My washer vibrates so bad it will move 6"forward and 5" sideways on each cycle and the repair people say, "they all do that". This thing is going to cause problems with my new floor and at the weight vibrating around it could also cause structural problems. I'm getting tired of wrestling it back after each cycle.

Hi,
When my washer did that, I found that the shocks that hold the tub were bad...

Check out this tip I wrote about that...

Washer Problems Washer noise when spinning
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3663122-washer_problems_washer_noise_when

heatman101

send me your email and ill try to send file 6 meg

[email protected]

If top loader, remove the agitator and try to move the shaft sideways in a number of directions. If sloppy, the shaft and bearing need to be replaced. To get at it, the top of the case must be open, unbolt the inner tub, then the outer tub. Be careful around any rubber seals at the bottom.

Try leveling the washer so that it is about half a bubble biased towards the rear. This usually helps front loading washers balance properly even if the installation instructions say that it should be perfectly level. This can also aid draining problems.
Also, some newer front loading washing machines are simply prone to dramatic vibration even when they is "anti-vibration" or "vibration reduction" systems. You can never go wrong installing an anti-vibration pad under the washer. Good Vibrations Inc, Kellett Enterprises and The Vibration Solution all have good products. The Vibration Solution seems to have figured out the best solution and offers excellent support and return policies.
Washer anti-vibration pads
If all else fails call the retailer and ask for an exchange.

Try this for re-setting the balancing mechanism:
With the washer empty, tip tip it forward so that it is just sitting on the front feet. Hold it there for a few seconds, then gently lower the back down. (Often there is a mechanism in the back feet that automatically levels it for you--if this doesn't work, check that the back feet are not damaged.)

Chck to see that all (6) suspension springs are still attached. Check the plastic snubber ring below the mechanism and above the base plate for cracks or contamination.

Hello genny2626
Welcome,

You said,your 6 year old Kenmore elite top loader's wash plate doesn't seem to go through its proper motions. When the lid is closed and the washer has filled and the agitating cycle begins, you can hear a vibrating noise as if the plate is trying to move on the gentle cycle, but when the lid is opened, nothing has moved at all. The drain and spin work fine, and the machine goes through an entire cycle without error messages, but the clothes aren't clean. You said, you have heard a lot of horror stories of how expensive these washers are to repair, so would like an idea of what's wrong beforehand.

Here are a list of common vibration noises

Noisy, vibrating, off-balance

Is the washer level? Does the washer rock when pushed
against the corners?
The washer must be level. The front and rear feet must be in
firm contact with the floor. Check that the locknuts are
tightened. See “Level the Washer.”

Is the floor flexing, sagging or not level?
Flooring that flexes or is uneven can contribute to noise and
vibration of the washer. A ³⁄₄" (1.9 cm) piece of plywood under
the washer will reduce the sounds. See “Location
Requirements.”

Is the load balanced?
Evenly distribute the load in the washer basket and make
sure the height of the load does not exceed the top row of
basket holes. See “Starting Your Washer.”

Do you hear clicking or other noises when the cycle
changes from washing to draining or spinning?
When the drive system shifts or the washer basket settles
between cycles you may hear noises that are different from
your previous washer. These are normal washer noises.

Is the washer gurgling or humming?

Is the washer level? The wash load
should be balanced and not overloaded. The washer must be
level. The front feet should be properly installed and the nuts
tightened. Reset the rear leveling legs (if needed). See the
Installation Instructions.
Did you completely remove the yellow shipping strap with
cotter pins? See the Installation Instructions.
• Are the gears engaging after the drain and before spin, or
is the upper part of agitator clicking during wash? These
are normal washer noises.

Let me know if any of these are the solution!
Huuum

You shd check the front legs - they shd be a maximum screwed up, that is the machine shd be tilting forwards. Then you adjust acccording to your floor level. The machine should not shake a bit when off, & you try to shake it with both your hands.

A little vibration is normal when the spin starts. Don't forget to rate me nice............

Even after leveling my Frigidaire washer on a pedestal, the washer shook the house during ramping up on spin cycle. I found some Shake Away pads at Lowes. They are small pads that just go under each foot of the washer. I'm not sure how they work but THEY DO. The best 30 bucks I ever spent