Have you ever noticed that your washing machine drum has dropped down a few inches below its normal position? Or that it is rubbing against the door seal or making loud noises during the spin cycle? If so, you may have a problem with your washing machine drum that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
A washing machine drum is the part of the appliance that holds and rotates the clothes during the wash cycle. It is supported by various components, such as springs, rods, bearings, shock absorbers, etc., that keep it balanced and stable. However, over time, these components can wear out or break down due to various reasons, such as overloading, corrosion, vibration, etc., causing the drum to drop down or become loose.
A washing machine drum that has dropped down can cause various issues, such as poor washing performance, water leakage, damage to the clothes or the appliance, etc. Therefore, it is important to identify the cause of the problem and find a suitable solution before it gets worse.
In this blog post, I will explain some of the common causes of a washing machine drum that has dropped down and how to fix them. I will also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the first place and how to maintain your washing machine drum properly.
Causes of a Washing Machine Drum That Has Dropped Down
There are several possible causes of a washing machine drum that has dropped down. Some of them are:
- Worn or damaged drum suspension springs: These are the springs that support the drum and allow it to move during the wash cycle. The drum could drop if the springs are worn out or damaged from failing to hold the drum’s weight.
- Broken or loose suspension rods: These are the rods that connect the drum to the frame of the washing machine. They also help to absorb the shock and vibration of the drum during the spin cycle. The drum could drop if the rods are broken or loose from excessive stress or corrosion.
- Collapsed or worn-out bearings: These are the small metal balls that are located at the base of the drum and help it to rotate smoothly and quietly. The drum could drop if the bearings are collapsed or worn out from friction or water damage.
- Damaged or faulty shock absorbers: These are the devices that cushion the movement of the drum and reduce its impact on the frame of the washing machine. They are especially important for front-loading washers that have a horizontal drum. The drum could drop if the shock absorbers are damaged or faulty from wear and tear or overloading.
- Cracked or broken spider arm: This is the metal structure that attaches the drum to the shaft that connects it to the motor. It is also known as a spider bracket or a spider assembly. The drum could drop if the spider arm is cracked or broken from stress or corrosion.
Solutions for a Washing Machine Drum That Has Dropped Down
Depending on the cause of your washing machine drum problem. You may need to replace or repair some of the components that support the drum. You may also need some tools and skills to do the job. Here are some possible solutions for each cause:
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Worn or damaged drum suspension springs:
To replace the suspension springs, you will need to unplug the washing machine and remove the top or front panel. Then, you will need to locate the springs that are attached to the drum and the frame of the washer. You may need to use a putty knife or a flathead screwdriver to release the springs from their hooks. Then, you will need to replace them with new ones and hook them back in place. You may need to replace all the springs at once, as they usually wear out at the same rate.
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Broken or loose suspension rods:
To replace the suspension rods, you will need to unplug the washing machine and remove the top or front panel. Then, you will need to locate the rods that are connected to the drum and the frame of the washer. You may need to use a socket wrench or a nut driver to remove the bolts that hold the rods in place. Then, you will need to replace them with new ones and secure them with the bolts. You may need to replace all the rods at once, as they usually break or loosen at the same rate.
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Collapsed or worn-out bearings:
To replace the bearings, you will need to unplug the washing machine and remove the top or front panel. Then, you will need to remove the drum from the washer by disconnecting it from the motor shaft and lifting it out of the washer. You may need to use a spanner wrench or a hammer to loosen the nut that holds the drum on the shaft. Then, you will need to remove the old bearings from the base of the drum and replace them with new ones. You may also need to replace the seal that prevents water from entering the bearings.
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Damaged or faulty shock absorbers:
To replace the shock absorbers, you will need to unplug the washing machine and remove the top or front panel. Then, you will need to locate the shock absorbers that are attached to the drum and the frame of the washer. You may need to use pliers or a screwdriver to remove the plastic pins that hold the shock absorbers in place. Then, you will need to replace them with new ones and secure them with the pins. You may need to replace all the shock absorbers at once, as they usually wear out or fail at the same rate.
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Cracked or broken spider arm:
To replace the spider arm, you will need to unplug the washing machine and remove the top or front panel. Then, you will need to remove the drum from the washer by disconnecting it from the motor shaft and lifting it out of the washer. You may need to use a spanner wrench or a hammer to loosen the nut that holds the drum on the shaft. Then, you will need to remove the old spider arm from the back of the drum and replace it with a new one. You may also need to replace the seal that prevents water from entering the spider arm.
How to Prevent a Washing Machine Drum from Dropping Down?
To prevent your washing machine drum from dropping down. You can follow some simple tips and practices that can help you maintain your washing machine drum and its supporting components properly. Here are some of them:
- Do not overload your washing machine: Overloading your washing machine can put excessive stress and strain on your drum and its supporting components. Causing them to wear out or break down faster. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much load your washing machine can handle and distribute your clothes evenly inside the drum.
- Clean your washing machine regularly: Cleaning your washing machine regularly can help you remove any dirt. Lint, detergent residue, or other debris that can accumulate inside your drum and cause corrosion or damage to your drum and its supporting components. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your washing machine properly and use suitable cleaning products.
- Lubricate your bearings and seals: Lubricating your bearings and seals can help you reduce friction and noise and extend their lifespan. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how often and how much lubricant you should apply to your bearings and seals and use suitable lubricating products.
- Inspect your washing machine periodically: Inspecting your washing machine periodically can help you detect any signs of wear and tear or damage to your drum and its supporting components before they become serious problems. Check for any cracks, breaks, leaks, rust, loose parts, etc., and fix them as soon as possible.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about washing machine drums that have dropped down:
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How do I know if my washing machine drum has dropped down?
The drum loses alignment with the door or frame of the washer. The drum rubs against the door seal or produces loud noises during the spin cycle. The washer shakes or vibrates excessively. The washer leaks water or detergent.The washer fails to spin or agitate properly.The clothes receive inadequate washing or rinsing.
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How much does it cost to fix a washing machine drum that has dropped down?
The cost of fixing a washing machine drum that has dropped down depends on various factors, such as: . The cause of the problem. The type, brand, and model of your washer . The availability and price of replacement parts . The labor charges of a professional technician. The warranty coverage of your washer Generally speaking, fixing a washing machine drum that has dropped down can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 or more.
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Can I fix a washing machine drum that has dropped down myself?
Depending on the cause and severity of your washing machine drum problem. You may be able to fix it yourself or you may need to hire a professional technician. Fixing a washing machine drum yourself can save you money and time, but it can also be risky and challenging. You will need to have some basic tools and skills, as well as access to the right replacement parts. You will also need to follow the safety precautions and instructions carefully to avoid injury or damage. Hiring a professional technician can ensure a safe and effective repair, but it can also be costly and time-consuming. You will need to find a reputable and reliable service provider, as well as schedule an appointment and pay for the labor and parts.
Conclusion
A washing machine drum that has dropped down is a common problem that can affect the performance and lifespan of your appliance. It can be caused by various factors.
Such as worn or damaged drum suspension springs, broken or loose suspension rods, collapsed or worn-out bearings, damaged or faulty shock absorbers, or cracked or broken spider arm.
Depending on the cause, you may need to replace or repair some of the components that support the drum. You may also need some tools and skills to do the job. To prevent your washing machine drum from dropping down. You can follow some simple tips and practices that can help you maintain your washing machine drum and its supporting components properly.
