Is your washing machine jumping and jumping while washing? There may be several reasons. Much depends on the service life of the washing machine, its installation location, and proper operation. This problem needs to be solved immediately, because today you are disturbed by strong noise, and tomorrow the inlet hoses may come off, which will lead to a flood in the room.
After reading the article, you will learn how to diagnose and fix the problem yourself.
Operation errors
Normally, at high speeds during spinning, the washing machine may make rattling sounds and vibrate a little. Despite all efforts, manufacturers cannot make washing machines completely silent. But it is important that during the spin cycle the equipment should not budge significantly, much less jump. Jumping, twitching and frightening swaying make you think there is a malfunction.
Improper operation is one of the most common reasons why a washing machine jumps. It’s sad that most of our compatriots neglect to study the instructions and start the washing machine at random or according to the operating principle of the old one.
Attention! To ensure proper operation of the washing machine in all modes, before starting it for the first time, carefully read the operating instructions!
Overload
The maximum weight of laundry that can be washed in one cycle is often indicated not only in the instructions, but also on the body of the washing machine itself.
Attention! The maximum load is the weight of dry laundry that the equipment can efficiently wash in one full cycle. For example, a 5 kg load is designed for families of up to 3 people, allowing you to wash one or two double sets of bed linen and a couple of bath towels at a time.
The golden rule of washing is to load the drum no more than 2/3, then the clothes will be washed efficiently, there will be no excessive load on the elements of the washing machine, and the weight of the laundry will be distributed correctly when rotating.
If the washing machine has difficulty turning the drum during a cycle, makes strange noises, vibrates strongly or jumps during the spin cycle, the tank is overloaded. In this case, you need to remove unnecessary things:
- Stop the cycle and drain the water.
- Wait for the door to unlock.
- Remove some items and run the rinse and spin cycle.
- If the rumble has passed and the car is standing still, the problem is eliminated. Just don't fill it to capacity in the future.
Uneven or unstable position
A stable position of washing equipment is necessary for the proper operation of all its components. Make sure it is on a level, hard, non-slip surface. If everything is in order, when you press or push the body, the machine will not move and balance on its legs.
You can check how level the equipment is installed using a building level:
- Place it on top of the car.
- Observe the location of the bubble.
- If it is deviated and not strictly in the middle, adjustment is necessary.
Attention! Many models have height-adjustable legs; just unscrew them to the desired length and set the washing machine level.
It is better if the car stands on a monolithic floor that does not “play”, does not slide, and has no unevenness. This is especially important in private homes with wooden floors. Otherwise, during the spin cycle, the machine will continue to jump, and the household appliance itself will last much less than its intended life.
One of the popular solutions is anti-vibration mats and foot pads. They are made of lightweight foam material that can dampen vibrations.
The washing machine shakes during the spin cycle: reasons
Some users eventually get used to the strong vibrations of the unit and do not pay attention to them. But such a situation cannot be left without intervention - the problem can turn out to be either a trivial problem or a sign of a serious malfunction. The main causes of strong vibration:
- improper installation of a household appliance;
- drum loading imbalance;
- spring malfunction;
- damage to shock absorbers;
- problems with counterweights;
- bearing wear.
Almost all of these problems can be corrected on your own, without the help of specialists. What to do in each specific case to get the washing machine working?
Unbalanced laundry in the drum
Another common occurrence is when small items, during the washing and spinning process, form a lump inside a larger item, for example, in a pillowcase or duvet cover. As a result, a heavy lump is formed, the mass shifts during movement - during spinning, the machine jumps in the direction of displacement and rotation of the drum. In this case, an error may be projected on the display in the form of the letter values UE or UB. This is a direct sign that the drum is spinning with interference.
The solution is simple: emergency drainage, redistribution of things inside the machine after unlocking the door. Then just start the spin cycle.
Advice! Wash small items and underwear in special bags. This will prevent imbalance and preserve delicate fabrics.
Shock absorbers
If your washing machine vibrates a lot during the spin cycle, the shock absorber may be faulty.
These parts work on the machine principle. The shock absorption device wears out over time. Sometimes there is a need to replace them.
Therefore, if you find that the machine vibrates very strongly, it begins to jump and knocks are heard while the drum rotates, then they need to be replaced.
Shock absorbers cannot be repaired. They are only replaced with a new part.
What to do to fix your washing machine:
- Place the unit face down. Remove the back wall. It is easily removed and is secured with bolts. Some models require removal of the front wall.
- After this, dampers will appear in front of you. The lower bolt on which the shock absorber is attached must be unscrewed. Take it in your hands and try to squeeze and unclench it. If the shock absorber is hard to move, it is not the cause of the vibration of the washing machine during the spin cycle. If it is easily pressed through, then replacement is required.
- To stop the device from bouncing and vibrating, you need to unscrew the damper from the tank.
- Then install the new shock absorber in reverse order.
Vibration should stop after replacing the vibration damping (preventing) device with a new part. To make sure the machine is working properly, put the laundry in the drum and try washing it.
Carefully observe how the device moves, whether the equipment begins to work better than before during washing and spinning.
Transport bolts
If you want to quickly try out a new washing machine or connect it after moving, many people forget about the transportation bolts. These are special fasteners that allow you to secure the drum during transportation. They must be removed before the first start. If, after purchasing or moving, your car jumps a lot at high speeds, check whether the transport bolts have been removed.
To find out their location, study the instructions for the equipment or find a diagram of your model on the Internet. Usually there are 2 or 4 of them, attached to the back wall of the case.
Foreign object
It is not for nothing that the manufacturer recommends checking the pockets of clothes before washing. Small objects can cause extraneous uncharacteristic sounds, rattling, breakdowns and one of the reasons why the washing machine jumps during the spin cycle.
Small items of clothing and the contents of pockets can get stuck in the space under the tank or between its front part and the sealing rubber band. It is necessary to remove foreign objects: bend the sealing rubber band, collect the parts using a magnet or hook.
In some cases, small change gets stuck in the depths of the machine, which requires partial disassembly and removal of the heating element.
Scale
With prolonged use without periodic cleaning, and also if protective compounds are not used, a layer of scale appears on the heating element. It thickens over time, and pieces of it can break off and interfere with the free movement of the drum. This causes unpleasant sounds, vibrations, rattling, jumping during operation and spinning of laundry.
Rinsing with citric acid or descaling agent in the cleaning mode usually corrects the situation. If it doesn’t help, and the machine starts jumping again during the spin cycle, it’s time to call a technician or contact a service center.
Not enough free space
Another common reason why the washing machine began to jump on the spin cycle is close proximity to pieces of furniture or attempts by the owners to integrate free-standing equipment into the set.
Normally, the washing machine can vibrate quite intensely. If the equipment was produced by the manufacturer as free-standing, and for some reason you placed it close to the refrigerator or wall, or built it into a set, then the vibrations will be stronger. Often, during the spin cycle, the washing machine moves, hits the walls of neighboring objects, and eventually jumps and rattles.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to provide at least 1 cm of space between the machine body and the furniture for free movement at high speeds. Better yet, give it a separate place on a flat, stable surface with the proper distance if the model is not built-in.
Calling a master: how to find and how much to pay?
If you can’t handle the breakdown yourself, you need to contact a company that repairs Samsung household appliances. You can find such a company on the Internet.
The cost of work depends on the company's pricing policy, and does not include the price of parts that require replacement.
In the capital, the average price for services is:
- replacement of shock absorbers or bearings – from 1,200 rubles;
- replacement of brushes – from 900 rubles;
- removal of a foreign object – from 1,200 rubles, etc.
If the machine is under warranty, you should not disassemble it yourself, as this will void the warranty. You can find out about companies that support such machines when purchasing equipment in a store.
Regardless of the severity of the breakdown, it is better to trust the work to a representative of a company repairing household appliances, and not to a private individual based on a random advertisement. This will give confidence in the quality of the repair performed and prevent fraud. In addition, companies provide a guarantee on their work.
Find out more information about repairing Samsung washing machines in this section.
Technical problem
If the problem persists after cleaning, moving, and checking, the machine's knocking and rattling sound sounds like an expensive repair. You can’t do this without the help of a master. What could be the reasons for extraneous sounds associated with equipment breakdown?
Wear of shock absorbers, springs, bearings
Over time, moving elements exhaust their service life, which can cause noise and equipment jumping:
- spring wear. They record and control drum vibrations. Over time, they require replacement, and the tank with faulty springs may hit the body. As a result, the car jumps and rumbles;
- Damage to shock absorbers is the cause of shaking and sagging of the car tank. There is no point in changing one or part of it; it is better to replace everything at once. Checking the serviceability of the dampers is simple: when you try to pull the drum towards you or press on it, it will vibrate and then fall into place. If this does not happen, then repair is needed;
- bearings have failed. In this case, in addition to uncharacteristic vibrations, you can hear a metallic grinding sound during operation. This occurs due to the penetration of moisture and the appearance of rust on the rubbing elements. In this case, operation of the machine is not recommended; bearings must be replaced.
Destruction of the counterweight or fastening
Inside the body of the washing machine, manufacturers install heavy counterweights - plates that provide stability and dampen vibrations during spinning. When the slab is partially destroyed, the fragments move or fall deeper, causing a rumble inside the housing during operation. The problem will be solved by replacing the counterweight unit or adjusting its fastenings.
Engine malfunction
This is a serious breakdown; in some cases it is better to purchase new equipment to replace the old one. Often a malfunction in the engine is caused by a short circuit or constant operation at maximum power, which is preceded by a malfunction of the water sensors and drum speed control. The specific cause can only be identified through diagnostics by a qualified technician.
Attention! Independent attempts to identify the cause of the breakdown and repair the engine lead to failure of the heating element. And if the washing machine is under warranty, you will be denied free service after intervention yourself.
Manufacturing defects
Rarely, but factory defects occur when machine components initially do not work correctly. You can correct the situation at a service center or place of purchase after confirming the fact of a manufacturing defect. In such cases, the seller replaces the equipment with a working analogue.
Machine design
Fact: Narrow washing machines produce more noise and vibration than full-size models. In this case, the manufacturer sacrificed sound insulation for more compact dimensions. Another nuance is that narrow models have a smaller support area, so stability during an intensive cycle is less, which means it will jump more.
Main motor and belt
Now there are two types of machines: - with a motor and a drum, to which a belt goes. And a motor that is mounted directly on the drum itself, without any belts (also called direct drive).
- The motor itself may fail, both on this type and on the other. Sometimes it breaks (say, the bearings inside) and it creates vibration
- If you have a type with a belt, it happens that it gets worn out, becomes loose, this can also contribute to various kinds of vibrations and the movement of the “washer”
So if you are disassembling this unit, you also need to look.
What can you do on your own?
If everything is clear with internal breakdowns - you can’t do without a specialist, then operational defects can be corrected yourself:
- Before using your new washing machine, make sure there are no transport bolts on the back wall;
- when installing on an unstable or uneven surface, adjust the legs to the level, and install special pads or an anti-vibration mat to minimize noise and vibration;
- Consider the drum load when preparing for washing. Remember that the drum is no more than 2/3 full. A packed tank is just as bad as an almost empty one;
- do not wash small items and bed linen together or use special bags for socks, panties, etc.;
- Do not allow small parts to get inside the tank, otherwise try to remove them using a magnet, vacuum cleaner, hook and other available means.
Reasons why a new washing machine vibrates strongly
If you just installed SMA, perhaps the reason that it jumps around a lot is as follows.
- The transport bolts have not been unscrewed. They are necessary to secure the tank of the machine during transportation. And although the bolts do not block the rotation of the drum, they do not allow the tank to absorb the load. As a result, the machine jumps and knocks. Using the SMA with unscrewed bolts may damage the tank during spinning. If the machine has just crossed the threshold of your home, be sure to check that all the shipping bolts were unscrewed during installation! Their quantity may vary between different manufacturers, so it is better to check the instructions.
- Installation on slippery floors. For example, on tiles, tiles or linoleum. In this case, try placing the machine on a rubberized mat or use anti-slip stickers for the feet (as a last resort, you can use double-sided construction tape).
- Installation on a spring floor. Most often, the problem occurs in old houses and apartments where the floor is made on joists. It can resonate when vibrated. A special rug can improve the situation a little.
- Uneven installation. Try rocking the car with your hands. If it is “limping”, then you need to adjust the legs and fix them in the desired position with a lock nut.
It is possible that the new washing machine vibrates a little more than the previous one. And it seems to you that it shouldn’t be this way. But this is not surprising, since modern washing machines are designed for larger and larger loads of laundry. That's why their vibration is stronger.
In this case, you don't need to do anything. The main thing is to follow the operating instructions and do not overload the washing machine.
Problems with attaching counterweights
If the washing machine begins to vibrate and jump strongly, you need to check the operation of the counterweight. We open the cover at the top of the device; for this you may need tools; it will be enough to use keys, a screwdriver and pliers. We look at the condition of the counterweight; it is a weighting agent made from different materials. Such parts are installed at the top and bottom of the washing machine. They can be made of concrete, cast iron, or other heavy material. What to do next:
- We look at the fasteners, if they are loose, then they will need to be tightened.
- If you cannot tighten the fasteners, you will have to purchase and install new ones.
- If the weighting material itself is deformed, you cannot do without replacing it with the same one.
One of the reasons why a car may jump is a bearing failure. The replacement process is technically complex, so it is better to call a specialist who can do this job efficiently. If you still want to do this yourself, you will need more information about this process, so you can read the corresponding article about it.
Springs
These parts are necessary to hold the tank and return it to its original position. Why does the washing machine jump during the spin cycle? How can a spring affect this?
If the machine begins to tremble, it means that this part in the device has stretched a little. If the equipment jumps and jumps, then a break has occurred.
Jumping can damage not only the drum itself, but also the body if the drum is displaced. A broken spring should be replaced.
How to fix the problem? If the washing machine bounces during the spin cycle and other parts are inspected and in working order, check the springs. To do this, you need to dismantle the top cover, raise the tank higher and secure it, put something under it so that it does not dangle. Use wooden blocks and other means.
Unhook the part from the tank, then from the body or vice versa, it doesn't matter.
Don't buy the part in advance. First make sure the spring is the cause. In addition, it is better to take the damaged part and go to the store with it.
Buy only original springs. They will cost a little more, but will last longer.
We begin to hook the springs onto the tank and then onto the body. You can put them in place in reverse order. This also does not play any role.
Do everything very carefully and make sure that the parts are the same.
If after replacement the washing machine continues to shake, it is likely that it was not installed correctly.
Adjust everything, set it to the level and the unit will work as before, without noise and will not move during the spin cycle.
Frequent causes of spin system breakdowns, according to experts
Professionals in the development of household appliances note that the nature of the spin system breakdown is associated with the model of the washing machine. Failures in the spin system for Samsung and Indesit models are associated with the same categories:
- the liquid drain does not flow to the drum, causing the sensor to turn off the mode;
- the drain function is normal, but at the end of the wash the items remain damp;
- interruptions in the operation of the spin system;
- slow water drainage speed.
Tachometer malfunctions
The main task of this device is to control the number of revolutions per minute during washing. A breakdown of the tachometer is quite rare and can be repaired with the help of trained specialists.
Failures inside the electric motor
They are common causes of Indesit washing machines, which occur due to the breakage of the winding of the graphite brushes. The motor loses its power and the number of revolutions decreases. It is also worth noting that spin functions are included in almost every washing program, but due to the weak acceleration of the drum, the laundry remains wet.
Interruptions in the operation of the sensor for fixing the drum
A small device that transmits signals to an electronic module about the water level in the tank. And, if during the washing process the “brain” of the machine did not receive the necessary signals, then the spin function is not activated and the laundry remains damp. If a malfunction is detected in this device, it should be replaced rather than repaired.
Failures in the electronic module
One of the common and costly problems with the LG brand of washing machine is a failure in the electronic module. When interruptions occur in the operation of the “brain” of the device, the dysfunction is observed not only during the spin process. Modern models are sensitive to overvoltages in the electrical network and react to any changes. First of all, the operation of the stabilizer, which forms the basis of the module, is disrupted.