Kenmore Washing Machine: excessive shaking during spin cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing excessive shaking or violent rocking from your Kenmore washing machine during the spin cycle? This unsettling issue typically occurs as the tub accelerates or decelerates, and it can lead to further damage if not addressed promptly. Understanding the common causes can help you stabilize your washer and restore its performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Many Kenmore models share similar suspension and shock absorber designs; replacement parts are model‑specific and should be matched by model number

Possible Causes

Unbalanced laundry load

How to Identify: Shaking occurs only with certain loads or large/bulky items; redistributing clothes reduces shaking.

Part: Laundry load distribution

Damaged balance ring or lost fluid in balance assembly

How to Identify: Tub wobble accompanied by vibration; internal balance ring visible issues.

Part: Balance ring/liquid balancer

Loose internal screws/panels exacerbating vibrations

How to Identify: Unusual rattling or vibrating of outer panels; loose screws found upon inspection.

Part: Internal fasteners/panels

DIY Solutions

Level the washer and adjust feet

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: wrench or pliers, level
  1. Unplug washer and move out from wall.
  2. Use a level on top of the washer to check for tilt.
  3. Adjust each leveling leg with wrench until the washer sits flat.
  4. Tighten lock nuts (if present) to secure feet at correct height.
  5. Plug in and test with a small balanced load.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before adjusting.

Redistribute laundry in the drum

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Stop the washer mid‑cycle or open the lid after stopping.
  2. Evenly distribute laundry around the drum.
  3. Avoid washing a single large item alone; add similar weight items.
  4. Restart spin cycle.

Inspect and replace worn shock absorbers

Moderate 60–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, replacement shock absorbers
  1. Unplug and disconnect water supply.
  2. Tip washer back with assistance to access underside.
  3. Locate shock absorbers connecting tub to cabinet.
  4. Remove old shock absorbers and install new ones.
  5. Reassemble and test with balanced load.
⚠️ Safety First: Support washer securely when tilted.

Inspect and replace suspension rods/springs

Moderate To Advanced 1–2 hours
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, replacement suspension rods/springs
  1. Disconnect power and water.
  2. Remove outer cabinet to access suspension components.
  3. Inspect rods/springs for breaks or wear.
  4. Replace all defective suspension parts.
  5. Reassemble and test machine stability.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure washer is safely supported.

Professional Repairs

Replace balance ring or internal balancer assembly

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

Drum bearing or transmission repair

Estimated Cost: $150–$400+

When to Call a Professional

Persistent violent shaking despite balanced load and proper leveling
Visible signs of internal mechanical failure (leaking balancer fluid, broken suspension components not easily accessible)
Unusual noises such as grinding or wobbling drum indicating bearing or transmission issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and tighten leveling feet periodically: Excessive vibration due to shifting machine position
    Frequency: annually
  • Inspect suspension/shock components during deep cleaning: Wear‑related vibration issues
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine excessive shaking during spin cycle?
Common causes include an unbalanced load, damaged balance ring, or loose internal screws.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine excessive shaking during spin cycle myself?
You can level the washer, redistribute laundry, or inspect shock absorbers.
How much does it cost to fix excessive shaking during spin cycle?
Professional repairs range from $50 to $400+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for excessive shaking during spin cycle?
If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect major components need repair.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Unbalanced load in the drum
  • Worn or damaged suspension rods
  • Faulty shock absorbers
  • Improper leveling of the washing machine
  • Worn drum bearings

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Redistribute the load evenly in the drum. Stop the cycle, open the lid, and rearrange the clothes to balance the load.

  2. Check and replace worn or damaged suspension rods. Unplug the machine, remove the top panel, and replace the rods if they are broken.

  3. Inspect and replace faulty shock absorbers. Access the bottom of the machine, remove the old absorbers, and install new ones.

  4. Level the washing machine. Adjust the feet of the machine until it is stable and does not wobble.

  5. Check and replace worn drum bearings. This requires disassembling the washer and may need professional help.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Kenmore 110 series washer shaking violently during spin cycl...

Community Discussions

shaking violently during spin cycle and stopping

Replaced bad suspension rods, which resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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