Maytag Washing Machine: excessive vibration

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Maytag washing machine is experiencing excessive vibration during wash or spin cycles, it may shake, wobble, or even move across the floor. This issue can disrupt laundry routines and potentially damage your flooring. Understanding the causes and solutions can help restore your machine's stability and efficiency.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official support specifically highlights removal of shipping bolts for front load washers to prevent vibration.

Possible Causes

Unlevel or unstable installation

How to Identify: Washer rocks when pushed lightly; visibly tilted; uneven feet contact floor.

Part: Washer feet/installation surface

Unbalanced laundry load

How to Identify: Vibration decreases when redistributing clothes evenly; symptom often worse with small or heavy uneven loads.

Part: Load distribution in drum

Worn or damaged shock absorbers

How to Identify: Persistent vibration during spin even with balanced load and level installation; visible oil leakage or part wear.

Part: Shock absorbers/dampers

Loose or remaining shipping bolts

How to Identify: New or recently moved washer with bolts still installed on rear; unusual vibration from unrestrained drum.

Part: Shipping bolts

Floor instability or weak substrate

How to Identify: Floor flexes under washer; vibration transmitted strongly to surroundings.

Part: Floor surface

DIY Solutions

Level and Stabilize the Washer

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: level, wrench
  1. Place a level on top of the washer to check tilt.
  2. Adjust each foot by turning until the washer is level front-to-back and side-to-side.
  3. Ensure all feet contact the floor firmly to eliminate rocking.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before adjusting to avoid electrical issues

Redistribute Laundry Load

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Pause or stop the washer mid-cycle if safe to do so.
  2. Open the door and redistribute clothes evenly around the drum.
  3. Avoid washing single heavy items alone; mix with lighter items.
⚠️ Safety First: Only open door if machine indicates safe to open

Professional Repairs

Replace Worn Shock Absorbers

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120 (parts) + labor

Inspect and Repair Internal Suspension Components

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300 (parts + labor)

When to Call a Professional

Persistent vibration after leveling and load balancing
Unusual noises accompany vibration (clunking or grinding)
Internal parts (shock absorbers or suspension) suspected to be worn

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and adjust leveling: Excessive vibration due to settling or movement
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Periodically inspect shock absorbers: Internal vibration due to worn dampers
    Frequency: annually after 5 years of use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine excessive vibration?
Common causes include unlevel installation, unbalanced loads, or worn shock absorbers.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine excessive vibration myself?
You can level the washer or redistribute the laundry load for better balance.
How much does it cost to fix excessive vibration?
Professional repairs typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for excessive vibration?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if shock absorbers need replacement, call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Unbalanced load or improper leveling (3 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for packaging stuck in the bottom and adjust the levelers if necessary.

    Success rate: 25.0%

  2. Load large items together and ensure the machine is level with all feet in firm contact with the floor.

    Success rate: 25.0%

  3. Consider installing a new tub bearing kit or replacing suspension springs.

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Washing Machine Vibration
  2. Loading a Front-Load Washing Machine
  3. Old Maytag A209 washer vibrating violently
  4. Maytag MHW5630HW excessive vibration?

Community Discussions

vibration during spin cycle

Check for packaging stuck in the bottom and adjust the levelers if necessary.

DIY View on Reddit →

excessive vibration during spin cycle

Load large items together and ensure the machine is level with all feet in firm contact with the floor.

DIY View on Reddit →

vibrating violently during spin cycle

Consider installing a new tub bearing kit or replacing suspension springs.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!