If you notice that your washing machine is making loud noises or vibrating excessively during the spin cycle, it may be an indication that your washer drum is out of balance. A wobbly drum can cause damage to the machine, increase wear and tear on the components, and lead to costly repairs. In this article, we will show you how to balance your washer drum and keep your machine running smoothly and quietly.
What Causes an Unbalanced Washer Drum?
Before we dive into the steps on how to balance your washer drum, let’s first understand what causes an unbalanced washing machine. There are several reasons why your washer drum may be out of balance, including:
- Overloading the machine with too many clothes
- Uneven distribution of clothes inside the drum
- Worn-out or damaged suspension springs
- Loose or damaged shock absorbers
- Worn-out bearings or drive pulleys
How to Balance Your Washer Drum
Now that you have an idea of what causes an unbalanced washer drum, here are the steps on how to balance your washing machine:
Step 1: Empty the Drum
Before you start balancing your washer drum, make sure that the machine is empty. Remove all clothes, towels, and other items from the drum. This will make it easier to access the components that need to be adjusted.
Step 2: Check the Level of Your Washer
The first thing you need to do is to check if your washing machine is level. A machine that is not level can cause the drum to wobble, making it difficult to balance. Use a spirit level to check if your machine is level. Place the level on top of the machine and check it from front to back and from side to side. If the bubble is not in the center, adjust the feet of the machine until it is level.
Step 3: Check the Suspension Springs
The suspension springs are responsible for holding the drum in place and absorbing the vibrations during the spin cycle. If the springs are worn-out or damaged, they can cause the drum to become unbalanced. Check the suspension springs by opening the top or back of the machine (depending on the model). Look for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or breaks. If the springs are damaged, replace them with new ones.
Step 4: Check the Shock Absorbers
The shock absorbers are also responsible for absorbing the vibrations during the spin cycle. If the shock absorbers are loose or damaged, they can cause the drum to wobble. Check the shock absorbers by opening the front or back of the machine (depending on the model). Look for any signs of wear or damage, such as leaks or cracks. If the shock absorbers are damaged, replace them with new ones.
Step 5: Check the Drive Pulley and Bearings
The drive pulley and bearings are responsible for turning the drum during the wash and spin cycles. If these components are worn-out, they can cause the drum to become unbalanced. Check the drive pulley and bearings by opening the back of the machine. Look for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or rust. If these components are damaged, replace them with new ones.
Tips to Prevent Your Washer Drum from Becoming Unbalanced
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent your washer drum from becoming unbalanced:
- Do not overload your washing machine with too many clothes.
- Make sure that the clothes are evenly distributed inside the drum.
- Use a spirit level to check if your machine is level.
- Do not let your machine sit idle for a long time.
- Perform regular maintenance on your washing machine.
Conclusion
A balanced washer drum is essential for a smooth and quiet operation of your washing machine. By following the steps and tips we have provided in this article, you can keep your machine running at its best and avoid costly repairs. If you have any questions or concerns about balancing your washer drum, do not hesitate to contact a professional technician.