided into two conditional groups:
Violations of the rules for using equipment include:
With equipment breakdowns, the situation is more complicated . Vibrations that can cause the machine to literally jump around the room are:
Some causes of device shaking can be eliminated quickly and easily. With serious damage, you may need the help of a specialist and disassembly of the device in a workshop.
What to do?
Before disassembling the LG washing machine and starting to inspect the components, you need to make sure that the cause is not a simple violation of the installation and operation rules.
In this case, experts recommend diagnosing in the following order: from easily accessible nodes to complex ones.
Transport bolts
When transporting an LG washing machine to a new location, transport bolts are installed on the rear wall.
Later, plugs are installed instead. The bolts serve to securely fix the tank and prevent it from moving freely inside the housing. Once the machine has been delivered and installed in its permanent place, the bolts can be removed.
The use of bolts is recommended not only when transporting a new machine from a store, but also during any other transportation of washing equipment.
Balance or imbalance of things in the drum
The items placed in the drum are subject to intense impact and movement during washing and spinning. Becoming heavier from water, they are not always evenly distributed.
If the laundry is bunched up in one lump, which literally throws up and hits the walls of the drum during washing, a large load is created on the nodes. Unevenly distributed things shake the drum , the LG machine begins to shake and jump.
Overload or underload
Too much stuff in the drum puts a lot of stress on the parts involved in the process. Overload not only causes shaking, but also impairs the quality of the wash and also contributes to faster wear of parts. The solution to the problem is to stop the device and take out some of the things.
A significant underload can also lead to shaking of the body . If only one small item was sent to the LG wash, the washer is not always able to distribute it evenly in the drum. If it is impossible to do this, vibration is transmitted to the body.
Level installation
Correct installation of a washing machine includes the obligatory requirement of placing the device level.
To do this, use a special tool - a building level. But if the floor is covered with glossy tiles, then even with a high-quality installation, the machine may tremble and jump, especially during the spin cycle. To solve the problem, it is best to use special pads for the legs of the machine.
If the floor covering is uneven, then you need to level the floor itself or you will have to make a small podium to ensure a level, secure installation of the washing machine.
When is spin not necessary?
When washing sports shoes, the spin cycle should not be set. But if the user bypassed the ban and set the wash to spin mode, the LG washing machine will suffer.
Sneakers hitting the walls of the drum will begin to rock it violently . Even serviceable dampers are unable to dampen such vibration.
As a result, the machine can shake so much that it even easily moves from its designated place.
Foreign object: find and remove
A foreign object caught in the drum can cause major problems and serious damage. If it rolls freely in the drum, it may hit the surface. In such a situation, the washing process must be stopped immediately, the water drained, and the item removed.
“offending” foreign object and get it out from the side of the drum (for example, a protruding bra underwire), but more often it will be necessary to partially disassemble the washing machine. Knowing that a foreign object is in the tank, the problem cannot be ignored.
Shock absorbers
A system of two dampers located at a slight angle under the tank is responsible for stabilizing the position of the tank inside the housing.
They are able to dampen even significant fluctuations. But when they wear out, the dampers cannot cope with the load .
The tank can vibrate so strongly that it will hit the walls of the machine, causing it to shake and even jump. The solution to the problem situation is to replace two dampers at once. Read how to do this here.
Springs
Above the tank there are rigid springs that hold it, dampening vibrations. When they wear out, the tank can undergo large amplitude oscillations. As a result, the LG machine will start jumping and shaking.
Counterweight
On top of the tank there is a weighting - a counterweight that stabilizes the position of the tank and prevents it from oscillating. In rare cases, this part may lose integrity or become dislodged. If the fastener is loose, it needs to be tightened .
Engine failure
When the motor in LG wears out, spinning may occur jerkily or stop altogether. Replacing this part is a complicated and quite expensive procedure and requires disassembling the device.
Read how to change the engine here.
Bearing wear
Failed bearings begin to signal a breakdown first at the spin stage, when the drum rotates at high speeds. Over time, if nothing is done, not only spinning, but also washing will become difficult.
Damaged bearings need to be replaced . To do this, the LG washing machine is disassembled. This article will tell you about replacing bearings.
The main reasons for drum imbalance
- Availability of transportation bolts.
- Incorrect operation, over- or under-loading.
- Installation on an uneven surface.
- Damage to shock absorbers.
- Tachogenerator malfunction.
- Bearing wear.
- Confusion and destruction of counterbalances.
Each of these reasons leads to imbalance, and as a result, increased vibration, knocking, noise, and movement of the machine from its intended place.
Availability of transportation bolts
Most often, bolts are left behind due to carelessness when installing the machine yourself. They serve as a tank mount and protection during transportation. If they are not removed before use, the washing machine will not be able to operate normally and will shake and bounce. The solution to the problem is to unscrew the bolts on the rear wall of the unit. Usually there are no more than 4 pieces.
Incorrect operation
The instructions clearly indicate that things need to be sorted before storing, and the appropriate mode must be selected for each type of fabric. You cannot wash materials with different densities at the same time: when wet, the weight of the clothes increases and overload may occur. In this case, the machine will reduce speed during spinning, and over time, more important components will fail. Often the drum is filled completely to save money, or only one or two items are put in - both of which cause an imbalance.
Poor installation
All four feet should be firmly planted on the floor. The worst base option is a wooden floor covered with linoleum, the best is concrete or tiles. If the installation was done manually, then leveling the machine could be neglected. You can correct the situation by placing a water level on the lid of the washing unit and changing the height of the legs. You can additionally place a thick rubber mat to neutralize vibrations, but in case of a serious malfunction this will not help. If, after aligning the legs, the unit continues to shake, then the reason is internal.
Damage to shock absorbers
This is a common problem in Ardo and Veko models. At the bottom of each washing machine you can find a shock absorber or damper, depending on the model. They perform the same function, but have differences in design. Thus, the damper does not contain return springs, but only a piston and rod. If you remove the lid and press on the tank, it should not swing or jump, but rise a couple of centimeters up and stop. In this case, the shock absorbers are in good working order; if not, then most likely the gasket between the rod and the piston or the fasteners have worn out.
Manufacturing defects or deformation during transportation are also possible. You cannot turn on the unit with such a breakdown; the part must be replaced with a new one or repaired yourself. If a damper is installed, imbalance may result from deformation and weakening of the springs to which the tank is attached.
To replace them, you need to open the top cover, lift the drum, place something to fix it at the highest point, and remove the springs with pliers. To remove a shock absorber or damper, you will need to tilt the body and remove the front or rear wall, depending on the model.
Direct drive and belt drive: are there any differences in the causes of vibration?
LG produces washing machines with direct drive and belt drive.
Due to the design features, direct-drive washing machines have less vibration. In washing machines with a belt drive, it is more intense , since the rotational motion is transmitted using a belt.
If the belt is stretched and the pulley sometimes slips at high speeds, the rotation of the drum may then be jerky.
With uneven movement, not only vibration occurs, but also a sharp bouncing of the entire washing machine. The solution is to replace the belt with a new one .
No washing machine is immune to vibration and bouncing. If they appear, the device should be inspected. Read here what to do if your LG washing machine vibrates strongly during the spin cycle.
Choosing an installation location
You can avoid discomfort, accelerated wear and related breakdowns if the machine is initially installed correctly. After purchase, all safety and fastening elements used during transportation must be removed. Next, you need to free the moving parts - rotating components are often clamped with bolts during transportation. Turning on without removing the bolted connection will inevitably lead to failure.
The optimal option for placing the unit is on a special pedestal, followed by leveling. If the position needs to be adjusted, a special design of the legs is provided for this - they are unscrewed to select the optimal height at each corner of the device. The appearance of even minor distortions will lead to vibration and increased noise.
