How to Level a Front Loading Washing Machine
Front-loading washing machines can make a lot of noise and vibration during the spin cycle if they are not properly leveled. The spin mechanism is very strong, and the machine will rock back and forth, creating quite a ruckus if it isn't secure on the floor. Usually, the front loader will have adjustable legs that will make leveling it a snap. If for some reason that doesn't work, either because of the conditions of your laundry room floor or other reason, you can do the job with shims--useful and inexpensive devices used by carpenters all the time, and available at any hardware store. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Level
- Adjustable wrench
- Shims (plastic are better than wood, as they resist water)
- Utility knife (optional)
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Instructions
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Level the Washer
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1
Unplug the front-loading washing machine. Check if the feet of the washer are securely on the floor. If they are not, use the wrench to extend them until they reach the floor and provide a solid base.
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2
Place the level on the washer parallel with the front of the washer. If the bubble is to the left of the center line, raise the right legs until it reads level (bubble between two center lines); if the bubble is to the right of center, raise the left legs. If the bubble lies between the two center lines, go to the next step.
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3
Place the level on the washer parallel with the side of the washer. If the bubble is towards the front of the washer, raise the back legs; if the bubble is towards the back of the washer, raise the front legs.
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4
Use the shims if you are unable to level the washer with the legs fully extended, or if you are unable to get the legs to reach the floor. Slide the shims along the floor, under the leg that needs to be raised further or that is not reaching the floor, until it touches the leg. Give it a little extra push to set it in securely. Snap off the remainder of the shim that is sticking out. Plastic shims have pre-cut lines and will snap cleanly when you pull up. For wood shims, slice across the shim with the utility knife a couple of times and pull up. It will snap at the line you cut.
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5
Check the level of the washer again in both directions. You may need to make small adjustments of the legs back and forth until it is fully level.
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1
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
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Comments
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navychief
Jan 21, 2011
(continued)... parallel to the side of the tub/drum, so using the top of the chassis as a reference will NOT result in a level drum. Step 6 should be added to start a fairly heavy load through the washer (pants and jeans are good). When the tub has filled with water, stop the cycle, move the control to the first rinse cycle and start it again. The tub should drain and begin spinning. If excessive vibration is noted, it is possible that the tub/drum is no longer level when loaded with heavy, wet clothing. If so, try slightly lowering the rear legs (or raising the front legs) so the front of the washer is slightly higher to compensate. Hope this helps! -
navychief
Jan 21, 2011
This is a good procedure, but I would modify this in a few ways that will make a load of difference in many cases: In Step 1, remove the access panel on the bottom front of the front-loading washing machine, if it has one (many do). This allows easy access to the top of the legs on the feet without having to tip the washer or reach around the chassis to reach the rear feet (a socket wrench may be required to raise or lower the feet from the top). As a precursor to Steps 2 and 3, it should be noted that the feet of the washer should be extended as little as possible to achieve the desired results. All else being equal, the more the feet are extended the more the washer will vibrate during rinse cycles. In Step 3, place the level INSIDE the washing machine tub/drum, at the bottom and parallel to the sides. With a lot of these washing machines the top of the washer itself is NOT...
