Maytag Washing Machine: bouncing during spin cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing your Maytag washing machine violently bouncing during the spin cycle? This excessive movement often leads to noisy operation and can indicate underlying issues. Common causes include an unbalanced load, worn components, or broken counterbalance springs. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure efficient washing performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag washers have advanced vibration control/shock absorber systems; ensure initial setup removal of shipping braces and proper installation following manual.
  • Maytag specific guides mention counterbalance springs often used in these models which when broken contribute to bounce.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced laundry load

How to Identify: Occurs when bulky or heavy items clump to one side; machine rocks violently when drum spins; often intermittent based on load type.

Part: Drum/Load distribution

Broken counterbalance springs

How to Identify: Spring break or rust; machine vibrates even with balanced load and level surface; internal inspection reveals spring damage.

Part: Counterbalance springs

Internal component wear (bearings, belt, drum support)

How to Identify: Accompanied by unusual grinding/squealing noises; persistent vibration after load and level checks; rough manual drum spin.

Part: Bearings, drive belt, drum supports

DIY Solutions

Redistribute and balance laundry load

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Pause the washer and open door.
  2. Rearrange clothes to spread heavy and light items evenly around drum.
  3. Remove some items if overloaded, run spin again.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure door is locked before resuming cycle.

Level the washer

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Wrench, bubble level
  1. Place bubble level on top of washer front to back and side to side.
  2. Adjust feet by turning them until machine is level in both directions.
  3. Tighten lock nuts on feet to secure position.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug power before adjusting feet to avoid electrical hazards.

Check shock absorbers/suspension for wear

Advanced 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver set, socket set
  1. Unplug washer and pull away from wall.
  2. Remove access panels to expose suspension/shock absorbers.
  3. Inspect rods/shocks for leakage, cracks, or wear and replace as needed.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power; heavy panels can fall — secure safely.

Professional Repairs

Replace shock absorbers/suspension rods

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

Replace internal bearings, belt, or support components

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

When to Call a Professional

Machine continues to bounce after balancing load and leveling
Unusual noises like grinding or squealing accompany vibration
Visible damage to internal suspension components
Water leaks or error codes appear during operation

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly check and adjust machine level: Excessive vibration during spin cycle
    Frequency: monthly
  • Distribute laundry loads evenly: Imbalance‑related shaking
    Frequency: Every use
  • Inspect suspension/shocks annually: Component wear leading to vibration
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine bouncing during spin cycle?
Common causes include an unbalanced laundry load, broken counterbalance springs, or internal component wear.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine bouncing during spin cycle myself?
Redistribute the load, level the washer, or check for wear in shock absorbers and suspension.
How much does it cost to fix bouncing during spin cycle?
Professional repairs range from $150 to $600 depending on the issue and parts needed.
When should I call a technician for bouncing during spin cycle?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you're unsure about performing advanced repairs.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Unbalanced load in the drum
  • Worn or damaged suspension springs
  • Faulty shock absorbers

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Redistribute the load evenly in the drum. Open the lid, rearrange the clothes, and ensure that they are balanced. If necessary, remove some items to achieve balance.

  2. Inspect and replace worn or damaged suspension springs. This involves removing the front panel of the washing machine, locating the springs, and replacing them with new ones.

  3. Check and replace faulty shock absorbers. This requires accessing the internal components of the washer, removing the old shock absorbers, and installing new ones.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. maytag mvwc565fw2 washing machine top loader with agitator

Community Discussions

Washing machine bouncing around on spin cycle

Ordered upgraded bushing and new metal hub to fix the issue

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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