Maytag Washing Machine: washer moving excessively

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine moving excessively during the spin cycle? This common issue often results in violent shaking or the washer walking across the floor. The primary culprits are unbalanced loads or faulty suspension components. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent further damage and enhance the performance of your appliance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official documentation highlights unbalanced loads, improper leveling and shipping/transit bolt issues as key causes of washer vibration.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced load distribution

How to Identify: Washer shakes mostly during spin, heavy items clump to one side, machine may display imbalance or stop spin cycle

Part: Drum / laundry load

Faulty or worn suspension components (shock absorbers / suspension rods / springs)

How to Identify: Excessive vibration persists after balancing load and leveling, visible wear or break on suspension parts

Part: Shock absorbers, suspension rods, suspension springs

DIY Solutions

Redistribute laundry to balance load

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Pause the cycle and open the washer
  2. Rearrange clothes to distribute weight evenly around the drum
  3. Avoid washing a single heavy item alone; add other garments
  4. Restart the spin cycle and observe stability
⚠️ Safety First: Do not overload drum beyond recommended capacity

Level the washer on the floor

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: spirit level, adjustable wrench or pliers
  1. Use a spirit level on top of the washer front-to-back and side-to-side
  2. Adjust each leveling foot by turning clockwise/counter-clockwise until level
  3. Tighten lock nuts to secure feet
  4. Test with a spin cycle to check stability
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unit is unplugged when repositioning to avoid tipping

Remove transit bolts after installation

Moderate 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: wrench appropriate for bolt size
  1. Locate transit bolts on rear of washer
  2. Use wrench to remove all transit bolts
  3. Store bolts for future transport
  4. Replace with plastic caps if provided
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug machine before working

Professional Repairs

Replace suspension components (shock absorbers/springs/rods)

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

Internal drivetrain repair (motor/belt/bearings)

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600+

When to Call a Professional

Excessive shaking persists after load balancing and leveling
Loud banging noises or burning smells during operation
Visible damage to suspension components or drivetrain parts
Machine walking across floor despite correct leveling

Preventive Maintenance

  • Ensure load balance each wash: Excessive vibration and imbalance-related movement
    Frequency: every use
  • Check and re-level washer feet: Uneven installation causing vibration
    Frequency: monthly or after relocation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine washer moving excessively?
Excessive movement can be caused by unbalanced load distribution or faulty suspension components.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine washer moving excessively myself?
You can redistribute laundry, level the washer, or remove transit bolts to fix this issue.
How much does it cost to fix washer moving excessively?
Professional repairs can cost between $100 and $600+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for washer moving excessively?
If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect serious component damage, contact 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 improper loading of clothes
  • Worn or damaged shock absorbers or suspension springs
  • Faulty or misaligned leveling feet

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Redistribute the load evenly in the drum. Ensure that heavy items are balanced with lighter ones. Avoid overloading the washer.

  2. Inspect and replace worn or damaged shock absorbers or suspension springs. Disconnect power, remove the back panel, and replace the faulty parts.

  3. Adjust the leveling feet to ensure the washer is level. Use a level tool to check and adjust as necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. 23-yr old Maytag washer— repair or replace?

Community Discussions

Rocks and rolls and moves a foot or two

Possible replacement of shock absorber, suspension rod, or suspension spring; repair may extend the life of the washer.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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