Washing Machine Drum Movement - Is this normal?
Hi all,
ZANUSSI ZWF1430W
My w/c had a small leak and when I removed the top cover I found that the small top vent hose was the source. That has now been fixed by replacing the hose.
However, in the process I observed the drum and noticed it moving around a lot. The problem is that I don't have experience of doing this on another w/c so no idea if this movement is within normal range or it is excessive.
This link shows the w/c doing its wash cycle: https://youtu.be/uJLYt8HD-Vc
This link shows the w/c draining and ramping up for its spin cycle: https://youtu.be/l-gp--lpdXk
Does anyone have a comparison to know whether this is normal or not. If not normal then I presume I am looking at replacing the two shock absorbers at the bottom?
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Zanussi ZWF1430W drum movement judged normal after hose leak repair
- The problem
- After replacing a leaking small top vent hose on a ZANUSSI ZWF1430W, the owner noticed significant drum/tub movement during wash, drain and spin ramp-up and wanted to know if this was excessive or if the lower shock absorbers needed replacement.
- Likely cause
- The accepted reply said the observed movement was normal. The drum is designed to move on springs and suspension dampers, and movement can increase with uneven or unbalanced loads.
- What fixed it
- No repair to the suspension was recommended. The advice was to leave the machine as it is and reduce movement by loading the machine with well-balanced loads.
- Checks to try
- Top cover removed and source of small leak identified as the small top vent hose
- Top vent hose replaced
- Drum movement observed during wash cycle
- Drum movement observed during draining and spin ramp-up
- Discussion noted that occasional failure to reach fast spin can relate to an uneven load
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Small top vent hose
4 Answers
Hello Dazie. Yes everything looks perfectly normal there. The drum is held in place with springs and is supported on suspension dampers so it is totally designed to move around and absorb movement. The amount of movement will vary depending upon the load inside. If you have an uneven load inside then the tub can sway around quite a lot and potentially even thump against the sides.
You may find my article on how to load a washing machine of interest as it describes the best way to get a nice even load and how to avoid getting an uneven load which can in extreme cases damage the washing machine
The best way to load a washing machine
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Thanks for your input @Whitegoodshelp (Andy). I realised it should move a little on those springs and shocks, but I just thought it was quite a lot of stress being added to that top vent (which may have made it fail) and the door seal. But if you think it is normal I will leave alone for now.
The best way to reduce movement and therefore stress on the hose is to put good balanced loads in 😁
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Yes, thanks again. I read your article and now understand why occasionally the m/c does not run its fast spin!
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