Amana Washing Machine Shakes Violently [Proven Solution]

If your Amana washing machine shakes violently, you’ve come to the right place. This in-depth guide explains the various causes of this issue and gives you easy-to-follow steps on how to fix them. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get right to it…

Amana Washing Machine Shakes Violently — How To Fix

If your Amana washing machine shakes violently, here are the issues you should look for…

1. Legs Are Unbalanced

If your Amana washing machine shakes violently, you should check to ensure that the machine is balanced.

If you notice that the machine’s legs are uneven, you’ll need to tilt the machine backwards a bit and adjust the legs as needed. Also make sure the washer sits on a firm, even surface.

2. Broken Spider Support Arm (Applicable Only To Front Loaders)

The spider arm assembly supports the washer’s inner tub. If this part gets damaged, your machine will shake violently during spin cycles. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace this part…

Step 1. Turn off the water supply to your machine and disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet in order to prevent damage.

Step 2. Unscrew the two water supply hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (some water will spill out).

Step 3. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws holding the rear access panel of your washing machine. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 4. Take out the bolts holding the top panel of your machine. Pull the panel backwards about an inch or so, and lift it off the cabinet.

Step 5. Pull out your machine’s soap drawer and press the tab inside to completely release it from the housing.

Step 6. Loosen the nuts next to the detergent drawer housing and the screws at the top of the control panel.

Step 7. Pry the control panel off the cabinet. Disconnect each wire harness attached to the control board. Set the board aside.

Step 8. Open your machine’s door. Carefully take out the retaining wire around the door boot seal using a pair of needle-nosed pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver (ensure that you do not damage the seal).

Step 9. Peel the door boot seal off the door opening. With a Philips screwdriver, remove the nuts holding the door lock to the cabinet.

Step 10. Remove the screws at the top of the front panel. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to release the tabs at the top of the front panel. Lift the front panel off the cabinet and set it aside.

Step 11. With a 13mm socket wrench, take out the bolts holding the two counter-weights to the front of the machine. Pull each weight off the machine and set them aside.

Step 12. Using a nut-driver, loosen the bolt holding the temperature sensor wire retainer. Disconnect the wire harness from the temperature sensor.

Step 13. Remove the screw holding the air dome tube retainer to the front of the machine. Release the spring clamp holding the air dome tube to the front of the outer tub. Pull the tube off the machine.

Step 14. Use your socket wrench to remove the upper mounting bolts on the shock absorbers. Pull each shock absorber out of the mount.

Step 15. Release the spring clamp on the detergent housing hose attached to the tube. Pull the hose off the front of the outer tub.

Step 16. Using a 10mm nut-driver, loosen all the bolts around the outer tub holding the two halves together.

Step 17. Lift one of the suspension springs and unhook it from the outer tub. Pry that side of the outer tub apart slightly using a flat-blade screwdriver. Hook the suspension spring onto the rear half of the outer tub. Repeat this procedure with the second suspension spring.

Step 18. Carefully pull the front half of the outer tub out of the cabinet and set it aside. Go to the back of your washing machine and take the drive belt off the two pulleys.

Step 19. With a 19mm socket wrench, remove the bolt holding the drive pulley to the back of your washing machine. Take the pulley wheel off the shaft and set it aside.

Step 20. Use a mallet to knock the inner tub shaft through the bearing opening. Go to the front of your machine and carefully pull the inner tub out of your washing machine.

Step 21. Set the inner tub face down on the floor. Use a 10mm socket wrench to remove the six bolts holding the old spider arm to the inner tub (apply some anti-rust oil to the bolts if you have any difficulty taking them out).

Step 22. Discard the old spider arm and remove the new one from its packaging. Mount the new washing machine spider arm assembly at the bottom of the outer tub and apply the six 10mm bolts to secure it.

Step 23. Guide the inner tub back into the outer tub. Go to the back of the machine and put the drive pulley onto the shaft. Apply the bolt with your 19mm socket wrench.

Step 24. Carefully loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and drive pulley. Put your machine’s rear access panel back on and apply the screws to secure it.

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Step 25. Guide the front half of the outer tub back into the cabinet and hook the two suspension springs onto it. Apply all the screws with your 10mm socket wrench to secure the two halves of the tub.

Step 26. Reattach the detergent dispenser hose to the port at the top of the outer tub and secure it using the spring clamp.

Step 27. Push the two shock absorbers into the mounts at the bottom of the tub. Secure the shocks by applying the bolts.

Step 28. Plug the temperature sensor wire connector back in and secure the retainer by applying the nut.

Step 29. Attach the air dome tube to the front of the outer tub and use the spring clamp to secure it. Apply the bolt on the air dome tube retainer.

Step 30. Place the two counter-weights back onto the machine and apply all the bolts using your 13mm socket wrench.

Step 31. Lift the front panel carefully and snap it back onto the cabinet. Use your nut-driver to apply the nuts at the top of the front panel.

Step 32. Open your washer’s door. Reach inside the cabinet and push the door lock into place. Secure the door lock to the cabinet by applying the screws with your Philips screwdriver.

Step 33. Plug each wire harness into the appropriate terminal on the control board. Snap the control panel onto the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying all the screws.

Step 34. Slide the detergent drawer back into the housing. Place the top panel onto your washing and apply the nuts at the back of your machine to secure it.

Step 35. Connect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses to the ports at the back of your washing machine (make sure the hoses are secured properly so water can’t leak out).

Step 36. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet and turn the water valve back on. To ensure that the issue has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.

3. Failed Shock Absorber (For Front Loaders)

Take the following steps to replace a failed shock absorber in your Amana front loader washing machine…

Step 1. In order to prevent electrocution, make sure your washing machine is disconnected from the power supply before starting this repair.

Step 2. Using a 1/4 inch nut-driver, loosen the bolts at the back of the machine securing the top panel. Pull the panel backwards and lift it off the machine.

Step 3. Pull the soap drawer out and press the little tab inside to release it from the housing.

Step 4. Remove the screws at the top of the control panel and the screws next to the detergent drawer housing. Pry the control panel off the machine and set it on top of the cabinet.

Step 5. Open the door of your washer. With a Philips screwdriver, remove the screws holding the door lock to the cabinet.

Step 6. Use either a flat-blade screwdriver or a pair of needle-nosed pliers to carefully take out the metal band around the door boot seal (take care not to puncture the seal).

Step 7. Peel the boot seal off the edge of the door. Use your 1/4 inch nut-driver to take out the bolts at the top of the front panel. Tilt the machine backwards a bit and remove the screws at the bottom of the front panel.

Step 8. Carefully lift the front panel off the cabinet and set it aside. Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to release the tabs on the upper shock pin. Turn the upper pin with a pair of pliers and pull it out of the mount. Do the same for the lower pin.

Step 9. Remove the shock absorber from the cabinet and discard it. Take your new washing machine shock absorber out of its packaging.

Step 10. Snap the upper and lower mounting pins of the new shock absorber into the mounts on the cabinet and on the outer tub.

Step 11. Carefully lift the front panel and snap it back onto the cabinet. Apply all the screws at the bottom and top of the front panel to secure it.

Step 12. Snap the control panel back onto the cabinet and apply all the screws with your screwdriver. Slide the detergent drawer into the housing.

Step 13. Open the door of your washer and push the door lock back into place. Using a Philips screwdriver, apply all the screws to secure the door lock to the cabinet.

Step 14. Carefully fit the door boot seal around the door opening. Using your needle-nosed pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver, fit the metal band around the seal.

Step 15. Place the top panel back onto the cabinet and apply the bolts at the back using your 1/4 inch nut-driver.

Step 16. Plug your washing machine back to the electrical outlet and try running a spin cycle to make sure the problem has been fixed.

Check out these other articles…

Amana Washing Machine Noise [Issues & Solutions]

Amana Washing Machine Not Spinning [Solution]

How To Clean Amana Washing Machine [Detailed Guide]

Amana Washing Machine Is Knocking/Banging [How To Fix]

Amana Washing Machine Is Skipping Wash Cycle [Quick Fix]

Amana Washing Machine Won’t Stop… [How To Fix]

Amana Washing Machine Overflows [How To Fix]

4. Suspension Springs (Front Loaders)

If your Amana washing machine shakes violently, the issue could be with one of the two suspension springs. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace the suspension spring in your Amana front loader washing machine…

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Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrocution, please ensure that your washing machine is disconnected from the electrical outlet before starting this repair.

Step 2. Use a 1/4 inch nut-driver to take out the bolts at the back of your machine securing the top panel. Slide the panel backwards a few inches and lift it off the panel.

Step 3. If you are replacing the left suspension spring, pull the vent hose off the port at the top of the tub.

Step 4. Hook a ratchet strap onto the suspension spring opening and onto the cabinet. Unhook the suspension spring from the outer tub and discard it.

Step 5. Prepare your new washing machine suspension spring for installation by removing it from its packaging.

Step 6. Hook the new spring onto the cabinet and onto the opening on the outer tub. Unhook the ratchet strap from the outer tub and cabinet.

Step 7. Reattach the vent hose to the port at the top of the tub. Slide your washing machine’s top panel back into place and secure it by applying the bolts with your nut-driver.

Step 8. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical supply. To ensure that the problem has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.

5. Damaged Suspension Rod (Top Loaders)

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace a suspension rod in your Amana top loader washing machine…

Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrocution or water leakage, we recommend disconnecting your washing machine from the electrical outlet and turning the water valve.

Step 2. Use a pair of pliers to squeeze the clamp on the drain hose at the back of your washing machine and slide it out of place. Pull the drain hose off the machine.

Step 3. Spread a towel on the floor underneath the water supply hoses at the back of your machine. Use a pair of pliers to unscrew the COLD and HOT water supply lines from your machine.

Step 4. To secure the lid of your washing machine, put some tape on it. Use a nut-driver to take out the screws at the back of your machine securing the top panel.

Step 5. Lift the top panel and support it using a lanyard or by supporting it against a wall.

Step 6. Lift the suspension rod you want to replace and take the bearing and socket off it. Guide the rod through the opening on the cabinet and unhook from the spring.

Step 7. Snap the top panel back into the cabinet and apply the screws at the back with your nut-driver. Carefully tilt your washing machine backwards and lay it on the floor (get someone to help you if needed).

Step 8. Pull the rod you’re replacing through the openings on the outer tub and set it aside.

Step 9. Take your new washing machine suspension rod out of its packaging. Slide the new rod through the opening on the outer tub.

Step 10. Carefully lift your washing machine onto its feet. Use your nut-driver to loosen the screws at the back securing the top panel. Lift the panel and support it.

Step 11. Hook the new rod onto the spring and guide it through the opening on the cabinet. Snap the bearing and socket onto the rod.

Step 12. Lower the top panel and snap it into the cabinet. Use your nut-driver to apply the screws at the back.

Step 13. Reconnect the drain hose to the back of your machine and secure it using the spring clamp.

Step 14. Reattach the COLD and HOT water supply lines to the inlet ports on your washer (ensure that both hoses are secured properly in order to prevent water leaks).

Step 15. Turn your machine’s water supply back on and reconnect the power cord to the electrical outlet. Try running a spin cycle to ensure that the problem has been fixed.

6. Damaged Drum Bearings (Applicable Only To Top Loaders)

Tools needed for this repair:

  • Philips Screwdriver
  • Putty Knife
  • Flat-blade Screwdriver
  • Tape
  • Pliers
  • Adjustable Wrench
  • Bearing Installation Kit
  • New Bearing Kit
  • 1/4 Inch Allen Wrench
  • 3/8 and 7/16 Inch Socket With Long Extension
  • 5/16 Inch Nut-driver
  • Hammer

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace the drum bearings in your top loader Amana washing machine…

Step 1. In order to prevent water leakage and electrocution, ensure that your washer is disconnected from the power outlet and the water valve is turned off before starting this repair.

Step 2. Squeeze the spring clamp on the drain hose at the back of your machine and slide it out of place. Pull the hose off the port.

Step 3. Unscrew the two water inlet hoses from the back of your machine (some water will leak out, so ensure that you keep a rag nearby).

Step 4. Secure the lid of your washing machine using some tape. Insert a putty knife underneath the top panel to release the two spring clips. Lift the top panel and support it (do not rely on the hinges).

Step 5. Use a pair of pliers to release the spring clamp on the re-circulation hose attached to the tub cover. Pull the hose off the tub cover.

Step 6. Pry the tub cover off the tub assembly using a flat-blade screwdriver. Take the cap off the agitator.

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Step 7. Use your 7/16 inch socket wrench to remove the nut securing the agitator assembly. Lift the agitator out of the machine and set it aside.

Step 8. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the screws holding the basket hub to the drive shaft (be careful not to lose any screws).

Step 9. Apply some anti-rust oil to the shaft and let it sit for a while. Carefully lift the inner tub out of the machine and set it aside (get someone to assist you if needed).

Step 10. Lower your machine’s top panel and snap it back into the cabinet. Tilt your machine backwards carefully and lay it on the floor (you may need assistance).

Step 11. Using your 1/4 inch Allen wrench, loosen the bolt holding the rotor assembly to the bottom of the outer tub. Carefully pull the rotor off the machine and set it aside.

Step 12. With your 3/8 inch socket, loosen the four bolts holding the stator to the bottom of the outer tub. Carefully take the stator and stator mounting plate off the tub.

Step 13. Unplug the wire connector attached to the stator and set it aside. Squeeze the end of the shaft using your pliers and loosen the drive tube nut using an adjustable wrench.

Step 14. Knock the shaft through the bearings using a hammer. Carefully lift your washing machine back onto its feet. Lift the top panel and support it.

Step 15. Take out the drive tube inside the tub and discard it. Using the bearing removal rod (comes with the bearing installation kit) and a hammer, knock out the lower bearing from inside the tub.

Step 16. Lower the top panel and tilt the machine backwards onto the floor. Take out the three lower bearing pieces on the floor and discard them.

Step 17. Knock the upper bearing out from underneath the tub using the mallet and hammer. Set your machine upright and take then lift the top panel. Take the upper bearing out of the tub.

Step 18. Using a cloth, clean the bearing housing. Prepare your new washing machine bearings for installation by removing them from their packaging.

Step 19. Place the upper bearing into the seat inside the tub. Unscrew the three lower pieces on the bearing installation tool arm.

Step 20. Slide the arm of the installation tool through the through the upper bearing. Lower your washer’s top panel and snap it into the cabinet. Tilt your machine backwards and set it on the floor.

Step 21. Slide the spacer tube and bearing washer onto the arm of the installation tool and push it into place. Slide the lower bearing onto the shaft and push it in as far as you can.

Step 22. Put the three lower installation tool pieces back on. Tighten the nut using your adjustable wrench (this will force the lower bearing into the housing).

Step 23. Once the lower bearing is in place, use your wrench to loosen the bolt. Set your machine on its feet and lift the top panel. Take the installation tool out of the tub and set it aside.

Step 24. Push the new drive tube into the bearing opening. Use wooden block and a mallet to carefully push the new drive tube into place.

Step 25. Tip your machine backwards again. Put the drive tube nut back in place and tighten is using your adjustable wrench.

Step 26. Plug the electrical connector back to the terminal on the stator and secure the wire in the retainer.

Step 27. Place the mounting plate and stator at the bottom of the tub assembly and secure them by applying the bolts with your 3/8 inch socket wrench.

Step 28. Put the rotor assembly onto the drive shaft and tighten the nut with your Allen wrench. Set your machine upright then lift and support the top panel.

Step 29. Using the grease provided in the installation tool kit, fill the inner grooves of the new bearing seal.

Step 30. Apply a bead of the provided sealant around the new bearing seal. Slide the new seal onto the drive tube and push it into place above the upper bearing.

Step 31. Use the installation tube and a hammer to push the seal firmly into place. Apply an even coat of sealant onto the top of the seal.

Step 32. Use a rag to clean up any excess sealant and grease on the tub or shaft. In order to let the sealant cure properly, we advise leaving the machine for about a day before running any cycles.

Step 33. Lower the inner tub onto the drive shaft and put the basket hub onto the shaft. Apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure the inner tub.

Step 34. Snap the tub cover back onto the tub assembly. Reattach the re-circulation hose to the port on the tub cover.

Step 35. Place the agitator onto the drive shaft and apply the bolt using your 7/16 inch socket wrench with an extension. Snap the agitator cap back on.

Step 36. Lower your washing machine’s top panel and snap it into the cabinet. Peel the tape off the lid.

Step 37. Reconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses to the ports at the back of your machine (in order to prevent water leaks, make sure the hoses are secured properly).

Step 38. Reattach the drain hose to the back of your washing machine and secure it with the spring clamp.

Step 39. Turn your machine’s water supply valve back on and plug the power cord into the electrical outlet. To ensure that the problem has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.

Note: Please keep in mind that the steps in this repair will vary a bit depending on the model of your machine.