Maytag Washing Machine: excessive shaking and noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing excessive shaking and noise from your Maytag washing machine? This issue often arises during the spin cycle and can include loud thumping, banging, or rumbling sounds. The washer may even move across the floor, indicating a potential imbalance or installation issue.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag documentation emphasizes correct load distribution and machine leveling to combat excessive vibration and shaking.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced wash load

How to Identify: Loud thumping or banging noises during spin; clothes visibly clumped on one side; wobbling that changes when redistributing the load.

Part: Drum/Internal Load Distribution

Washer not level or improperly installed

How to Identify: Machine rocks diagonally when pushed; floor is uneven; foot pads not all in contact with floor.

Part: Leveling feet

Worn or damaged shock absorbers/suspension components

How to Identify: Excessive vibration not resolved by load balancing or leveling; internal components visibly worn when inspected.

Part: Shock absorbers / suspension rods / springs

Loose or worn drum bearings

How to Identify: Grinding or rumbling noise during spin; drum feels loose when manually moved.

Part: Drum bearings

Drain pump obstruction or loose pump

How to Identify: Noise and vibration during drainage; rattling due to debris or loose mount.

Part: Drain pump

DIY Solutions

Redistribute and Balance the Load

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Pause the cycle and open the washer door
  2. Redistribute clothes evenly around the drum, mixing heavy and light items
  3. Restart the cycle and observe if vibration persists
⚠️ Safety First: Do not overload the washer beyond capacity

Level the Washer Feet

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: level tool, wrench or pliers
  1. Place a spirit level on top of the washer to check level
  2. Adjust each leveling foot by turning clockwise or counterclockwise until the washer is even
  3. Ensure all four feet are stable and in firm contact with the floor
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug the washer before adjusting for safety

Professional Repairs

Replace Shock Absorbers/Suspension Parts

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Repair or Replace Drum Bearings

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Persistent violent shaking after balancing load and leveling
Grinding noise indicating possible bearing or internal damage
Leaks or abnormal noises beyond simple load imbalance

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and level washer periodically: imbalances and excessive vibration
    Frequency: monthly
  • Avoid consistently overloading the drum: wear on suspension and bearings
    Frequency: per use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine excessive shaking and noise?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, improper leveling, and worn shock absorbers.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine excessive shaking and noise myself?
Redistribute the load evenly or level the washer feet for a quick fix.
How much does it cost to fix excessive shaking and noise?
Professional repairs range from $80 for shock absorber replacement to $400 for drum bearing issues.
When should I call a technician for excessive shaking and noise?
If DIY solutions fail or if the problem persists, it's time to call a technician.

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 due to uneven distribution of clothes
  • Worn or damaged shock absorbers or suspension springs
  • Improper leveling of the washing machine

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Redistribute the load evenly inside the drum. Remove excess items if necessary and try running the cycle again.

  2. Inspect and replace worn shock absorbers or suspension springs. This involves removing the front panel and replacing the faulty parts.

  3. Check the leveling of the washing machine using a level tool. Adjust the feet of the machine as necessary to ensure it is level.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag washer shakes a little more than usual. Pro-actively...

Community Discussions

shakes excessively, making a noise

User is considering proactive spring replacement but has not decided yet.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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