Amana Washing Machine: not spinning, excessive drum movement
What is this symptom?
Is your Amana washing machine not spinning and showing excessive drum movement? This issue often results in wet clothes left in the drum after washing. Common causes include an unbalanced load, broken suspension rods, or a faulty lid switch. Understanding these symptoms can help you troubleshoot effectively.
Important Tips for Amana Models
- Amana official troubleshooting specifically highlights load balance and leveling for spin issues; use Amana’s leveling instructions for best results.
Possible Causes
Unbalanced or overloaded load
How to Identify: Drum stops and rocks violently, clothes clumped on one side, issue resolves when load is redistributed.
Part: Drum / load distribution
Broken suspension rods or shock absorbers
How to Identify: Drum moves excessively up/down or side-to-side when spun manually or during wash; rattle noises present.
Part: Suspension rods / dampers
Lid switch or door latch failure
How to Identify: Machine won’t spin but may agitate; spin only starts when latch ignored or re-seated.
Part: Lid switch / door latch assembly
Drive belt wear or breakage
How to Identify: Motor sounds normal or belt slipping noises, drum doesn’t turn with motor running.
Part: Drive belt
DIY Solutions
Redistribute and reduce laundry load
- Open the washer and remove some items to ensure the drum is not overfilled.
- Rearrange items to evenly distribute weight around the drum.
- Restart the spin cycle to see if the washer balances and spins correctly.
Level the washer
- Place a bubble level on top of the washer to check current leveling.
- Adjust the leveling feet by turning them clockwise or counterclockwise until the machine is level.
- Tighten lock nuts on feet to secure position and test with a spin cycle.
Next step
Choose the next step for not spinning, excessive drum movement
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Washer Suspension Rod Kit
Supports and stabilizes the washer tub during agitation and spin.
- Typical part-only price
- $35 - $120
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 45-90 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Door Latch Assembly
Mechanically secures the appliance door and may operate a door-closed safety switch.
Door or Lid Switch
Detects whether the appliance door or lid is safely closed before operation.
Drive Belt
Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace suspension rods or shock absorbers
Replace lid switch or door latch assembly
Drive belt replacement
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Check and level washer: Imbalance and vibration during spin
Frequency: monthly -
Avoid overloading drum: Uneven load distribution and spin failure
Frequency: every use
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Amana Washing Machine not spinning, excessive drum movement?
How do I fix Amana Washing Machine not spinning, excessive drum movement myself?
How much does it cost to fix not spinning, excessive drum movement?
When should I call a technician for not spinning, excessive drum movement?
References & Sources
- Amana Not Spinning Troubleshooting Official
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Unbalanced load causing excessive drum movement
- Worn or damaged drive belt
- Faulty lid switch preventing spin cycle
User Suggested Solutions
-
Redistribute the load evenly in the drum. Open the lid, adjust the clothes to ensure they are balanced, and then close the lid to restart the spin cycle.
-
Inspect and replace the drive belt if worn or damaged. Unplug the machine, remove the back panel, check the belt for wear, and replace it if necessary.
-
Test and replace the lid switch if faulty. Use a multimeter to check for continuity; if there's no continuity, replace the lid switch.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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