If your Frigidaire washing machine vibrates violently, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide will explain the causes of this problem and give you easy-to-follow steps on how to solve them. You’ll need some tools and a bit of patience for these repairs. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get right to it…
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Frigidaire Washing Machine Vibrates Violently — Solved
If your Frigidaire washing machine vibrates violently, here are the issues you should look for…
1. Unbalanced Legs
If your washing machine vibrates too much during cycles, you should check the legs. Try rocking the machine forwards a bit. If you notice that the legs aren’t equal, you’ll need to tilt the washing machine backwards and adjust the legs with a wrench.
2. Damaged Suspension Rod (Laundry Center Washer)
Your washing machine will shake violently during wash cycles if one of the four suspension rods gets damaged. Here’s how to replace a suspension rod in your Frigidaire washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrocution or water leakage, shut off your washing machine’s water supply valve and unplug the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Get someone to help you move the washing machine forwards a bit. Detach the venting from the back of your washing machine.
Step 3. Unscrew the COLD and HOT water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (some water will spill, so keep a rag nearby). Pull the drain hose out of your home drain.
Step 4. Insert a putty knife under the top panel of your washing machine (this will release the two retaining clips). Disconnect the lid switch wire connector. Lift the panel off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 5. Tilt your washing machine backwards a bit and place block of wood under the front to support it. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the two screws at the bottom of the front panel. Pull the support out from under the machine and carefully lower it. Pull the front panel off the cabinet and set it aside.
Step 6. There are four suspension rods hooked to the tub cover. Unhook the spring of the suspension rod you want to replace. Get someone to help you tilt your washing machine backwards and lay it on the floor.
Step 7. Support the tub by placing a block of wood underneath it. Push the rod you want to replace upwards. Push the cap on the rod downwards then turn and pull it off. Slide the suspension rod out of the mount and set it aside.
Step 8. Take your new suspension rod out of its packaging. Slide the new suspension rod and spring through the opening on the tub. Pass the end of the suspension rod through the hole in the cabinet.
Step 9. Slide the cap over the end of the rod and rotate it to secure it. Take out the support from underneath the tub.
Step 10. Get someone to help you lift the machine upright and hook the suspension rod spring to the tub cover.
Step 11. Snap the front panel onto your washing machine and apply the two screws at the bottom with your Philips screwdriver to secure it.
Step 12. Connect the electrical connector back to the lid switch on the top panel. Snap the top panel onto the cabinet.
Step 13. Insert your washer’s drain hose back into the home drain and attach the venting back to the washing machine.
Step 14. Connect the two water inlet hoses back to the ports on your washing machine (prevent any water leaks by properly securing the hoses). Turn the water valve back on and plug the power cord into the outlet. Try running a spin cycle to everything works properly.
3. Faulty Shock Absorber (Front Loaders Only)
Here’s what you’ll need to do to replace a damaged shock absorber in your Frigidaire front loader washing machine…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution by making sure to unplug your washing machine’s power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Take out the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the top panel with a Philips screwdriver. Lift the top panel off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Pull the detergent drawer out and press the tab inside to take it out of the washer completely. Use your screwdriver to take out the screws beside the detergent housing and the screws on each top corner of the control panel. Pry the control panel off the machine and lay it on the cabinet.
Step 4. Open the door of your washing machine. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out the retaining band around the door boot seal (take care not to damage the seal). Peel the door seal off the door opening and close the door of your washing machine.
Step 5. Tilt your washing machine backwards a bit and place a wooden block underneath it. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the screws at the bottom of the front panel.
Step 6. Take out the support from underneath you washer and lower machine to the ground. Remove the screws at the top of the front panel using your screwdriver. Lift the front panel upwards and detach it from the cabinet. Disconnect the front panel wire harness and set the panel aside.
Step 7. Place a 1/2 inch socket on the pointed end of the lower pin holding the shock absorber you want to replace. Pull the pin out from the other end using a pair of pliers. Repeat this process with the top mounting pin.
Step 8. Pull the shock absorber out of the mounts and take it out of your washing machine. Take your new shock absorber out of its packaging.
Step 9. Place the new shock absorber in the mounts and push the upper and lower mounting pins into place.
Step 10. Connect the wire harness back to the front panel. Snap the front panel onto the cabinet and use your screwdriver to apply the screws at the top and bottom.
Step 11. Open the door of your washing machine. Carefully fit the door boot seal around the door opening. Use your pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver to fit the metal retaining wire around the door boot seal (make sure you don’t damage the seal). Close your washing machine’s door.
Step 12. Snap the control panel back onto the front of the cabinet and apply all the screws to secure it. Push the detergent drawer into the housing.
Step 13. Slide you washing machine’s top panel back on and use your Philips screwdriver to apply the screws at the back. Plug the power cord back into the outlet and try running a wash cycle to make sure the problem has been fixed.
Check out these other articles…
Washing Machine Will Not Agitate [Problems Solved]
Admiral Washing machine Spin [Issues & Solutions]
Admiral Washing Machine Won’t Agitate [How To Fix]
How To Replace Belt On Admiral Washing Machine [Detailed Guide]
Admiral Washing Machine Drum Loose [How To Fix]
4. Damaged Spider Support Arm (Front Loaders Only)
If your washing machine’s spider support arm gets damaged, you’ll need to replace the inner tub assembly. Here’s how to do this…
Step 1. In order to prevent water leaks or electrocution, please ensure that you unplug your washing machine’s power cord from the outlet and turn the water supply valve off before starting this repair.
Step 2. Use a pair of pliers to help unscrew the COLD and HOT water supply hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (some water will spill out, so make sure to keep a rag nearby).
Step 3. Take out the four screws at the back of your washing machine holding the top panel with a Philips screwdriver. Slide the top panel backwards a few inches and lift it off your washing machine.
Step 4. Use your screwdriver to take out all the screws holding the rear access panel of your washing machine. Pull the panel off and set it aside.
Step 5. Go to the front of your washing machine. Use your screwdriver to take out the two screws holding the lower front access panel. Pull the panel off the machine.
Step 6. Place a towel on the floor of the cabinet. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw clamp holding the outlet hose to the tub. Pull the hose off the tub (some water will leak out).
Step 7. Open your washing machine’s door. Use a flat-blade screwdriver or a pair of pliers to take out the metal retaining wire around the door boot seal (ensure that you do not damage the seal). Peel the seal off the door opening.
Step 8. Use a pair of pliers to untwist the metal wire holding the door seal to the inlet port. Pull the seal off the port.
Step 9. Slowly rotate the drive pulley and take the drive belt off the back of the machine. Cut the zip-tie holding the motor wires to the bottom of the machine.
Step 10. Disconnect the electrical connector from the drive motor. Use your socket wrench to take out the mounting bolts holding the motor to the bottom of the tub. Pull the motor off the tub and set it aside.
Step 11. Disconnect the wire harness from the motor control board. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the screws holding the motor control board to the cabinet. Pull the control board out and set it aside.
Step 12. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to release the spring clip holding the air dome hose to the tub.
Step 13. Take out the two bolts at the top of the counter-weight at the back of the machine using a 7/16 inch socket wrench. Carefully lift the counter-weight off the tub and set it aside.
Step 14. Place a 12mm wrench on the pointed end of the upper mounting pin of the right shock absorber. Pull the pin out of the other end using a pair of pliers. Repeat this process with the left shock absorber. Pull the two shock absorbers out of the mounts.
Step 15. Pull the vent tube off the top of the tub. Use your screwdriver to take out the screws on the two spring retaining straps. Carefully unhook the two springs from the cabinet and lower the tub assembly to the floor (get someone to help you if needed).
Step 16. Carefully guide the tub assembly out of the cabinet. Turn the tub assembly over and set it on some supports. Take out the bolt holding the drive pulley using a 9/16 inch socket. Take the pulley off the tub.
Step 17. Turn the tub assembly over. Use a 3/8 inch socket wrench to take out the two bolts holding the two halves of the tub together. Pry the front half of the outer tub off the tub assembly and set it aside.
Step 18. There is a rubber gasket in the groove of the lower half of the outer tub. We recommend replacing this gasket whenever you split the tub in half in order to prevent water leaks.
Step 19. Turn the tub assembly over again and use a mallet to tap the inner tub shaft off the outer tub. If the shaft is stuck, apply some anti-rust oil to it and let it sit for a while. Pull the lower half of the outer tub off the shaft.
Step 20. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the three screws on each of the baffles inside the inner tub. Pry the tabs on the exterior of the inner drum holding the baffles. Pull the baffles off the drum and set them aside.
Step 21. Set the inner tub assembly aside and take the new assembly out of its packaging. Snap the baffles into place inside the new inner tub. Apply the three screws on each baffle to secure it.
Step 22. Turn the new inner tub over and lay it on the supports. Apply some grease on the brass ring on the shaft.
Step 23. Lower the bottom half of the outer tub onto the inner tub shaft and push it firmly in place. Put the drive pulley onto the back of the outer tub and apply the bolt to secure it.
Step 24. Turn the tub assembly over and place the front half of the outer tub onto the tub assembly. Apply all the bolts with your socket wrench to secure it.
Step 25. Attach the suspension springs to the holes on the tub assembly. Carefully guide the tub assembly back into your washing machine.
Step 26. Carefully lift the two suspension springs and hook them onto the cabinet (get someone to help you if needed). Put the spring retaining straps on and use your screwdriver to apply the screws.
Step 27. Connect the vent tube back to the port at the top of the tub. Snap the two shock absorbers into the mounts on the tub and push the retaining pins into place to secure them.
Step 28. Snap the air pressure dome into the retainer at the side of the tub. Put the motor control board back into the cabinet and apply the screws to secure it. Connect each electrical connector to its appropriate terminal on the board.
Step 29. Mount the drive motor at the base of the tub. Use your socket wrench to apply the four mounting bolts. Connect the wire harness back to the motor and secure the wires to the base of the tub using a zip-tie.
Step 30. Loop the drive belt back around the motor pulley and the drive pulley (the grooved side of the belt should face inwards).
Step 31. Put the counter-weight back on the tub. Use your socket wrench to apply the two mounting bolts.
Step 32. Reconnect the outlet hose to the port at the bottom of the tub. Tighten the screw clamp using a screwdriver to secure it.
Step 33. Open your washing machine’s door. Connect the door seal back to the inlet port and re-twist the clamp with a pair of pliers to secure it.
Step 34. Fit the door boot seal back around the door opening. Using your needle-nosed pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver, carefully fit the retaining band around the door boot seal.
Step 35. Put the lower front access panel back onto your washing machine and apply the two screws at the bottom to secure it.
Step 36. Put the rear panel back onto the cabinet and use your Philips screwdriver to apply all the screws. Slide the top panel back into place and apply the screws at the back.
Step 37. Reconnect the two water supply hoses to the ports at the back of your washing machine (ensure that the hoses are properly secured in order to prevent water leaks).
Step 38. Plug your washer’s power cord into the outlet and turn the water supply valve back on. Try running a spin cycle to ensure everything works properly.
5. Warped Drum Bearing
The bearing in your washing machine ensures that the drum spins freely and smoothly. Rotate the drum by hand to see if you notice any strange noises. If the drum doesn’t spin freely, you’ll need to replace the bearings. Here’s how to do this…
How To Replace Frigidaire Front Loader Washing Machine Drum Bearing
Here’s what you’ll need to do to replace the bearings in your front loader Frigidaire washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of water leakage or electrocution, ensure that you unplug the power cord from the outlet and turn the water valve off before starting this repair.
Step 2. Use a pair of pliers to unscrew the HOT and COLD water supply hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (ensure that you have a rag nearby to clean any water leaks).
Step 3. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the rear panel. Pull the rear panel off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Take out the screws at the back of the machine holding the top panel. Slide the top panel backwards about an inch or so, and lift it off the machine.
Step 5. Go to the front of your machine and use your screwdriver to take out the screws holding the lower front access panel. Take the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 6. Open the door of your washing machine. Use a flat-blade screwdriver or a pair of needle-nosed pliers to take out the metal retaining wire around the door boot seal (ensure that you do not damage the seal).
Step 7. Carefully peel the door seal off the door opening. Use a pair of needle-nosed pliers to untwist the metal wire securing the door boot seal to the inlet port. Pull the seal off the port.
Step 8. Place a 1/2 inch socket on the pointed end of the upper retaining pin holding the right shock absorber. Pull the pin out from the other end using a pair of pliers. Repeat this process with the left shock absorber.
Step 9. Go to the back of your washing. Slowly rotate the drive pulley and take the drive belt off.
Step 10. Disconnect the wire harness from the drive motor. Use your socket wrench
to take out the bolts holding the drive motor to the base of the tub. Carefully lift the motor out of place and set it aside.
Step 11. Cut the zip-tie holding the motor wires to the bottom of the tub. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screw clamp holding the outlet hose to the bottom of the tub. Pull the hose off the tub (make sure to keep a rag nearby to clean water leaks).
Step 12. Pull the vent tube off the port at the top of the outer tub. Use a socket wrench to take out the two bolts holding the counter-weight to the outer tub. Pull the counter-weight off and set it aside.
Step 13. Disconnect the electrical connectors attached to the motor control board. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the motor control board to the cabinet. Pull the control board out and set it aside.
Step 14. Use your screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the spring retaining straps. Carefully lift each suspension spring and lower the drum to the floor (get someone to help you if needed).
Step 15. Carefully guide the tub assembly through the rear of the cabinet. Turn the tub assembly to face upwards. Use a 3/8 inch socket wrench to take out the bolts holding the two halves of the drum together. Lift the front half of the outer tub off the tub assembly and set it aside.
Step 16. Turn the tub assembly upside-down and take out the bolt holding the drive pulley using a 9/16 inch socket wrench. Take the drive pulley off the tub and set it aside.
Step 17. Lift the bottom half of the outer tub off the inner tub shaft. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the bearing seal off the outer tub. Turn the tub upside-down.
Step 18. Use a mallet and a chisel to carefully knock the inner bearing out of place (this may require some effort). Turn the tub over and knock out the larger outer bearing.
Step 19. Take your new washing machine bearing kit out of its packaging. Apply some liquid soap to the new bearings Place the smaller inner bearing inside the tub and carefully knock it into place with a mallet. Push the bearing seal onto the bearing.
Step 20. Turn the tub upside down and knock in the larger outer bearing with your mallet. Lower the bottom half of the outer tub onto the inner tub shaft. Put the drive pulley on the shaft and apply the bolt with your socket wrench.
Step 21. Turn the tub assembly over and lower the front half of the outer tub onto it. Use your socket wrench to apply all the bolts to secure the two halves of the tub.
Step 22. Hook the two suspension springs back onto the tub assembly. Carefully guide the tub assembly through the back of the cabinet. hook the two suspension springs onto the cabinet.
Step 23. Put the spring retaining straps back in place and apply the screws to secure them. Push the vent tube back into the opening at the top of the tub.
Step 24. Connect each electrical connector to its appropriate terminal on the motor control board. Mount the board in the cabinet and apply the screws to secure it.
Step 25. Put the counter-weight onto the back of the outer tub and apply the bolts with your socket wrench to secure it.
Step 26. Connect the outlet hose back to the port at the bottom of the outer tub. Tighten the screw clamp with your screwdriver to secure the hose.
Step 27. Mount the drive motor at the bottom of the tub. Apply the mounting bolts using your socket wrench to secure the motor.
Step 28. Secure the motor wires to the bottom of the tub using a zip-tie. Connect the wire harness back to the drive motor.
Step 29. Loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and the drive pulley (ensure that the grooved side of the belt faces downwards).
Step 30. Slide the shock absorbers into the mounts on the outer tub. Push the retaining pins into the holes to secure the shock absorbers. Secure the air pressure dome to the outer tub.
Step 31. Connect the door boot seal back to the water inlet port. Tighten the retaining clamp with a pair of pliers to secure the connection.
Step 32. Fit the door seal back around the door opening (make sure not to damage the door boot seal). Fit the retaining wire back around the door boot seal using a flat-blade screwdriver or a pair of needle-nosed pliers.
Step 33. Slide your washing machine’s top panel back on and apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure it.
Step 34. Put the lower front access panel back into the place. Use your screwdriver to apply the two screws. Snap the rear panel back onto your washer’s cabinet and apply all the screws with your Philips screwdriver.
Step 35. Reconnect the two water supply hoses to the ports on your washing machine (in order to prevent any water leaks, make sure to secure the hoses properly so water doesn’t leak out).
Step 36. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the outlet and turn the water supply valve back on. Try running a spin cycle to make sure the issue has been fixed.
How To Replace Frigidaire Top Loader Washing Machine Drum Bearing
Here’s what you’ll need to do to replace a warped bearing in your Frigidaire top loader washing machine…
Step 1. Shut off the water supply to your washing machine and unplug the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent any chances of water leakage or electrocution.
Step 2. Put some tape over the lid of your washing machine to secure it. Insert a tool such as a putty knife under the two sides of the top panel to release the retaining clips. Lift your washing machine’s top panel and support it.
Step 3. Pull the dispenser assembly off the agitator and set it aside. Use a pair of pliers to pull out the cap inside the agitator.
Step 4. Take out the bolt holding the agitator to the washing machine using a 1/2 inch socket wrench. Lift the agitator out of the tub and set it aside.
Step 5. Pry open the tabs on the tub cover using a flat-blade screwdriver. Lift the tub cover off and set it aside.
Step 6. Use a socket wrench to take out the two bolts inside the tub holding the trunnion block. Pull the trunnion block out of place and lift the inner tub off the shaft.
Step 7. Apply some liquid soap to the transmission shaft. Pull the brass ring and tub seal off the shaft and set them aside.
Step 8. Take out the two screws at the bottom of the front panel using a Philips screwdriver. Push the panel downwards and lift it off the cabinet.
Step 9. Take out the two screws holding the motor shield to the side of the tub. Place a rag on the floor of the cabinet under the drain hose. Use a pair of pliers to squeeze the clamp on the hose attached to the bottom of the outer tub and slide it out of place. Pull the hose off the tub.
Step 10. Use a 1/2 inch socket wrench to take out the three bolts around the base of the outer tub holding the tub to the mounting plate.
Step 11. Disconnect the air pressure tube from the port at the side of the outer tub. Lift the outer tub off the shaft. Turn the tub upside-down and set it on the floor.
Step 12. Take out the two screws holding the bearing to the bottom of the tub using a Philips screwdriver. Pry the bearing out of the tub with a flat-blade screwdriver and set it aside.
Step 13. Take your new washing machine tub bearing out of its packaging. Push the new bearing into the opening at the bottom of the tub (use a mallet if needed). Apply the two screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure the new bearing.
Step 14. Turn the tub assembly over and lower it onto the transmission shaft. Use your 1/2 inch socket wrench to apply the mounting bolts at the base of the tub.
Step 15. Secure the air pressure tube to the port at the side of the outer tub. Connect the drain hose back to the port at the bottom of the tub. Use a pair of pliers to squeeze the retaining clamp and slide it back into place.
Step 16. Attach the motor shield back to the tub and apply the two screws using your Philips screwdriver to secure it.
Step 17. Snap the front panel back onto the cabinet and apply the two screws at the bottom to secure it.
Step 18. Apply some liquid soap to the tub seal and push it onto the shaft. Push the brass ring back into place.
Step 19. Lower the inner tub onto the shaft. Put the trunnion block back in place and apply the two bolts with your socket wrench to secure it. Snap the tub cover back onto the tub assembly.
Step 20. Lower the agitator onto the shaft and apply the mounting bolt to secure it. Push the agitator cap back into place. Screw the dispenser assembly onto the agitator.
Step 21. Lower your washing machine’s top panel and snap it back into the cabinet. Peel the tape off the lid. Turn your washing machine’s water supply valve back on and plug the power cord into the outlet. Make sure the machine works properly by running a wash cycle.