Maytag Washing Machine: excessive shaking
What is this symptom?
Experiencing excessive shaking with your Maytag washing machine? This common issue often occurs during the spin cycle, leading to loud noises and the machine moving across the floor. Understanding the causes can help you restore stability and prevent further damage.
Important Tips for Maytag Models
- Maytag offers models with Advanced Vibration Control™ to help minimize shaking; check model manual for specific vibration‑control features
- Shipping bolts must be removed after installation to prevent severe vibration
Possible Causes
Unbalanced laundry load
How to Identify: Shaking occurs mainly when heavy items clump to one side; machine may attempt self‑correction by slowly rotating back and forth; loud noise during spin cycle.
Part: Drum/Load distribution
Broken suspension rods or springs
How to Identify: Washer tub bounces excessively when pressed down; machine shakes violently regardless of load balance; parts visibly worn or detached.
Part: Suspension rods/springs
Obstruction or issue with drain pump
How to Identify: Shaking or vibration specifically during draining stages; noise or loose debris observed in pump area.
Part: Drain pump
Worn tub bearings or misaligned tub
How to Identify: Grinding noises, rough spin even with balanced load; excessive play when manually moving drum.
Part: Tub bearings/Drum alignment
DIY Solutions
Balance the laundry load
- Pause cycle and open washer lid
- Redistribute clothes evenly around the drum, mixing heavy and light items
- Avoid overloading and leave space for clothes to move
Level the washing machine
- Place a level on top of washer front‑to‑back and side‑to‑side
- Adjust each leveling foot until washer is level
- Tighten lock nuts and ensure feet are firmly on the floor
Install anti‑vibration pads
- Ensure machine is off and empty
- Place anti‑vibration pads under each washer foot
- Run a test spin to check improvement
Next step
Choose the next step for excessive shaking
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Washer Suspension Rod Kit
Supports and stabilizes the washer tub during agitation and spin.
- Typical part-only price
- $35 - $120
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 45-90 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace shock absorbers
Replace suspension rods/springs
Service tub bearings or drum alignment
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Ensure balanced loads every wash: Unbalanced load vibration
Frequency: Each use -
Periodically check and adjust leveling feet: Leveling‑related vibration issues
Frequency: Seasonally -
Inspect suspension components for wear: Excessive shaking due to worn mechanical parts
Frequency: Annually
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Maytag Washing Machine excessive shaking?
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine excessive shaking myself?
How much does it cost to fix excessive shaking?
When should I call a technician for excessive shaking?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Unbalanced load due to uneven distribution of clothes
- Worn or damaged shock absorbers
- Faulty suspension springs
User Suggested Solutions
-
Redistribute the load evenly in the drum. Ensure that heavy items are balanced with lighter ones. If necessary, remove some items to balance the load.
-
Inspect and replace worn or damaged shock absorbers. Disconnect the power, remove the front panel, and replace the shocks if they are leaking or have lost tension.
-
Check and replace faulty suspension springs. This involves removing the washer's outer casing to access the springs and replacing them if they are broken or stretched.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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