Maytag washer hopping problem

**Ken Brekke** · March 5th, 2006, 07:47 PM

We purchased a front load Maytag MAH9700 last fall. Since then, three control boards and a water valve have been replaced under warranty. The other problem we had with it is violent shaking. It is on a pedestal and on a first floor laundry room. Well, the washing machine was replaced because of too many repairs. The new replacement has been working fine except for the violent shaking. Enough so that it walks and bangs against the walls. I contacted Maytag again and they advised us to take them up on a one time offer for a full refund and buy another make and model washer. We loved the way it washed but couldn't stand the shaking. I did some of my own digging into the problem and found that the dealer didn't balance it very well. I balanced it myself. This helped a little bit. I then added some ballast weight to the bottom of the pedestal( about 100 pounds of plate steel ). The shaking has almost gone away totally. I really believe that more ballast weight is the key to the shaking problem with front loaders, especially on a pedestal. I would suggest this as a try to combat other shakers.

So our dilema is, Am I jeopordizing any future warranty coverage (we have the 4 year additional warranty coverage ) by adding the weight. The force created during the spin cycle wobbling has to be taken up somewhere internally, namely the strut systems. Also, can the adjustable feet handle the added weight? I see they use Rivnuts for the feet. Thanks in advance for any thoughts or advice.

***Jake*** · March 5th, 2006, 11:00 PM

Yes, the feet should be able to handle the extra weight, I went out on many service calls for the same reasons about shaking, most floors here in Oregon are wood based and not concrete. Is yours on a wood based floor or concrete? On wood base floors they will shake quite abit, compared to concrete where there is no shaking, just a slight vibration.

Most of the times i saw them shake more here was when they were coming up to speed or slowing down to a stop.

The extra weight idea you did was very good.

Jake

**Ken Brekke** · March 6th, 2006, 04:02 AM

Yes, our first floor laundry room is on a wood floor. The floor has 2X10 floor joists, two layers of 3/4" plywood, a layer of Hardybacker, and 1/4" floor tile. Our laundry area is in the middle of the span between the outside wall of the house and the center beam supports. I too have noticed the most violent shaking is in the mid-spin cycle. Also, if you don't use the highest spin setting on real heavy loads, the shaking is reduced quite a bit. It also seams that it balances the loads better if there is a larger load of lighter clothing. Single heavy items should be spun out on the lowest setting. Right now, Maytag still wants us to accept a refund offer. We are trying to make it work because we haven't lost total faith yet. The piece of plate steel I added was 26 1/2" by 25" and 3/4" thick. It lays below the drawer and is bolted in. I had to drill some small holes for the bolts but they are hidden from view. I had to remove the drawer slides to install it. I also used some strips of thin rubber between the steel and the pedestal to alleviate any squeeking potential.

What is the life expectancy of the struts? I can only imagine the stress that they have to deal with.

***Jake*** · March 6th, 2006, 01:41 PM

Those struts are very well made, they can go 5 to 8 years.

Jake

**Ken Brekke** · March 6th, 2006, 04:07 PM

Its sad to hear that appliance parts are only designed to last 5 to 8 years. Our previous washer and dryer lasted over 20 years without a single problem.

***Jake*** · March 6th, 2006, 11:53 PM

Yes, i agree.

Jake

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