Kenmore Washing Machine: excessive vibration and knocking

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore washing machine is experiencing excessive vibration and knocking during the wash or spin cycles, it could be due to an unbalanced load, worn shock absorbers, or damaged suspension components. This issue can cause the machine to move, rock, or make loud banging noises, disrupting your laundry routine.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore guidance emphasizes unbalanced loads and provides specific part listings for suspension springs, drain pump, and leveling adjustments as common fixes.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced laundry load

How to Identify: Vibration and knocking occurs mainly when heavy or bulky items are washed alone and feels uneven; redistributing clothes reduces symptoms

Part: Drum/Laundry load distribution

Worn or broken shock absorbers

How to Identify: Excessive vibration/knocking especially during spin despite correct load and level; visual inspection shows worn/damaged shocks

Part: Shock absorbers

Broken or weakened suspension rods/springs

How to Identify: Machine shakes violently with repeated knocks; inspection reveals broken rods/springs

Part: Suspension rods or springs

Worn snubber ring/pad or balance ring with leaked fluid

How to Identify: Machine vibrates even with balanced load/level; inspection shows worn or fluid‑loss in balance ring or degraded snubber parts

Part: Snubber ring/pad, balance ring

Loose or damaged drain pump or other internal parts

How to Identify: Vibration associated specifically with drain cycle and possible rattling noises; debris seen in pump

Part: Drain pump

Transmission or drum bearing wear

How to Identify: Vibration accompanied by grinding noise; drum feels loose when rotated by hand

Part: Transmission/drum bearings

DIY Solutions

Rebalance laundry load and avoid overloading

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Stop the machine and open the door
  2. Redistribute clothes evenly around the drum
  3. Avoid washing single heavy items or, if needed, balance them with other items
  4. Restart cycle and check vibration
⚠️ Safety First: Pause machine before opening door

Level the washer

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: adjustable wrench, spirit level
  1. Unplug machine for safety
  2. Use spirit level on top of washer to check level front‑to‑back and side‑to‑side
  3. Adjust each leveling foot by turning clockwise/counterclockwise until balanced
  4. Check stability and tighten lock nuts
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine does not tip while adjusting feet

Inspect and replace shock absorbers or suspension rods/springs

Advanced 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, pliers
  1. Disconnect power and water
  2. Remove access panels to reach suspension/shock components
  3. Visually inspect for broken, worn, or detached parts
  4. Remove and replace faulty shock absorbers or rods/springs with correct parts
  5. Reassemble and test machine
⚠️ Safety First: Follow manual for part compatibility

Professional Repairs

Replace internal support suspension system

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Repair or replace transmission or drum bearings

Estimated Cost: $300 - $600

Drain pump cleaning or replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Persistent vibration and knocking after load and level adjustments
Grinding noises or loose drum when manually rotated
Visible broken suspension/shock parts inaccessible for safe DIY repair

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and adjust leveling feet: Vibration due to uneven floor or shifting feet
    Frequency: annually
  • Inspect shock absorbers and suspension components: Wear‑related vibration and excessive knocking
    Frequency: every 1–2 years
  • Avoid overloading and balance loads: Gravity imbalance and stress on suspension
    Frequency: every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine excessive vibration and knocking?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, worn shock absorbers, and damaged suspension rods.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine excessive vibration and knocking myself?
Rebalance the load, level the washer, or inspect and replace shock absorbers.
How much does it cost to fix excessive vibration and knocking?
Professional repairs range from $150 to $600 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for excessive vibration and knocking?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if major components are damaged.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

80%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Unbalanced load due to uneven distribution of clothes in the drum
  • Worn or broken shock absorbers affecting drum stability
  • Improper installation or leveling of the washing machine

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Redistribute the load evenly in the drum. Open the lid, rearrange the clothes to ensure an even distribution, and run a short spin cycle to check for vibrations.

  2. Inspect and replace worn or broken shock absorbers. Unplug the machine, remove the back panel, and check the shock absorbers for damage. Replace if necessary by unscrewing the old ones and installing new ones.

  3. Level the washing machine. Use a level tool to check if the machine is balanced. Adjust the feet of the washer accordingly until it is level, and then test for vibration.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Washer Excessive vibration and knocking sounds?

Community Discussions

excessive vibration and knocking sounds

Two shock absorbers were broken and needed replacement.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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