How to Grease Washing Machine Suspension Rods?

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How to grease washing machine suspension rods

Is your washing machine’s suspension rods making a loud, annoying noise every time the tub spins?

If so, it’s time to give them a little bit of lubrication.

In this post, we will show you how you can grease the suspension rods of your washer in an effective manner.

Here’s what this article covers.

Let’s dive right into it.

What are suspension rods in a washing machine?

Suspension rods are usually located under the wash tub and help to dampen the movement of the washer tub.

It basically, reduces the vibration during the spin cycle and also balances the washtub up to a certain extent.

How does the suspension rod gets damaged in a washer?

Suspension rods are one of the vital components of the washer’s suspension system.

The suspension rod in a washer can become damaged from wear and tear over time. Additionally, the suspension rod can become damaged if the washer is overloaded, unbalanced or if it is not leveled.

How to grease washing machine suspension rods?

Let us quickly move to the greasing process of the washing machine suspension rods.

This is a simple process and can be easily done at home with help of some basic tools.

Things required in the greasing process

  1. A wrench set
  2. Screwdriver
  3. A lubricant or a grease (Lithium grease preferred)
  4. A soft cloth or a sponge
  5. Safety Gloves
  6. The user manual of your washing machine

Step-by-step instructions on greasing the washing machine suspension rods

Step 1: Disconnect the Washer

Unplug your washing machine from the power outlet and disconnect other supplies. Supplies such as the inlet and the drain hoses should be disconnected safely, and make sure the washtub is emptied from any loads.

Step 2: Detach outer body panels

Gently move the washer away from the back wall to detach its outer body panels.

Step 3: Place a Pan OR Bowl

Now, place a pan or bowl under the washing machine to catch any drips. You may use soft towels and lay them on the surface.

Step 4: Locate the Suspension Rods

There are typically two suspension rods in the washing machine.

These suspension rods are usually located on the back. Some washers contain four suspension rods in total, 2 on the left side and 2 on the right.

So, keep your washer’s user manual handy to locate the suspension rods.

Step 5: Detach the outer panels

Using a wrench or driver, detach the outer panels as suggested to locate the suspension rods. You may not need to detach the rods and can apply grease to their position. 

Step 6: Clean the Suspension Rods

Wear safety gloves and clean each suspension rod using a damp cloth or a sponge. This will ensure they are clean from any dirt or grimes.

Step 7: Grease the Rods

Now, apply a liberal amount of grease to each suspension rod.

You may use a brush or your fingers to work the grease into the rods.

Be sure to apply the solution thoroughly for better results. Inspect if each rod is coated with grease and wipe off excessive lubrication.

Step 8: Wipe the Floor

Wipe out the floor and ensure they are not slippery due to greasy spills.

Re-attach the panels using the screwdrivers or the wrench.

Next, Position the washer to its original location and attach the supplies.

Step 9: Plug your Washer into Power Outlet

The last step is to plug your washing machine back into the power outlet followed by running a test cycle to ensure the grease is evenly distributed.

Note: The above process can be used to apply other lubricants such as WD-40 as well.

Final Thoughts

Suspension rods help support the tub and keep it level, so if they’re not properly greased, it can cause all sorts of problems.

By greasing the suspension rods, you can help to keep your washing machine running smoothly.

Furthermore, it prevents premature failures in the suspension system.

Greasing the suspension rods is a fairly simple task and can be done at home if you are able to locate them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to suspension rods, that may be helpful.

Why do we need suspension rods in the washing machine?

Suspension rods are installed specifically to keep the washing machine balanced. The weight of the clothes can push one side down, thereby causing the laundry to tilt on one side. So, suspension rods ensure that the washer is in a tight position.

What kind of grease should you use on the suspension rods?

There are a few different types of grease that can be used on the suspension rods of a washing machine.

The most common type is lithium grease, which can be found at most hardware stores.

Another option is white lithium grease, which is a little expensive but works well in high-temperature situations.

You may also use a variety of different lubricants, such as WD-40, silicone spray, or even cooking oil.

When do the washer’s suspension rods need to be greased?

If your washing machine is vibrating or making noise, it could be a sign that the suspension rods need to be greased.

To check, open up the washing machine and visually inspect the rods. If they look dry or cracked, they probably need to be lubricated.

To lubricate the rods, you’ll need to remove them from the washing machine.

This can be done by unscrewing the nuts that hold them in place.

Once they’re removed, clean off any old grease and apply a new layer of grease.

You may inspect the suspension rods and grease them every 6 months or while servicing your washer.

Can I apply WD-40 on the suspension rods?

WD-40 is said to be one of the finest lubricants and can be applied to the suspension rods of a washer. You may apply enough quantity and wipe off the excess lubricant using a cloth or a sponge.

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