How To level a Maytag washer? (Top load & front load washer)

Once you’ve adjusted the feet, run a test load of laundry to see if the machine is balanced or if it’s still vibrating.

What causes a Maytag washer to become unbalanced?

There are several factors that can cause your Maytag washer to become unbalanced.

While most of the time the problem is simple to solve and only requires redistributing the load or adjusting the machine’s feet, there may be more serious underlying causes that can result in an unbalanced washer.

Let’s take a quick look at some common causes of unbalanced washers.

The washing machine is not leveled

This can be caused by several reasons, such as a sloping or uneven floor or incorrect installation.

When a washing machine is not level, it can cause a number of problems, such as excessive vibration, loud noise, and even the machine “walking” across the floor during operation.

Uneven load distribution in the drum

When clothes are bunched up in one area of the drum or heavy items are placed with lighter items, an uneven distribution of load occurs.

So, when the laundry loads are not loaded evenly into the drum, it makes the drum work extra hard and can also cause the machine to become unbalanced and vibrate.

It’s important to balance the load because washing often with an unbalanced load can also cause the drum and its parts, like the bearings and suspension system, to wear out faster.

Before starting the wash cycle, evenly distribute the laundry load around the drum to prevent uneven distribution of the load.

Worn or damaged drum suspension system

The drum suspension is a key part of the washing machine that keeps the drum steady and reduces vibrations while it’s working.

If the suspension is worn out or damaged, it can cause the drum to wobble, vibrate, and become unbalanced.

Age, regular wear and tear, lack of maintenance, improper installation, overloading the washer, exposure to moisture, and even shipment may cause the drum’s suspension mechanism to wear out.

Worn or damaged drum bearings

The drum bearing in a washer allows the drum to spin smoothly.

If these bearings are rusty or worn out, it will cause the drum to make a grinding or squealing noise during operation.

In other words, it will be hard for the drum to turn smoothly, causing vibrations and making the washer shaky.

If the machine is making a lot of noise or vibrating a lot while it is running, it could mean that the drum bearing is worn or broken and should be checked by a professional.

Worn or damaged drum belt

The drum belt in a washer is responsible for transferring the power from the motor to the drum.

In other words, it connects the motor to the drum, allowing the drum to rotate.

Most of the time, these belts are made of rubber or another strong material that can stand up to the force of the spinning drum.

If this belt is worn or damaged, it can cause the drum to wobble and become unbalanced.

Clogged or restricted drain hoses

A clogged or restricted drain hose can also be one of the reasons that make your washer unbalanced.

The washing machine may become top-heavy if water accumulates at its base due to a clogged drain pipe or hoses.

One possible solution is to check the drain hoses for any blockages or restrictions and, if necessary, remove them.

Worn or damaged drum spider

The drum spider is a central hub that supports the drum.

If it is worn or broken, it will cause your drum to wobble, which could cause strange vibrations and noises.

Suspension Rods

Suspension rods are responsible for dampening the motion of the washer tub.

The washer will begin to vibrate or shake if any of the suspension rods are broken.

The only solution to this is to get the suspension rods replaced by an expert.

Also Read: How to grease washing machine suspension rods?

Worn or damaged drum support rollers

The drum support rollers hold the drum in place, allowing it to rotate smoothly.

A damaged or worn-out drum roller will stop the drum from moving freely, and when the drum works with a full load, it will struggle to move due to friction caused by the rollers, thus making the washer unstable.

Worn or damaged drive motor or pulley

The drive motor powers the drum, and the pulley transmits the power from the motor to the drum.

If either of these components is worn or damaged, it can lead to a wobbly washer.

Faulty Sensors

Sensors are like tiny computers inside the washer and are used to monitor various parts of the machine’s operation.

These sensors monitor the weight of the laundry loads and accordingly manage the operation.

If the washer is overloaded, these sensors may also trigger an error message that shows the washer is overloaded or unbalanced so that you can take appropriate action.

So, if the sensor is damaged, it may not alert you to the overload. This means your washer will run in an overloaded state, causing it to wobble.

Worn or damaged leveling legs or feet

This is perhaps a simple yet significant cause of a washer’s instability.

The leveling legs or feet allow the washing machine to be leveled on an uneven surface.

If they are damaged, you may need to replace them to get the washer balanced and stable again.

Other possible reasons

Inadequate subflooring, a carpeted or otherwise soft surface upon which the machine is resting, a defective stand, and an uneven floor are some of the possible causes of an unbalanced washing machine.

When to level your Maytag washing machine?

It’s always best to level your Maytag washing machine when the drum is empty. It’s important to balance a washing machine when the drum is empty because it lets you check the machine’s level without any extra weight or tilt from the clothes inside the drum.

When the drum is empty, you can easily see if the machine is level or not and adjust the leveling legs accordingly.

So, if the drum still has water inside, you should drain the water out before attempting to level the machine.

If you have just bought a new washer, it’s important that you ask the installation experts to level the washer at the time of installation itself.

Also Read: How to balance a washing machine drum?

Leveling your Maytag washer (top and front load washer)

Leveling your Maytag washer is an essential step because it makes sure the washer works well and wears down less over time.

To ensure your Maytag washer is level, measure diagonally from each corner of the washer to the floor.

If any corner is higher or lower than the rest, use a carpenter’s leveler to adjust it until all four corners are even with each other.

You can also adjust the feet on the bottom of your Maytag washer to make sure it’s level.

How do you level your Maytag top load washer?

When it comes to leveling your Maytag top load washer, the process is quite simple.

First, make sure the floor where the washer is or will be installed is level.

If you are installing the washer inside a cabinet, use shims to level the cabinet and make sure the washer is installed firmly in its place.

Once you have covered the flooring part, follow the below steps to safely level your Maytag top load washer.

Step 1: Locate the adjustable feet

The first step is to locate the adjustable feet on the bottom of your Maytag washer.

The machine has feet on the bottom corners that can be turned clockwise or anticlockwise to adjust their height.

The washer’s feet may be either made of plastic or metal, depending on the model.

Step 2: Place the leveler on top of the washer

The next step is to place the leveler on top of the machine and see if it is level or not.

You can either use a spirit level or another leveling tool to get the job done.

If the machine is not level, adjust the feet as necessary to achieve the right level.

If you don’t have a leveler, you can install a leveler app on your phone and use your phone as a leveler to adjust the washer.

Step 3: Connect the washer

Once the machine is level, connect the washer to the water supply and the power outlet.

Step 4: Run a test load

Now that everything is set up, run a test load to ensure that the machine is stable and that no excessive vibration or noise is present.

How do you level your Maytag front load washer?

The process to level your Maytag washer is similar to that of a top load washer, where you adjust the legs to achieve the desired levels. Just don’t forget to tighten the lock nuts against the washer cabinet.

However, if you are using a pedestal, the process will be slightly different.

Step 1: The first step is to remove the feet from the washer before installing them onto the pedestal.

Step 2: Once you have removed the feet, place the black pedestal pads securely between the top of the pedestal and the washer.

Step 3: Next, secure the washer to the pedestal by tightening the four connecting bolts.

Step 4: Now, install the pedestal feet and make sure all four feet are firmly attached and level with the floor.

Step 5: To check if the washer is stable, make use of a leveler or simply install a leveler app on your phone and check if the washer is properly leveled.

Step 6: Tighten the lock nuts on all four feet against the pedestal cabinet and make sure that the washer is firmly mounted.

Basic troubleshooting to deal with an unbalanced Maytag washer

If your Maytag washer isn’t level, you need to check a few key things and fix them right away.

Floor

Begin by inspecting the floor where it has been placed; this is especially true if you have recently installed your washer or moved to a new location.

Make sure the floor is even and flat by checking the area around the washer’s base on all four corners.

If the floor is uneven, as a workaround, you can use shims, which are thin pieces of wood or plastic that you can slip under the washing machine to raise them up slightly.

This will help to balance or level the washing machine; however, use this as a temporary fix until you find an even floor for the washing machine.

Alternatively, you can use an anti-vibration pad and place it beneath the washing machine.

Anti-vibration pads can also raise the height of the washer to a certain extent.

Broken feet

If one or more washer feet are broken, simply replace them before using the washing machine.

Usually, you will get a set of all four legs online or through a washing machine parts supply store.

Washing machine stand or pedestal

If you have a washing machine stand or pedestal under your washer, all you have to do is check it for wear and tear.

However, if you have installed the pedestal recently, make sure it’s suitable or compatible with your washing machine.

Note: Any damage caused to the washer due to an unsuitable pedestal or stand may lead to voiding the warranty on the machine.

Leveling kit

The best way to level a washing machine is by using a leveling kit.

If you don’t have access to a leveling kit, make use of your mobile phone.

Simply install any leveling app on your phone and start using your phone as a leveler (most Android and iOS phones have built-in levelers these days).

Final thoughts

In most cases, you should be able to level your Maytag washer by either adjusting the legs or distributing the loads evenly in the drum.

However, in some instances, you may need to check the leveling, especially if you have moved your washer to a new location.

If the washer has other technical problems, like a broken bearing, sensors, drum belt, or suspension rods, you should call a qualified technician to help you fix the problem.