Consumer Question - Maytag Washer

Q: Hello Joe Gagnon,

 

I have a Maytag top loading washer, purchased in 1975 and still working fine - except for the vibration has gotten worse - similar to an unbalanced load. I have checked with a level similar to this aluminum one: Stanley 42-074 Jobmaster Aluminum Carpenter's Level in both the front-to-back, as well as side-to-side, on the top of the washing machine. It is level to within 1/32 or 1/16 of an inch. The Maytag sits on two 2x4 slats, one on the left and one on the right. These 2x4 slats sit upon the eight inch square ceramic floor tiles in laundry room.

 

You have said on the air that the rubber feet need to be inspected, either that or the floor is not level or warped. The floor has not changed and the level appliance seems to confirm that. The appliance does not "rock" when I attempt to rock it. When vibration occurs at the end of a wash cycle (during rinse and spin dry cycle), the entire applicance moved to the right about one inch.

Help!

 

Thanks,

William

A:  Hi William,

 

Thanks for the note.

 

I've just spent four days at the Novi Home Show and answered several questions just like yours. Make sure the lock nuts on the legs are tight. Change the rubber feet. Take off the front panel and inspect the springs. If all of this is ok, lets look at the floor. Put a glass of water on top of the dryer and turn on the washer. If the glass of water is shaking all over, blame the floor.

Let me know what you find please.

 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon