Washing machines are essential household appliances that make doing laundry a breeze. However, they can sometimes develop problems, such as an off-balance drum. An off-balance washer drum can cause the machine to vibrate excessively, make loud noises, and even damage the machine. Fortunately, fixing an off-balance washer drum is relatively easy and can be done without professional help. In this article, we will show you how to fix an off-balance washer drum.
What Causes an Off-Balance Washer Drum?
An off-balance washer drum is usually caused by unevenly distributed laundry in the machine. When the load is not evenly distributed, it can cause the drum to spin unevenly, leading to vibrations and noises. In addition, an off-balance washer drum can also be caused by a worn-out suspension system or a faulty shock absorber. If you notice that your washing machine is vibrating excessively or making loud noises, it could be a sign that the drum is off-balance.
How to Fix an Off-Balance Washer Drum
Fixing an off-balance washer drum is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Empty the Washer
The first step in fixing an off-balance washer drum is to empty the machine. Turn off the machine and unplug it from the power source. Then, remove all the laundry from the drum.
Step 2: Re-Distribute the Laundry
Once the washer is empty, re-distribute the laundry evenly in the drum. Make sure that the load is evenly distributed and that there are no heavy items on one side of the drum.
Step 3: Check the Level of the Washer
After re-distributing the laundry, check the level of the washer. An unlevelled washer can cause the drum to spin unevenly, leading to an off-balance drum. Use a spirit level to check the level of the washer. Adjust the feet of the washer until it is level.
Step 4: Check the Suspension System
If the washer is level, but the drum is still off-balance, it could be a sign that the suspension system is worn out. The suspension system is responsible for supporting the weight of the drum and reducing vibrations. Check the suspension system for signs of wear and tear. If the suspension system is worn out, it will need to be replaced.
Step 5: Check the Shock Absorbers
If the suspension system is in good condition, but the drum is still off-balance, check the shock absorbers. The shock absorbers are responsible for absorbing vibrations and reducing noise. If the shock absorbers are worn out, they will need to be replaced.
Related Questions
1. How do I know if my washer drum is off-balance?
You can tell if your washer drum is off-balance if the machine is vibrating excessively or making loud noises. In addition, an off-balance drum can cause the machine to move around during the spin cycle.
2. Can an off-balance washer drum cause damage to the machine?
Yes, an off-balance washer drum can cause damage to the machine. The excessive vibrations and movements can cause parts of the machine to wear out or break.
3. Can I fix an off-balance washer drum myself?
Yes, you can fix an off-balance washer drum yourself. The process is simple and can be done without professional help.