How to Fix a Washer Drum: Essential Troubleshooting Steps

How to Fix a Washer Drum?

To fix a washer drum that is loose and causing noisy cycles and violent vibrations, there are a few potential solutions.

The most common cause of a loose drum is worn-out drum bearings, which will require a labor-intensive replacement process.

Another potential cause is a faulty drum basket spider, but replacing it can be difficult and costly.

In a top load washer, the drum should move freely from front to back and left to right, while in a front load washer it should be firmly held in place but slightly drop with wet clothes.

To check for worn bearings, inspect for rust, listen for grinding noise, and check for excessive drum movement.

Options to resolve the issue include replacing the bearings yourself, having a professional replace them, or replacing the entire washing machine.

Unbalanced loads and overloading can also cause a loose drum, so it’s important to follow manufacturer’s guidelines.

Ultimately, the best solution may depend on the cost-effectiveness of the repairs compared to replacing the entire machine, especially if the drum spider is broken, which can be quite expensive to repair.

Key Points:

Loose washer drum can be fixed by addressing worn-out drum bearings or a faulty drum basket spider.
In top load washer, drum should move freely from front to back and left to right; in front load washer, it should be firmly held in place but slightly drop with wet clothes.

To check for worn bearings, look for rust, listen for grinding noise, and check for excessive drum movement.
Options to resolve the issue include replacing bearings yourself, having a professional replace them, or replacing the entire washing machine.
Unbalanced loads and overloading can cause a loose drum, so follow manufacturer’s guidelines.

Cost-effectiveness of repairs compared to replacing the machine should be considered, especially if drum spider is broken.

Did You Know?

1. The first known washer drum was patented in 1858 by Hamilton Smith. It was a manually operated device that used a simple crank mechanism to agitate the clothes.

2. The typical lifespan of a washer drum is around 10 to 15 years, depending on usage. Regular maintenance and avoiding overloading the drum can help extend its lifespan.

3. It is estimated that the average washing machine drum can hold up to 20 pounds of laundry at a time, depending on its capacity. That’s roughly equivalent to 12 bath towels or 20 pairs of jeans.

4. The drum of a washing machine is usually made of stainless steel or porcelain-coated steel. Stainless steel drums are more durable and resistant to stains, while porcelain-coated drums are preferred for their smooth and gentle surface that prevents snagging and wear on clothes.

5. To prevent unpleasant odors, it’s important to leave the washer drum open after every use to allow proper air circulation and drying. Additionally, running a monthly maintenance cycle with an empty drum and specialized cleaner can help eliminate any buildup and keep the washer smelling fresh.

1. Common Cause Of Loose Washer Drum: Worn-Out Drum Bearings

One of the most common causes of a loose washer drum is worn-out drum bearings. Drum bearings, located at the back of the drum, support the weight and allow the drum to rotate smoothly. Over time, these bearings can wear out due to constant use, age, or lack of maintenance.

When the drum bearings wear out, the drum becomes loose and may cause noisy cycles and violent vibrations during operation. You may notice loud grinding or rumbling noises coming from the machine or excess drum movement. Additionally, worn-out bearings can also lead to water leaks, further complicating the issue.

If you suspect the drum bearings are the source of the problem, it is crucial to address it promptly to avoid further damage to your washer and potential safety hazards.

Worn-out drum bearings can cause a loose washer drum and noisy cycles.
Loud grinding or rumbling noises may indicate worn-out drum bearings.

Excess drum movement and water leaks can also be signs of worn-out drum bearings.
Promptly addressing the issue is important to prevent further damage and safety hazards.

“When the drum bearings wear out, the drum becomes loose and may cause noisy cycles and violent vibrations during operation. You may notice loud grinding or rumbling noises coming from the machine or excess drum movement. Additionally, worn-out bearings can also lead to water leaks, further complicating the issue.”

2. Labor-Intensive Replacement Process For Drum Bearings

Replacing drum bearings in a washing machine can be a labor-intensive process that requires patience and attention to detail. To begin, make sure to disconnect the washer from the power source and turn off the water supply.

To access the drum bearings, you will need to disassemble the washing machine cabinet. This involves removing screws or clips that hold the top, front, or back panels in place. Once the cabinet is taken off, you can locate the drum bearings at the back of the drum.

Removing the old worn-out bearings and installing new ones can be challenging. It often requires specialized tools and techniques. You may need to use a bearing puller or apply heat to loosen stubborn bearings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or seek guidance specific to your washer model during the replacement process.

After replacing the bearings, you will need to reassemble the cabinet and ensure that all components are correctly aligned and fastened. This process can take a few hours, depending on your experience and familiarity with appliance repairs.

To summarize:

Disconnect the washer from the power source and turn off the water supply before starting the replacement process.
Disassemble the washing machine cabinet by removing screws or clips that hold the top, front, or back panels in place.

Locate the drum bearings at the back of the drum.
Remove the old bearings and install new ones using specialized tools and techniques as necessary.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or seek guidance specific to your washer model.

Reassemble the cabinet and ensure that all components are correctly aligned and fastened.

3. Difficulty Of Replacing Faulty Drum Basket Spider

A loose drum in a washing machine can sometimes be caused by a faulty drum basket spider. The drum basket spider is a crucial component that connects the rear of the inner drum to the primary shaft of the machine. Its role is to provide stability during the washing and spinning cycles.

Signs of a broken drum basket spider include an off-balance drum during the spin cycle, a noisy spin cycle with the drum bashing against the casing, and excessive drum movement. If you suspect that the drum basket spider is broken, it is important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your washer.

Unfortunately, repairing a broken drum basket spider can be challenging and expensive. Typically, drum spiders are sold as part of an entire drum assembly, which increases the cost of replacement. The estimated repair cost for a broken drum basket spider can be as high as $600, making it potentially more cost-effective to replace the entire washing machine instead.

4. Modern Suspension Systems And Increased Drum Movement

The inner drum of a washing machine is mounted on the outer drum through a suspension system. The suspension system allows the drum to move freely during operation, absorbing vibrations and reducing noise.

Newer washing machines often feature more advanced suspension systems that allow for increased drum movement. These modern suspension systems are designed to provide improved washing performance, energy efficiency, and enhanced durability. However, the increased drum movement can sometimes lead to a loose or unbalanced drum, causing noisy cycles and vibrations.

If you have a top-load washer, the drum should move freely from front to back and left to right. In a front-load washer, the drum should be firmly held in place but drop slightly when wet clothes are placed in the basket. The drum should snap back into place and be difficult to push out of place.

If you notice excessive drum movement that goes beyond the normal range, it is crucial to investigate the issue and determine whether it is caused by a faulty suspension system or a different problem altogether.

The inner drum of a washing machine is mounted on the outer drum through a suspension system

Suspension system allows the drum to move freely during operation, absorbing vibrations and reducing noise
Newer washing machines often feature more advanced suspension systems that allow for increased drum movement
Modern suspension systems provide improved washing performance, energy efficiency, and enhanced durability

Increased drum movement can lead to a loose or unbalanced drum, causing noisy cycles and vibrations
In a top-load washer, the drum should move freely from front to back and left to right
In a front-load washer, the drum should be firmly held in place but drop slightly when wet clothes are placed in the basket

Excessive drum movement may indicate a faulty suspension system or a different problem altogether.

5. Checking For Proper Drum Movement In Top Load And Front Load Washers

To ensure your washer’s drum is properly aligned and not loose, you can perform simple checks depending on the type of washer you have.

Top-load washer: Open the lid and manually try to move the drum in different directions. The drum should move smoothly from front to back and left to right within a certain range. Excessive movement or a loose drum may indicate issues with the suspension system, drum bearings, or drum basket spider.
Front-load washer: Check if the drum is firmly held in place by trying to push it from the front. It should be difficult to move or dislodge. When wet clothes are loaded, the drum should drop slightly, indicating that it is properly balanced. After loading, the drum should snap back into place and require some force to push it out of alignment.

If you notice any abnormal drum movement or difficulty in aligning the drum, further investigation may be needed to identify and resolve the underlying cause.

6. Options To Address Loose Drum: DIY Bearing Replacement, Professional Help, Or Washing Machine Replacement

When dealing with a loose drum in your washer, there are several options to consider based on the severity of the issue, your budget, and your DIY skills.

One option is to replace the drum bearings yourself if you have the necessary tools and experience. Drum bearings are relatively inexpensive and widely available. However, keep in mind that the replacement process can be challenging and time-consuming, requiring disassembly and reassembly of the washer cabinet. It is crucial to research the specific steps for your washer model or consult online resources or repair guides.

Alternatively, you can seek professional help for bearing replacement. Hiring a professional technician ensures that the job is done correctly and reduces the risk of further damage to the appliance. However, professional repairs can be costly, with an estimated cost of up to $300 for parts and labor.

If the issue with your washer is a broken drum spider or other significant mechanical problems, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire washing machine. Repairing a broken drum spider can be expensive, often costing around $600 due to the need for an entire drum replacement.

When deciding whether to repair or replace your washing machine, consider factors such as the age of the appliance, the frequency of repairs, and the overall condition of the machine. It may also be worth consulting with a professional to assess the viability of repairs and determine the best course of action.

In conclusion, a loose washer drum can cause noisy cycles and violent vibrations during washing machine operation. The most common causes of a loose drum are worn-out drum bearings or a broken drum basket spider. The replacement process for drum bearings can be labor-intensive, requiring disassembly and reassembly of the washing machine cabinet. Repairing a broken drum spider is often cost-prohibitive and may make it more practical to replace the entire washing machine. It is essential to check for proper drum movement and consider manufacturer guidelines for loading capacity to avoid unbalanced loads.

Ultimately, the best solution to address a loose drum depends on the severity of the issue and your specific circumstances, whether it involves DIY repairs, professional assistance, or a washing machine replacement.

Replace the drum bearings yourself

Seek professional help for bearing replacement
Consider replacing the entire washing machine
Assess factors such as the age and condition of the machine when deciding whether to repair or replace

Check for proper drum movement and follow manufacturer guidelines for loading capacity to avoid unbalanced loads.

Check this out:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a washing machine drum be fixed?

Yes, a washing machine drum can be fixed by replacing the drum bearings. While simply tightening the drum may not solve the issue, replacing the bearings can be an effective solution. Repairing the washing machine yourself can save you a significant amount of money, as drum bearings are inexpensive and readily available on platforms like Amazon. With a bit of time and effort, you can successfully fix the drum and have your washing machine back in working condition without spending a fortune.

Is it worth fixing a washing machine drum?

Repairing a washing machine drum can be worth it depending on the cost. If the cost of fixing the drum does not exceed 50% of the price of a new washing machine, it is recommended to opt for repair. With affordable replacement parts and reasonably priced technicians available, addressing minor issues with the drum can be a cost-effective way to extend the lifespan of the appliance.

Why is the drum not working on my washing machine?

If the drum is not working on your washing machine, it may be due to a blocked drain pump, which can prevent proper water drainage and disrupt the drum’s function. Additionally, an overloaded or uneven wash load can cause imbalance and strain on the drum, leading to malfunction. It is also worth checking the motor brushes as they might be worn out, causing the drum to be unable to rotate smoothly. Another possible cause could be a loose drive belt that needs to be adjusted or replaced. Moreover, issues with the suppressor filter, low water pressure due to excessive foam, or washing woollens can also impact the drum’s performance.

How do you stabilize a washing machine drum?

To ensure the stability of a washing machine drum, there are a few key steps to follow. First, examine the leveling legs located on the washer or washer pedestal. Using an adjustable wrench, carefully adjust the legs by either lowering or raising them. It is important to level the machine both from front to back and side to side to achieve optimal stability. Additionally, keeping the washer on a sturdy and level surface will also help to stabilize the drum during operation.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4