Is your washing machine unbalanced? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide will explain the causes of this issue and give you steps on how to fix them…
Table of Contents
Washing Machine Unbalanced Load — How To Fix
To fix a washing machine unbalanced load, you must ensure that the clothes are distributed evenly in the drum. Also avoid overfilling the tub, as this will make it harder for the drum to spin.
Washing Machine Unbalanced When Spinning — Solved
Is your washing machine unbalanced when spinning? If so, here are the issues you should look for…
1. Legs Are Uneven
If your washing machine’s legs aren’t even, the washer will rock about a lot when spinning. Ensure that your washer sits on a firm, even surface. If needed, tilt the machine backwards and adjust the legs as needed.
2. Broken Spider Support Arm (Applicable To Front Loaders Only)
The spider support arm holds the inner tub and helps it stay balanced. If you notice that the tub shakes violently when spinning, you’ll need to replace this part. Here are the steps you’ll need to take…
Tools needed for this repair…
- 7mm, 19mm, 13mm, 10mm Socket With Long Extension
- Philips Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Pliers
- 2 Wooden Blocks
- Small Screwdriver
Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution and water leakage by disconnecting your washer from the electrical outlet and turning the water supply valve off before attempting this repair.
Step 2. Using your Philips screwdriver, remove the bolts at the back of the machine securing the rear access panel to the cabinet. Pry the panel off and set it aside.
Step 3. Disconnect the wires from the stator assembly and water temperature sensor at the back of the machine.
Step 4. With your screwdriver, take out the grounding wire bolt. Loosen the screws holding the wire harness bundle to the plate.
Step 5. Insert a small screwdriver into one of the inner holes on the rotor assembly (this will jam the rotor). With your 19mm socket wrench, loosen the bolt securing the rotor assembly to the machine.
Step 6. Carefully pry the rotor assembly off the tub and set it aside. With your 10mm socket wrench, loosen the bolts holding the stator to the back of the tub. Take the stator off the machine and set it aside.
Step 7. Use your Philips screwdriver to loosen the bolts holding the top panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel off the machine, then set it aside.
Step 8. Press the clamp on the little tube connected to the top of the drum and slide it out of place. Pull the tube off the tub.
Step 9. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screw clamp holding the larger hose to the top of the machine. Pull the hose off the port.
Step 10. Pull the detergent tray out and press the tab inside to release it from the housing completely.
Step 11. With your Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts holding the control panel to the front of the machine. Pry the control panel off the cabinet and disconnect the wire harnesses connected to it.
Step 12. Pry out the lower front access panel. Pull the emergency drain hose out of the retainer and use your Philips screwdriver to take out the two screws next to the hose.
Step 13. Close the access panel and open your washer’s door. With a pair of needle-nosed pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver, remove the metal band around the door boot seal (take care not to puncture the seal). Peel the door boot seal off the door opening.
Step 14. Remove the screws holding the door lock to the cabinet using a Philips screwdriver.
Step 15. Loosen the screws at the top of the main front panel. Carefully lift the entire front panel off the cabinet, then set it aside.
Step 16. Place a small container underneath the emergency drain hose. Pull the hose’s cap off and let any water that may be stuck in the machine drain out.
Step 17. Once all the water has drained out of the machine completely, put the hose’s cap back on.
Step 18. Squeeze the clamp on the little tube connected to the door boot seal, then slide it out of place. Pull the tube off the seal.
Step 19. Using your 7mm socket wrench, loosen the screw-clamp securing the door boot seal to the drum. Carefully pull the seal and retaining band off the tub assembly.
Step 20. Use your pliers to squeeze the spring clamp on the detergent dispenser hose connected to the front of the tub. Pull the hose off the tub assembly.
Step 21. Using a 13mm socket wrench, take out all the bolts holding the two counter-weights to the front of the machine. Carefully lift each counter-weight off the tub assembly.
Step 22. Untwist the wire ties holding the air pressure tube to the washer. Squeeze the spring clamp at the lower front section of the tub assembly and slide it out of place. Pull the hose off the tub.
Step 23. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the screw holding the tube retainer to the bottom of the tub. Release the spring clamp and pull the hose off.
Step 24. Unplug each wire harness attached to the heating element at the bottom of the tub assembly (ensure that you take note of where each connector goes). loosen the screw holding the wire retainer.
Step 25. Loosen the screw clamp holding the sump hose to the bottom of the tub, then pull the hose off (keep a rag nearby in case water spills).
Step 26. Use your 13mm socket wrench to take out all the upper mounting bolts holding the shock absorbers to the tub. Pull each shock out of the mounts.
Step 27. Loosen the screws holding the detergent dispenser to the metal cross bar, then move it out of the way.
Step 28. Lift the two suspension springs off the cabinet and carefully lower the tub assembly. Guide the tub assembly through the front of the cabinet.
Step 29. Set the tub on two supports facing upwards. Using your 10mm socket, loosen all the bolts holding the two halves of the tub together.
Step 30. Pry both halves of the tub apart using a flat-blade screwdriver. Lift the front half of the outer tub off the tub assembly. In the lower half of the outer tub, you’ll find a rubber seal in the groove. It is advised that you replace this seal whenever you split the tub
Step 31. Lift the inner tub out of the outer tub and set it on the floor. Use your 10mm socket wrench to loosen the six bolts holding the spider arm to the back of the tub. Take the spider arm off the inner tub and discard it.
Step 32. Prepare your new washing machine spider support arm for installation by removing it from its packaging.
Step 33. Mount the new spider support arm on the inner tub assembly and apply the six mounting bolts to secure it.
Step 34. Lower the inner tub into the rear half of the outer tub. Place the front half of the outer tub on the tub assembly and apply all the bolts using your socket wrench.
Step 35. Carefully guide the tub assembly back into the cabinet. Hook the two suspension springs onto the tub, and hook them onto the cabinet.
Step 36. Push the detergent drawer back into place and apply the screws with your screwdriver to secure it.
Step 37. Push the two shock absorbers into the mounts at the bottom of the tub and apply the bolts using your socket wrench.
Step 38. Reattach the sump hose to the port at the bottom of your washing machine and tighten the screw-clamp with your screwdriver.
Step 39. Plug each wire harness into its appropriate terminal on the heating element. Use your Philips screwdriver to apply the screw to secure the wire harness to the tub.
Step 40. Connect the air pressure hose to the port at the bottom of the tub and secure it using the spring clamp. Secure the retainer to the tub by applying the screw
Step 41. Reconnect the second hose to the port at the lower front section of the outer tub, then press and slide the retaining clamp in place to secure it.
Step 42. Use the twist wire to secure the air pressure hose to the side of the tub. Attach the dispenser hose to the port at the upper front of the tub assembly and secure it with the spring clamp.
Step 43. Carefully fit the door boot seal around the tub opening and secure it with the inner retaining band.
Step 44. Attach the little tube to the port at the top of the door boot seal. Secure the connection using the spring clamp.
Step 45. Place the two counter-weights onto the front of the tub and apply the bolts using your socket wrench.
Step 46. Lift the front panel carefully and snap it onto the front of the cabinet. Apply the screws at the top of the front panel using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 47. Flip open the lower front access panel and apply the nuts using your Philips screwdriver. Push the emergency drain hose back into the retainer.
Step 48. Open your washer’s door and fit the door lock back into place. Apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure the lock.
Step 49. Fit the door boot seal around the door opening. Using your flat-blade screwdriver, run the retaining band around the door boot seal (take care not to puncture the seal).
Step 50. Plug the wire connectors back into the control panel. Snap the panel back onto the cabinet and apply the screws at the top using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 51. Slide the soap tray into the housing. Go to the back of the machine and mount the stator assembly at the back of the drum. Apply the six bolts using your 10mm socket wrench.
Step 52. Use your screwdriver to apply the screws to secure the wire bundle to the plate. Plug each wire harness into its appropriate terminal on the stator.
Step 53. Plug the temperature sensor wire harness back in. Mount the rotor assembly onto the stator and apply the bolt using your 19mm socket wrench.
Step 54. Put your washing machine’s rear access panel back on and apply the bolts using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 55. Reattach the big and small hoses to the ports at the top of the tub assembly. Secure both hoses using the spring clamps.
Step 56. Snap the top panel back onto the cabinet and apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver.
Step 57. Reconnect your washing machine to the electrical outlet and turn the water supply faucet back on. To ensure that the issue has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.
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3. Damaged Shock Absorber (Front Loaders Only)
If a shock absorber in your front loader washing machine gets damaged, it will cause the drum to go out of balance when spinning. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace a shock absorber in your washer…
Rear Shock Absorber
Take the following steps to replace a rear shock absorber in your front loader washing machine…
Step 1. Ensue that your washing machine is unplugged from the electrical outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Using your Philips screwdriver, loosen the bolts at the back of the machine securing the rear access panel. Pry the panel off the machine, then set it aside.
Step 3. With a 13mm socket wrench, take out the upper and lower mounting bolts holding the shock absorber to the tub. Pull the shock absorber out of the cabinet, then set it aside.
Step 4. Take your new shock absorber out of its packaging and snap it into the mounts. Apply the upper and lower bolts using your socket wrench.
Step 5. Place the rear access panel on the cabinet and apply the nuts using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 6. Plug your washer into the electrical outlet and try running a spin cycle to ensure that the problem has been fixed.
Front Shock Absorber
To replace the front shock absorber in your washing machine, take the following steps…
Step 1. Shut your washing machine’s water supply faucet and disconnect the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution or water spillage.
Step 2. Tilt your machine backwards carefully and place a support underneath it. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the screws at the bottom of the front panel.
Step 3. Set your washer back onto its feet. Pull the emergency drain hose out of its retainer.
Step 4. Loosen the screws at the back of the machine securing the top panel, using a Philips screwdriver. Pull the panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 5. Pull the soap drawer out and press the tab inside to release it from the housing.
Step 6. Remove the screws securing the detergent dispenser to the cross bar at the front of the cabinet. Loosen the bolts at the top of the control panel.
Step 7. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, pry the control panel off the front of the cabinet. Unplug each wire connector attached to the control panel (ensure that you take note of where each connector goes).
Step 8. Open your machine’s door, then remove the bolts holding the door lock to the cabinet using a Philips screwdriver.
Step 9. Using either a flat-blade screwdriver or a pair of needle-nosed pliers, carefully pull out the metal wire around the door boot seal. Peel the boot seal off the door opening.
Step 10. Use your Philips screwdriver to remove the screws at the top of the front panel. Carefully lift the entire front panel off the cabinet, then set it aside.
Step 11. Using a 13mm socket wrench, loosen the upper and lower mounting bolts of the shock absorber you want to replace. Pull the shock absorber out of the cabinet, then discard it.
Step 12. Remove your new washing machine shock absorber from its packaging. Push the new shock absorber into the mounts and apply the bolts to secure it.
Step 13. Lift the front panel and carefully snap it onto the cabinet. Use your Philips screwdriver to apply the screws at the top of the front panel.
Step 14. Tip the machine backwards carefully use your Philips screwdriver to apply the screws at the bottom.
Step 15. Open the door of your washing machine and push the door lock back into place. Apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure the door lock to the cabinet.
Step 16. Fit the door boot seal back around the door opening. Use your flat-blade screwdriver to fit the retaining band around the door boot seal.
Step 17. Open the lower front access panel and use your screwdriver to apply the screws.
Step 18. Plug each wire harness into its appropriate terminal on the control panel. Snap the control panel and apply the screws at the top using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 19. Push the detergent dispenser back in place and apply the bolts on the cross bar using the Philips screwdriver. Slide the detergent drawer back into the housing.
Step 20. Place the top panel back on the cabinet. Using your Philips screwdriver, apply the screws at the back of the cabinet. Plug your washer into the electrical outlet and try running a spin cycle to ensure that the problem has been fixed.
4. Damaged Suspension Rod (Top Loaders)
To replace a damaged suspension rod in your top loader washing machine, here are the steps you’ll need to take…
Step 1. Prevent electrocution and water leakage by shutting the water supply to your washing machine and unplugging the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Put some tape on the lid of your washing machine to secure it. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts at the back of the machine securing the top panel to the cabinet.
Step 3. Lift the top panel and support it. Push the tub to the side a bit. Lift the suspension rod, then pull the rod bushing out of the cut-out.
Step 4. Push the suspension rod downwards and slide the lower bushing out of the cut-out as well. Pull the suspension rod out of the cabinet, then discard it.
Step 5. Remove your new suspension rod from its packaging. Slide the lower rod bushing into the cut-out at the bottom of the tub. Push the top bushing into the cut-out on the cabinet.
Step 6. Lower the top panel and snap it onto the cabinet. Secure the top panel by applying the screws at the back.
Step 7. Reconnect your washing machine to its electrical outlet and try running a spin cycle to ensure that the problem has been fixed.
5. Warped Drum Bearings
To replace warped drum bearings in your washing machine, here are the steps you’ll need to take…
How To Change Top Loader Washing Machine Bearing
Replace the bearing in your top loader washing machine with the following steps…
Step 1. Shut your washing machine’s water supply faucet and unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent water leaks and electrocution.
Step 2. Spread a towel on the floor underneath the water supply hoses to catch any leaks. Unscrew the hoses from the ports using a pair of pliers.
Step 3. Loosen the bolts at the back of the control panel using a screwdriver. Set the control panel face-down on the cabinet.
Step 4. Unplug each wire connector attached to the control panel, then disconnect each one (ensure that you take note of where each connector goes). set the control panel aside.
Step 5. Insert a tool such as a putty knife underneath the main top panel (this will release the two spring clips holding the front panel). Lift the front panel off the cabinet, then set it aside.
Step 6. Use your screwdriver to loosen the bolts at the front of the machine securing the top panel. Lift the panel slightly, then unplug the lid lock wire connector from underneath. Set the top panel aside.
Step 7. With your screwdriver, take out the bolts holding the control panel bracket, trim, and rear panel. Pull the air pressure tube off the pressure switch, then set the bracket aside.
Step 8. Loosen the screws holding the shock dampening straps to the tub cover, then pull each strap off. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the tub cover off the tub assembly.
Step 9. Open the dispenser cup and rotate it to release it from the housing. Using a 7/16 inch socket wrench, loosen the bolt holding the agitator to the tub. Carefully lift the agitator out of the tub, then set it aside.
Step 10. Using a tub nut wrench and a hammer, loosen the bolt holding the inner tub to the outer tub. Lift the inner tub out of the cabinet, then set it aside.
Step 11. Pry the split ring off the shaft using a flat-blade screwdriver. Disconnect each wire harness attached to the motor assembly (ensure that you take note of where each connector goes. Release the wires from the retainer.
Step 12. Loosen the motor grounding wire screw. Pull the air pressure tube off the port at the side of the tub.
Step 13. Using a pair of pliers, release the clamp on the drain hose connected to the bottom of the tub, then slide it out of place. Pull the hose off the tub (keep a rag nearby in case water spills).
Step 14. Lift the tub and knock each of the four suspension rods out of the mounts. Pull the tub assembly through the front of the cabinet carefully.
Step 15. Set the tub assembly on the floor facing upwards. Carefully take the drive belt off the two pulleys, then set it aside.
Step 16. Loosen the bolt holding the drive pulley using a 3/4 inch socket wrench. Take the pulley wheel off and set it aside.
Step 17. Use your socket wrench to loosen the hex bolts on the plate underneath the pulley.
Step 18. Loosen the nuts holding the base frame to the tub assembly. Lift the frame off the outer tub and set it aside.
Step 19. Pull the mode shifter and shaft assembly out of the tub, then set it aside. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the tub bearing to the outer tub. Pry the bearing out of the housing using a flat-blade screwdriver.
Step 20. Prepare your new washing machine bearing for installation by removing it from its packaging.
Step 21. Push the new bearing firmly into the housing and apply the two screws with your screwdriver.
Step 22. Slide the mode shifter and shaft assembly through the new bearing. Lift the base frame and carefully lower it onto the tub assembly. Apply all the bolts using your socket wrench.
Step 23. Secure the mode shifter to the base frame by applying the hex bolts with your socket wrench.
Step 24. Place the pulley wheel on the shaft and apply the bolt to secure it. With the grooved side turned inwards, loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and drive pulley.
Step 25. Turn the tub assembly over and carefully guide it back into the cabinet. Lift the tub and snap each of the four suspension rods back into the mounts.
Step 26. Plug the air pressure tube back to the port at the side of the tub. Connect the outlet hose to the drain port at the bottom of the outer tub and secure it with the spring clamp.
Step 27. Reconnect all the wires to their appropriate terminals on the motor assembly. Secure the wires in the retainer.
Step 28. Push the split ring back down the shaft. Lower the inner tub back onto the shaft, and apply the bolt using your hammer and tub nut wrench.
Step 29. Put the agitator on the shaft and apply the nut using your 7/16 inch socket wrench.
Step 30. Push the dispenser cup into the agitator, then rotate it to secure. Snap the tub cover onto the tub assembly.
Step 31. Attach each shock dampening strap to the tub cover. Apply the screws to secure the straps.
Step 32. Lift the control panel bracket and place it back on the cabinet. Reattach the air pressure tube to the water level switch.
Step 33. Mount the trim pieces and rear panel back on the cabinet and apply all the screws to secure them.
Step 34. Plug the wire harness back to the lid switch at the bottom of the top panel. Snap the top panel onto the cabinet and apply the screws using your screwdriver.
Step 35. Lift the front panel and snap it back onto the cabinet. Plug each wire harness into its appropriate terminal on the control panel.
Step 36. Snap the control panel into the mount and use your screwdriver to apply the bolts at the back.
Step 37. Reconnect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to the ports at the back of the washer (ensure that both hoses are secured properly so water won’t spill).
Step 38. Plug the power cord back into the outlet, then turn the water supply faucet back on. To ensure that the problem has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.
How To Change Front Loader Washing Machine Bearing
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace damaged bearings in your front loader washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent water leaks and electrical damage, we recommend shutting your washer’s water supply faucet and unplugging the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Use a Torx screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the top panel to the cabinet. Slide the top backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the machine.
Step 3. Slide the soap tray out. Press the tab inside the tray to release it from the housing.
Step 4. With your Torx screwdriver, take out the bolts securing the control panel to the front of the machine.
Step 5. Unplug each wire connector attached to the control panel (be sure to take note of where each connector goes). set the control panel aside.
Step 6. Pry the lower front access panel off the cabinet and set it aside. Open the door of your washing machine and use your screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the door lock to the cabinet.
Step 7. With a flat-blade screwdriver or a pair of pliers, pry the retaining band off the door boot seal (ensure that you do not puncture the seal). Pry the boot seal off the door opening.
Step 8. Loosen all the bolts at the top and bottom of the front panel. Carefully lift the front panel off the cabinet, then set it aside.
Step 9. Go to the back of your washing machine and loosen the screws securing the rear access panel to the machine. Pry the panel off and set it aside.
Step 10. Carefully take the drive belt off the two pulleys and set it aside. Pry the cross-member off the front of the cabinet.
Step 11. Push the detergent dispenser aside. Use a pair of pliers to release the spring clamp holding the detergent dispenser hose to the tub. Pull the hose off, then set the dispenser aside.
Step 12. Using a socket wrench and a screwdriver, take out the screws securing the counter-weights to the top and front of the outer tub. Carefully lift each weight off the machine.
Step 13. Unplug the electrical connectors attached to the heating element at the bottom of the tub assembly (make sure to take note of where the wires go first).
Step 14. Loosen the nut holding the heating element in place. With a flat-blade screwdriver, pry the heating element out of the housing and set it aside.
Step 15. Spread a rag on the floor of the cabinet underneath the tub. Use your screwdriver to loosen the clamp holding the sump hose to bottom of the tub. Pull the hose off the port.
Step 16. Release the zip-ties holding the wire bundles to the side of the tub. Unplug the wire harness from the drive motor at the bottom of your washer.
Step 17. Using your socket wrench, loosen the bolts securing the drive motor to the bottom of the machine. Carefully pull the motor out of the cabinet and set it aside.
Step 18. With a pair of needle-nosed pliers, release the air pressure chamber from the retainer at the side of the tub.
Step 19. Loosen the upper mounting bolts securing the shock absorbers to the tub assembly. Pull each shock absorber out of the mount.
Step 20. Lift the two suspension springs at the side of the cabinet, then lower the tub assembly.
Step 21. Carefully guide the tub assembly out of the cabinet. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry the inner retaining band off the door boot seal (ensure that the seal isn’t punctured. Peel the boot seal off the tub and set it aside.
Step 22. Turn the tub assembly over and set it on two supports. With a 13mm socket wrench, remove the bolt holding the drive pulley to the back of the tub
Step 23. Use your Torx screwdriver to loosen the nuts holding the two halves of the tub together. Pry the front half of the outer tub off and set it aside.
Step 24. Turn the tub assembly upwards and set it on the supports. Lift the inner tub out and set it aside.
Step 25. Use a chisel and a hammer to knock the outer bearing out of the tub. Turn the tub assembly over and repeat this process for the inner bearing.
Step 26. Turn the tub assembly over again and remove the inner bearing and bearing seal.
Step 27. Remove your new washing machine bearing kit from its packaging. Turn the lower half of the outer tub upside-down and set it on the supports. Use a mallet and a block of wood to carefully knock the new outer bearing into place.
Step 28. Turn the assembly over and push the new inner bearing into the housing using the mallet and wood block. Push the new bearing seal into place.
Step 29. Lower the inner tub into the rear half of the outer tub. Turn the tub assembly over and put the drive pulley on the inner tub shaft. Apply the bolt using your socket wrench.
Step 30. Turn the tub over again and put the front half the outer tub back on. Secure both halves by applying the screws with your screwdriver.
Step 31. Fit the door boot seal around the drum opening and secure it using the retaining band. Carefully guide the tub assembly back into the cabinet and hook the two suspension springs into the openings.
Step 32. Push the two shock absorbers back into the mounts at the bottom of the tub. Use your socket wrench to apply the bolts.
Step 33. Mount the motor at the back of the machine and apply the bolts with your socket wrench. Plug the wire harness into motor.
Step 34. Loop the drive belt back around the two pulleys. Place the two counter-weights on the machine and apply the bolts.
Step 35. Reconnect the drain hose to the outlet port at the bottom of the tub and secure it using the screw-clamp.
Step 36. Slide the heating element back into the housing and tighten the nut to secure it. Plug the wire connectors into their appropriate terminals.
Step 37. Reattach the detergent dispenser hose to the port at the upper front section of the tub and secure it with the spring clamp.
Step 38. Push the detergent dispenser and cross-bar back in place. Lift the main front panel and snap it back onto the cabinet. Use your Torx screwdriver to apply the screws at the top and bottom.
Step 39. Snap the lower front access panel onto the cabinet. Open your washing machine’s door.
Step 40. Push the door lock back into place and apply the screws to secure it to the cabinet.
Step 41. Fit the door boot seal around the door opening. Fit the outer retaining band around the boot seal using a pair of needle-nosed pliers.
Step 42. Plug each wire connector into its appropriate terminal on the control board. Snap the control panel onto the cabinet and apply all the screws using your Torx screwdriver.
Step 43. Slide the detergent drawer back into the housing. Snap the top panel onto the cabinet, then secure it by applying the bolts at the back.
Step 44. Reconnect your washer to the electrical outlet and turn the water supply valve back on. To make sure the problem has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.
6. Damaged Balance Ring
Take the following steps to replace a damaged balance ring in your washing machine…
How To Replace Front Loader Washing Machine Balance Ring
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace the balance ring in your front loader washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrocution or water leaks, ensure that your washing machine is disconnected from the power outlet, and the water valve is turned off before starting this repair.
Step 2. With a Philips screwdriver, remove the screws at the back of the machine securing the rear access panel. Lift the panel off the washer and set it aside.
Step 3. Disconnect the wire harnesses attached to the stator assembly at the back of the tub. Unplug the temperature sensor wire harness.
Step 4. Use your screwdriver to loosen the nut holding the grounding wire to the plate. Remove the nuts securing the wire bundle.
Step 5. Insert a small screwdriver into one of the holes on the rotor (this will help hold the rotor in place). Use a 19mm socket wrench to loosen the bolt holding the rotor to the tub.
Step 6. Carefully pry the rotor off the machine, then set it aside. Loosen the bolts securing the stator to the machine using a 10mm socket wrench. Take the stator off and set it aside.
Step 7. Loosen the screws holding the top panel to the cabinet. Pull the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the machine.
Step 8. Release the clamps on the two hoses attached to the top of the tub, then slide them out of place. Pull each hose off the tub assembly.
Step 9. Slide the soap tray out and press the tab inside to release it from the housing. Use your Philips screwdriver to loosen the bolts at the top of the control panel.
Step 10. Pry the panel off the cabinet and unplug the wire connectors attached to it (ensure that you take note of where each connector goes). Set the control panel aside.
Step 11. Open the lower front access panel of your washer. Pull the emergency drain hose out of the retainer and use your Philips screwdriver to loosen the bolts next to it.
Step 12. Open the door of your machine. Using your Philips screwdriver, take out the nuts securing the door lock to the cabinet.
Step 13. Use a pair of needle-nosed pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the retaining band off the door boot seal. Pry the boot seal off the door opening.
Step 14. Loosen the screws at the top of the front panel using your Philips screwdriver. Carefully lift the front panel off the cabinet, then set it aside.
Step 15. Pull the emergency drain hose and press a container under it. Pull the cap off the hose, then let any water stuck in the drum drain out. Put the cap onto the hose.
Step 16. Use a pair of pliers to release the spring clamp holding the little tube to the port at the top of the door boot seal. Pull the hose off the port.
Step 17. Use a nut-driver to loosen the screw-clamp holding the boot seal to the tub. Pull the door gasket off the tub, then set it aside.
Step 18. With your pliers, release the clamp securing the detergent dispenser hose to the front of the drum, then pull the hose off.
Step 19. Use a 13mm socket wrench to loosen the bolts holding the two counter-weights to the front of the tub. Carefully lift each weight off the machine.
Step 20. Squeeze the spring clamps on the two hoses attached to the lower front section of the tub and slide them out of place. Pull the two hoses off.
Step 21. Disconnect the wire connectors attached to the heating element at the bottom of the tub (make sure to take note of where each connector goes).
Step 22. Spread a rag on the floor underneath the tub. With your Philips screwdriver, loosen the screw-clamp securing the sump hose to the bottom of the tub. Pull the hose off the machine (some water will spill out).
Step 23. Use your 13mm socket wrench to loosen the upper mounting bolts holding the shock absorbers to the tub. Pull each shock off the tub.
Step 24. Lift the two tub suspension springs and unhook them from the cabinet. Carefully lower the tub assembly.
Step 25. Pull the tub assembly out of the cabinet. Set the tub assembly face-up on two supports.
Step 26. Use your socket wrench to loosen the bolts holding the two halves of the drum together. Pry both halves apart using a flat-blade screwdriver. Lift the front half of the outer tub and set it aside.
Step 27. Lift the inner tub and turn it over. Using a 10mm socket wrench, loosen the six bolts holding the spider arm to the inner tub. Take the spider arm off and set it aside.
Step 28. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the bolts holding the balance ring onto the inner tub. Use a putty knife to pry the balance ring out of the tub, then discard it.
Step 29. Remove your new washing machine balance ring from its packaging. Snap the new balance ring onto the tub and secure it by applying the bolts using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 30. Put the spider support arm back onto the tub assembly, then apply the six bolts using a 10mm socket wrench.
Step 31. Turn the inner tub over and lower it into the rear half of the outer tub. Put the front half of the outer tub back on and apply all the bolts using your socket wrench.
Step 32. Carefully guide the tub assembly back into the cabinet and hook the two suspension springs into the mounts.
Step 33. Push the shock absorbers back into the mounts and apply the mounting bolts with your socket wrench.
Step 34. Reattach the outlet hose to the port at the bottom of the tub assembly. Secure the hose by tightening the screw-clamp.
Step 35. Plug the wire connectors into the appropriate terminals on the heating element.
Step 36. Attach the two hoses to the ports at the lower front section of the tub assembly using the spring clamps.
Step 37. Connect the detergent dispenser hose to the port at the upper front of the outer tub. Secure the hose with the clamp.
Step 38. Carefully fit the door boot seal around the tub opening. Fit the inner retaining wire around the door boot seal and tighten the clamp using a screwdriver.
Step 39. Connect the port on the door boot seal to the little tube. Mount the two counter-weights onto the machine and apply the bolts using a 13mm socket wrench.
Step 40. Lift the front panel and snap it onto the cabinet. Apply the screws at the top of the panel using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 41. Open the lower front access panel and apply the screws in the housing. Open the door of your washer and push the door lock back into position. Use your Philips screwdriver to apply the bolts.
Step 42. Fit the door boot seal around the edge of the door. Plug the wire connectors into their appropriate terminals on the control panel.
Step 43. Snap the control panel onto the cabinet and use your Philips screwdriver to apply the screws at the top. Slide the soap drawer into the housing.
Step 44. Mount the stator onto the back of your tub and apply the six bolts using your 10mm socket wrench. Plug the wire connectors into the appropriate terminals on the stator.
Step 45. Apply the screws to secure the grounding wire and wire bundle to the plate. Reconnect the temp sensor wire harness.
Step 46. Mount the rotor on the stator and apply the bolt with your 19mm socket wrench. Place the rear access panel back onto the machine and use your Philips screwdriver to apply the bolts.
Step 47. Reattach the two hoses to the ports at the top of the tub assembly and secure them using the spring clamps.
Step 48. Place the top panel on the machine and apply the screws at the back. Reconnect the power cord to the outlet and turn the water faucet back on. To ensure that the problem has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.
Note: Please keep in mind that not all washing machine’s have balance rings.
How To Replace Top Loader Washing Machine Balance Ring
Take the following steps to replace a balance ring in your top loader washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrocution, ensure that your washing machine is unplugged from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Use a screwdriver to take out the screws at the back of the machine securing the control panel. Lift the panel and let it hang over the rear panel.
Step 3. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out the retaining clips holding the rear panel to the cabinet. Unplug the wire connector attached to the top of the cabinet.
Step 4. Carefully pull the cabinet off the machine, then set it aside. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the tub cover off the tub assembly.
Step 5. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the tabs holding the balance ring to the tub assembly. Lift the balance ring off the tub, then set it aside.
Step 6. Remove your new washing machine balance ring from its packaging. Push the new ring into the tub assembly, then rotate it counter-clockwise to lock it in place.
Step 7. Snap the tub cover onto the tub assembly. Carefully lift the cabinet and lower it onto the machine. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to push the two retaining clips into the cabinet.
Step 8. Plug the wire connector back to the top of the cabinet. Lower the control panel and snap it back in place. Apply the screws at the back of the machine to secure the panel.
Step 9. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet and try running a spin cycle to ensure that the problem has been fixed.
Note: please keep in mind that the steps above will vary greatly depending on the brand of your washing machine.
