Frigidaire Washing Machine: shock absorber failure
What is this symptom?
Experiencing excessive vibration, loud banging, or unstable drum movement in your Frigidaire washing machine? These symptoms often indicate shock absorber failure, where worn or broken components fail to dampen tub motion effectively, particularly during high spin cycles or uneven loads.
Important Tips for Frigidaire Models
- Shock absorbers may separate from mounts when moved, unique to some Frigidaire models
Possible Causes
Worn or broken shock absorbers
How to Identify: Excessive vibration/shaking during spin cycle, loud banging noises, drum instability; visual inspection shows wear or damage on shock absorbers.
Part: Shock absorbers (dampers)
Shock absorbers becoming detached
How to Identify: Shock absorber may separate from mount points after relocation or transport, causing improper damping even if part isn’t broken.
Part: Shock absorber mounts
Related suspension component failure
How to Identify: Even with intact shock absorbers, broken suspension rods or springs can produce similar symptoms of vibration and instability.
Part: Suspension rods or springs
DIY Solutions
Replace shock absorbers
- Unplug the washer from power and turn off water supply.
- Remove access panels to expose shock absorbers.
- Inspect and remove old shock absorbers.
- Install new shock absorbers matching OEM part number.
- Reassemble panels and test machine with a balanced small load.
Next step
Choose the next step for shock absorber failure
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 Shock Absorber
Dampens tub movement and vibration during high-speed spin cycles.
- Typical part-only price
- $25 - $100
- 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.
Washer Suspension Rod Kit
Supports and stabilizes the washer tub during agitation and spin.
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.
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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
Shock absorber replacement by technician
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Periodically inspect shock absorbers: Excessive vibration and premature failure of suspension system
Frequency: annually
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Frigidaire Washing Machine shock absorber failure?
How do I fix Frigidaire Washing Machine shock absorber failure myself?
How much does it cost to fix shock absorber failure?
When should I call a technician for shock absorber failure?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Wear and tear due to prolonged use
- Improper installation or alignment of shock absorbers
- Excessive vibration from an unbalanced load
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect the shock absorber for visible damage and replace if necessary. Ensure proper alignment during installation. Reuse old pins if they are in good condition. Lubricate with mechanic grease to reduce friction.
-
Check the washing machine for unbalanced loads and redistribute clothes evenly. Perform a test run to observe vibrations.
-
Consult the user manual for specific installation instructions and alignment checks for the shock absorbers. Follow the guidelines to ensure proper setup.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
right side shock absorber busted
Using mechanic grease is recommended for lubrication, and old pins can be reused.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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