If you notice your washing machine’s drum feels loose or wobbly, there are a few potential causes to check out. A loose drum can lead to noise and vibration during the wash cycle, but the good news is that it’s usually an easy fix.
Worn Out Suspension Rods
The main purpose of the suspension rods is to hold the inner wash tub securely and absorb vibration from the spin cycle. Over time, these rods can wear out and lose their springiness. When they get too loose, the tub will start to shift around during wash cycles.
Replacing old suspension rods with new ones is a relatively straightforward do-it-yourself project that should stop a wobbly tub. You can find replacement tub suspension rod kits at most hardware stores or online for around $30-50.
Loose Tub Bearing
The tub bearing helps hold the drum in position while allowing it to spin smoothly. If this bearing comes loose or wears out, it could lead to drum movement and noise.
Checking the tub bearing involves taking the machine apart to inspect it. If the bearing is worn, replacing it is advised. Be sure to get the exact matching washing machine tub bearing kit. Installation takes some mechanical skill but can be done by an experienced DIYer.
Weak Shock Absorbers
Washing machines have shock absorbers at the base to dampen vibration. If these components wear out, the lack of vibration absorption can lead to a shaky drum.
Inspect shock absorbers for any cracked rubber or leaking oil, which indicates failure. Install replacement shocks on the base to restore stability. Getting to the base absorbers requires some disassembly.
Bent Tub
While not extremely common, a severely off-balance laundry load could potentially bend the inner metal wash tub out of shape. A bent tub would wobble quite a bit and need replacement. Carefully inspect the tub for any warping or damage just to rule out this possibility.
Checking the drum suspension rods, tub bearing, shock absorbers, and tub integrity should reveal the root cause of a loose washing machine drum. Depending on the issue, fixing it may require basic mechanical skills and possibly special equipment to disassemble the cabinet. If you need help troubleshooting or don’t feel comfortable making repairs yourself, a professional appliance service tech can properly diagnose and replace any failing components. With the right replacement parts installed, your washer drum should spin solid and quiet once again.
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.