How to adjust the washing machine so that it does not bounce

Almost all individuals who utilize a washing machine are familiar with its tendency to bounce and shift from its original position during the spinning cycle. This article will examine the factors contributing to this phenomenon and provide preventive measures to address the issue.

To begin, let us explore the underlying causes. They can be categorized into two groups:

• Factors that induce vibration;
• Factors that facilitate movement on the floor.

Why does the washing machine jump?

One possible reason for strong vibrations can be the presence of undismantled transportation bolts. These bolts are used to secure the tank inside the housing during transportation to prevent any damage. However, before starting the machine, it is imperative to remove these bolts and any other fixing elements. Operating the machine with these in place is strictly prohibited.

Another cause of vibrations is the uneven distribution of items within the tank. If the tank is empty, the appliance will not vibrate upon starting. Similarly, if the items are perfectly and evenly distributed in a layer around the entire circumference of the tank, there will be no vibrations. However, achieving such perfect distribution is nearly impossible, as the items tend to mix during the washing process.

Defective tank suspension and support bearings. Looseness of the counterweight mounting.

The purpose of the system made up of springs, dampers, and a counterweight is to ensure that the tank’s natural vibration frequency is significantly lower than its rotation frequency. By doing so, this system minimizes the amplitude of vibrations and reduces the amount of vibration that gets transferred to the housing.

To gain a clearer understanding of the previous paragraph, it is important to note that when the machine with a load starts spinning, the body of the machine swings more intensely. However, as the tank’s rotation speed increases, the swinging transitions into a subtle shake or, if the laundry is distributed correctly, becomes almost imperceptible.

The tank should only make one oscillation and then come to a stop. If it continues to swing after one oscillation, it is an indication that the shock absorbers are faulty and need to be replaced.

Inspect the elastic components of the machine by opening the casing. Metal components should not show any signs of deformation, while rubber elements should not be torn or cracked. If any defective parts are found, they should be replaced. Additionally, it is important to check the mounting of the counterweight and tighten any loose nuts.

The machine should not produce any squeaks or knocks when it is running. To test this, manually spin the tank and rock it from side to side. If any squeaks or runout are detected, the faulty parts should be replaced.

Correct installation of the washing machine

The initial condition for installation is having a level horizontal floor. If the floor is not even, the vibrating machine will move along the direction of the slope. In case the floor is not perfect, it is required to construct a platform to ensure a level surface. Additionally, the machine must not slide on the floor.

The second requirement is that the machine itself is level, either horizontally or vertically. Depending on the chosen criterion, the top surface must be strictly horizontal, and the side edges must be vertical.

Why is this necessary? Even with careful arrangement of items, they will shift during the washing process and cause thumping when the tank rotates rapidly. In an improperly positioned machine, the deviation from the calculated runout will be altered, leading to uneven loading on the supports, which may result in misalignment.

Does the deviation have a significant impact? It is recommended to avoid analyzing and instead just recalibrate the machine. This task is not challenging.

How do I level the machine? What will I need for adjustment?

Prior to commencing the task, acquire a scale measuring approximately one meter in length. A longer scale is not obligatory. In the event that such elongated apparatus is not attainable, we will employ whatever is within reach. However, it is important to acknowledge that the shorter the scale, the lower the precision.

Additionally, you will require two spanners with horn-shaped ends. The dimensions ought to match the adjusting nuts on the legs of the washing machine.

Step-by-step instructions for installing the washing machine

Verify the flatness of the surface on which the device will be positioned. It is crucial to ensure that the pins on which the legs will be placed are on a level plane, rather than the entire surface.

Using a level, check the flatness of the surface along both diagonals. If it is level here, proceed to check the two adjacent sides. If the surface is consistently level, position the machine on top. However, if the surface is not level in any direction, place supports in the low areas to ensure that the surface is level in all directions.

The supports can be made out of any flat and sturdy material. It is recommended to attach a thin rubber sheet to the side that comes into contact with the floor. Its purpose will be explained below.

Place the washing machine on the platform or stands to ensure stability. Adjust the height of the legs to make the upper surface horizontal. Verify the installation by checking the verticality of the side ribs.

If everything looks good, tighten the lock nuts on the leg adjusting screws and double-check that the verticality and horizontality are maintained.

Test the machine by rocking it left, right, and diagonally. If there is no wobbling whatsoever, then it is properly aligned.

However, it’s important to note that it’s almost impossible to completely eliminate vibrations, so there is always a chance of the machine shifting slightly from its original position.

Do you recall how a sheet of rubber was placed underneath the legs on the stands? This ingenious method prevents them from slipping around and also ensures they stay in place even during minor vibrations.

Locate a rectangular sheet of rubber that measures approximately 1-1.5 cm in thickness and is larger than the size of the machine by around 5 cm. The rubber should have a moderate level of firmness, so that the machine’s feet can penetrate it about halfway through. Position the rubber sheet on a level surface beneath the machine, and you can say goodbye to any worries about the machine moving unexpectedly.

Operating tips to reduce vibration

It is important not to overload the washing drum. The suspension system is designed to handle a specific load, and exceeding it can result in excessive vibration and premature failure of components.

Prior to starting the washing cycle, make sure to evenly distribute the items around the circumference of the drum. While there are models that can do this automatically, it is still beneficial to assist them as artificial intelligence is not yet advanced enough.

If your washing machine has a horizontal load, you can place something heavy on top of it, such as a laundry basket, to increase its resistance to vibration.

Ensure that the machine is positioned at least 5 cm away from any walls to prevent damage to the machine or the walls in case of emergencies.

Conclusion

Finally, let’s quickly summarize the points mentioned in the article:

• Remember to remove the transportation bolts;
• Make sure the machine is placed on a level surface and is perfectly upright;
• Use a rubber mat under the machine’s feet;
• Distribute the items evenly around the drum;
• Avoid overloading the drum;
• Ensure there is at least a 5 cm gap between the machine and the wall;
• Caution! Never operate a faulty machine. If a rubber element breaks or a bearing malfunctions during operation, it can lead to extensive damage, turning a simple laundry load into a costly repair.