How to Fix a Washing Machine That Spins Out of Control

If your washing machine spins out of control or makes banging noises, chances are that it can be repaired easily, saving you from expensive service costs. If the problem turns out to be more complicated, you will be able to remove the damaged part and take it to a service center or repair person, rather than have to pay for a home visit.

Things You'll Need

• Level
• Socket wrench with extension
• Screwdriver
• Safety goggles
• Work gloves
• Hammer
• Drift punch or spanner wrench
• Towel or pan
• Pliers

Instructions

Troubleshooting

1. Check to see if the load of laundry is unbalanced. When you wash heavy items, such as jeans or towels together, the items should be evenly placed in the basket to distribute the weight evenly. The laundry may move around during agitation, throwing off this balance.
   Redistribute the load evenly in the basket and restart the spin cycle to see if the problem has been fixed.

2. Place a level on top of the machine. If the machine is not level, adjust the legs until the machine becomes level.
   Restart the spin cycle to see if the problem has been fixed.

3. Check if the agitator is broken. Unplug the washing machine and remove the wet laundry.
   You will need to remove the agitator to fully inspect it for damage. If your washing machine has a softener dispenser on top of the agitator, lift it off. Otherwise, carefully pry off the agitator lid. Using a socket wrench with extension, remove the stud and seal you have just exposed.
   If your agitator comes in two parts, lift the top off the bottom. Check all parts for cracks or other signs of wear. Also inspect the clutch assembly inside the agitator for wear or damage.
   Replace all broken parts.

Removing the Transmission for Servicing

1. Unplug the washing machine.

2. Remove the agitator as before. Detach the splash guard from the tub by opening the tabs, or prying off the metal clips with a screwdriver.
   Put on safety goggles and gloves. Remove the locknut in the center column of the tub (where the agitator rests) with a hammer and drift punch or spanner wrench. Be careful not to hit the basket with the hammer.
   Carefully lift the basket straight up.

3. Remove the drain pump. Place a towel or pan underneath the drain pump to catch water. Using a screwdriver, pry open the retaining clips holding the pump in place. Pull the pump off the motor shaft.
   Remove the hoses by squeezing the clamps with pliers and sliding the clamps up the hoses. Twist the hoses off the pump. Remove the pump and set it aside.

4. Unscrew the screws on the motor retaining clips, pry the clips open and pull the motor out. If your motor is held in place by bolts, then remove the bolts with a wrench.

5. Lay the washing machine on its back. Unbolt the transmission. Pull out the transmission and the attached driveshaft. A motor mounting plate is attached to the transmission. Unbolt this plate and remove it.
   Take the transmission to be serviced. When it has been repaired, reverse the above steps to reinstall it.

Tips & Warnings

• Unplug your washing machine when servicing it.

• Take all necessary precautions when tipping a washing machine onto its back.

• Be careful not to damage any parts as you remove them.

• These directions are for a top-loading washing machine. Front-loading washing machines may be configured differently.

References

• "New Fix-it-Yourself Manual;" Reader's Digest; 1996