Kenmore Washing Machine: shaking during spin cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine shaking excessively during the spin cycle? This common issue can cause vibrations felt throughout your home. Often, it's due to an unbalanced load or improper leveling. Let's explore the potential causes and solutions for a smoother laundry experience.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore washers share common suspension/issues with Whirlpool-derived designs; models may use suspension rods or shock absorbers depending on series

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or uneven laundry load

How to Identify: Shaking reduces or stops when load is redistributed; bulky items like towels or blankets clump on one side.

Part: Drum and load distribution

Improper leveling of the machine

How to Identify: Machine rocks on floor; spirit level shows uneven stance; adjusting feet reduces vibration.

Part: Leveling legs and frame base

Worn or damaged suspension components (rods/springs/shock absorbers)

How to Identify: Shaking persists after load and leveling checks; visual inspection finds worn or broken parts.

Part: Suspension rods, springs, shock absorbers

Faulty or damaged damper or snubber

How to Identify: Vibration not reduced by leveling or load changes; inspection reveals cracked or missing damper/snubber parts.

Part: Damper assembly or snubber ring/pad

Loose internal screws or panels

How to Identify: Shaking reduces after tightening accessible screws; some panels visibly loose.

Part: Internal frame screws

Worn drum bearings or drum assembly issues

How to Identify: Grinding noises accompany shaking; drum doesn’t spin freely by hand.

Part: Drum bearings/spider arm

DIY Solutions

Redistribute laundry load

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Pause cycle and open washer door.
  2. Rearrange items evenly around the drum, avoiding large single items clumping on one side.
  3. Close door and resume spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force too many items into the drum.

Level the washing machine

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Spirit level, Adjustable wrench
  1. Place spirit level atop the washer to check level.
  2. Adjust front/back feet by turning to raise or lower corners until level.
  3. Tighten lock nuts on feet if present to secure position.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before moving the machine; ensure power cord and hoses are not stressed.

Inspect and replace worn suspension rods/springs

Moderate 60–90 minutes
Tools Needed: Socket set, Screwdrivers, Replacement suspension rods/springs
  1. Unplug washer and pull it away from wall.
  2. Remove cabinet to access suspension components.
  3. Inspect rods/springs; replace any that are broken or visibly worn.
  4. Reassemble and test spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before service; refer to model-specific part diagrams.

Inspect and replace shock absorbers/damper

Moderate 60–90 minutes
Tools Needed: Socket set, Screwdrivers, Replacement shock absorbers/damper parts
  1. Unplug and move washer; remove access panels.
  2. Locate shock absorbers/damper; inspect for cracks or leaks.
  3. Remove and replace faulty components; reassemble and test.
  4. Check snubber/damper pads for wear and replace if needed.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure parts match exact model; follow manufacturer instructions.

Tighten loose internal screws

Easy 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver set
  1. Unplug the washer.
  2. Open accessible panels and tighten any loose screws on frame and panels.
  3. Close panels and test operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unit is powered off before opening panels.

Professional Repairs

Replace drum bearings or spider assembly

Estimated Cost: $200 - $400

Transmission or major internal component overhaul

Estimated Cost: $300 - $600

When to Call a Professional

Bearings/grinding noises accompanying shaking
Suspension components replacement beyond DIY skill or inaccessible parts
Persistent vibration after addressing load and leveling

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and adjust leveling feet: Imbalance and shaking due to uneven placement
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Avoid overloading and distribute laundry evenly: Load bias that leads to spin‑cycle vibration
    Frequency: Every wash
  • Inspect suspension components periodically: Wear‑related vibration issues
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine shaking during spin cycle?
Common causes include an unbalanced load, improper leveling, or worn suspension components.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine shaking during spin cycle myself?
Redistribute the load, level the washer, or inspect suspension parts. Most fixes are easy!
How much does it cost to fix shaking during spin cycle?
Professional repairs range from $200 to $600, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for shaking during spin cycle?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if you suspect serious internal damage.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn suspension rods (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Changed suspension rods

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Washing machine shakes violently during spin
  2. Kenmore washing machine shakes Violently during spin

Community Discussions

shakes violently during spin cycle

Changed suspension rods, machine runs like new with no shaking or noise.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!