How to Fix a Dampening Strap for a Washer That is Shaking and Moving

If you find your washer is shaking or moving excessively when it’s washing or spinning, there may be a problem with the dampening straps. These straps keep the inner-tub in the middle of the washer’s cabinet, and if worn out or broken, will cause the inner-tub to veer to one side and bang against the outside of the machine.

The easiest way to identify if these straps are the cause of the banging within your washing machine is to observe your washing machine during a cycle and listen to see if your tub hits the outside frame of the machine. The straps will wear out eventually, but they may have worn out faster if you wash frequently or wash heavier loads. We also recommend checking your straps to identify any obvious signs of wear, which would require you to open up the top lid of your washer.

But don’t worry, this repair is much easier than you may think. Just below is an easy to follow guide that will guide you through the entire diagnostic process, so you can get your washer back to 100% as soon as possible!

What are Dampening Straps?

These straps are used to keep the inner-tub, which holds all of your beautiful and comfy clothes, to the middle of your washer cabinet during the wash cycle. When these straps are worn down or broken, the inner tub will move closer to the outer tub and that’s when you may hear banging or hitting within your washer during the cycle.

Where are the Dampening Straps Located?

These straps are normally located at the top of each corner of your top-load washing machine, and will likely be stretched between the tub and the cabinet frame. This may change from model to model, however, so check your own machine before starting any repairs.

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Dampening Straps

1. Begin by unplugging your washer and then open the cabinet to locate the tub dampening straps.
2. There will be four straps, each connected to the wash tub and a corner of the cabinet. Inspect the dampening straps, looking for signs of fraying, damage, or wear.
3. If you find any of the above symptoms on even one of your straps, you will need four replacement tub dampening straps. We recommend that you replace all four straps at the same time as they wear at the same rate.

How to Install New Dampening Straps

Note that there are usually multiple dampening straps located on your washer, and it makes sense to replace them all at the same time while completing this installation, even if only one is damaged or worn, since they wear at relatively even rates. Chances are, if one needs replacing, the others will soon, too, and you may as well replace them all while you're at it.

1. Start by inserting any screws or fasteners up inside the strap in your hand before moving it into position in the washer.
2. With the screw or fastener in place, move the strap into place, and insert the locator tab into the opening of the frame of the washer.
3. Position the strap on the tub ring and fasten it into position.
4. Repeat the process for any other straps you want or need to replace.
5. Replace the top of the washer and your repair is complete.

Next: Troubleshooting the Suspension Springs

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