The Electrolux UltimateCare 500 display flashed “OF3” alongside a spin speed of 1200 RPM. For this cycle, the washer started shaking uncontrollably. As if the whole thing were attempting to walk itself across the floor. Before it’s too late, you’ve got to get to bottom of whatever’s making all that racket.
But typically, it’s because of one (or more) of the following reasons.
First thing, you look at the control panel. It’s an EcoInverter model. You notice it has only 600 RPM left and tap the Spin button. If the load is too heavy for high spin speeds, you’ll likely get a lot of vibration. Sometimes lowering the RPM will even out the drum, this sounds like the simplest solution so you give it a shot.
Still nothing.
Checking Installation and Load Balance
The shipping bolts only apply if you just got your washer. When washing machines come from the factory, metal bars called shipping bolts locks the drum into position for shipping. They has to be taken out before you can use the washer.
If not taken out, then they won’t let the drum move freely which results in very noisy rattling sounds and a lot of shaking. To see if that’s it, try pressing on back panel.
That’s an easy one.
Then you look at the install level. If it is not level, it will wobble when spinning at high speeds. You also test the ground connection and if that’s not good then that can cause instabilities too. You ensures that the feet of the machine sit firmly on the floor.
You pull it back open to see what’s in your laundry load. The fabric has gathered on one end, dark green with a pattern. This is because towels and thick comforters tend to clump together, which creates an imbalance in the drum. You reach in and spread out the laundry yourself.
Balance improved.
Now you inspect the inner drum balance ring. Inside the drum opening is a gray counterweight ring. Its purpose are to stabilize the unit while it rotates at high speeds.
If this part becomes detached, cracks or leaks, then you’ve lost its balancing act. When you have a bad ring, you’ll get some serious vibration issues. Look for any obvious signs of damage here.
There is zero. There is zilch. There is nothing.
Another prevalent problem is bad springs or shock absorbers. This is what keeps the drum from bouncing too much. It is checked by using a tool on the suspension parts. The washer will vibrate a lot if they’re shot. I could feel the movement was loose and not control.
It is a classical mistake.
Then you pull back the cover to reveal the motor belt. The motor connects to the drum assembly with a drive belt. If that belt is loose or deteriorated, it can slips when spinning. When it slips, it destabilizes the cycle. You check its condition and tension.
It is a clear winner.
Then you examine the spider arm and drum bearings. Grinding noises when you spin the drum by hand are a clear sign that the bearings is failing. That’s a bad mechanical problem. In this case we took it apart and saw all the plastic and wiring inside.
Still no luck.
Washer vibrates? It’s hard to diagnose. Load distribution and simple settings are first steps. If that does not work, perform mechanical checks next.
The symptom is unique for each cause. Once you fix the correct part, the shaking stops. After making adjustments, your machine was quiet again. Should of been worth it.
