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Washing machine drum imbalance is a fairly common problem. Knocking and vibration not only irritate your hearing, but can also damage parts of your device. But do not rush to run to the repair or call the master. In most cases, you can solve the problem yourself by trying a few simple methods from our article.
Check the distribution of clothes in the machine
Clothes piling up in one part of the drum is the most common cause of washing machine imbalance, as there is more weight on the loaded side.
Stop the machine during the spin cycle when it starts to make noise. This can be done using the pause button on the control panel. Some machines may stop when the door is opened. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check if the clothes are creased in one part of the drum.
Try to distribute things so that there are the same number of large and small items of clothing in different parts.
Another common washing machine imbalance problem is drum overload. Most washing machines are not designed to be stuffed full of laundry because it becomes heavier when it gets wet. Remove a few things from the machine if it is overloaded.
Tip: Large items such as bed linen or bath towels should not be loaded into the washing machine one at a time. They usually remain in one part of the drum, which can lead to imbalance.
Make sure the machine is level
If the machine has uneven legs, it will start shaking and knocking during the spin cycle. To fix the problem:
Make sure the machine is on a level surface. It often happens that one leg is in the groove between the tiles or stands on the plinth. Move the machine so that it is on a level surface.
Move the machine away from the wall and tilt it so that the front legs are visible. Have someone hold the typewriter, otherwise you will not be able to complete the next steps, or place a block of wood under it. Be careful not to pinch any wires or cables.
Make sure the legs are the same length. You can use a ruler, measuring tape or tape. Measure the height to millimeters – even a small difference in the legs will lead to significant swaying and knocking. If the legs are the same length, make sure they fit snugly on the floor.
If the legs are of different lengths, adjust them in height. To do this, it is enough just to twist them by hand. But for most machines, they are fastened with a nut, which must be loosened with a wrench to shorten or lengthen the legs. Make sure you screw the nut back on by adjusting the height. Alternatively, you can place a folded piece of paper or a piece of carpet under the shorter legs.
If you still have not managed to balance the machine, you can substitute special rubber vibration absorbers sold in household appliance stores under the legs.
Of course, you can also use the building level by placing it on top of the washing machine. But this may not work if the floor is sloped. So first check the horizontalness of the floor with the same building level.
Other causes of knocking during the spin cycle
If these methods did not work for you, there may be something mechanically wrong with your washing machine. What could be causing the problem:
Foreign objects – sometimes we forget to check the pockets of clothes before washing, and small things get into the machine – coins, paper clips, buttons, pen caps, and so on. Clogged between the drum and the tank, they make a loud knock.
Surge protector – serves to protect the washing machine from power surges. If it has loose fasteners, the device may hit the tank wall and cause noise.
Shaft bearing – can also cause noise and creaking when broken. Usually this problem occurs with washing machines that have been in use for a long time, because over time the parts wear out naturally.
Shock absorbers – dampen the vibration of the drum and the tank in which it is located. Over time, they wear out and can knock against the bottom of the washing machine and squeak.
Balancing stone – serves as a counterweight and dampens the vibration of the drum. Sometimes the fasteners unscrew it, and the stone begins to make a roar when washing, and also causes the drum to be unbalanced.
Here are the most common problems that cause drum knocking when spinning clothes. But in fact, absolutely any unscrewed part, spring or fastener can cause noise. Therefore, it is recommended to call a master at home, or contact the service. Moreover, it is basically impossible to fix problems with shock absorbers, a shaft bearing or a balancing stone on your own.
Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.