Admiral Washer Drum Loose and Rattling: Troubleshooting... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The washer's MCU (Main Control Unit) controls motor speed and cycle timing. Excessive vibration, due to a loose drum, can trigger error codes or damage other components. The MCU relies on feedback from sensors to monitor drum movement and stability. Voltage pathways control solenoids for water inlet, drain pump activation, and motor operation.

Symptoms:

The Admiral washer drum is excessively loose and makes a loud rattling noise, especially during the spin cycle. The washer may vibrate excessively or even move during operation.

Possible Causes:

Worn drum support springs or dampers
Loose or damaged suspension rods
Failed tub bearing
Broken or cracked outer tub
Foreign object lodged between tubs

Solution:

1

Unplug the washer from the 120V AC outlet and turn off the water supply.
2

Remove the top panel of the washer using a 1/4-inch nut driver. Typically, there are screws at the rear.
3

Inspect the drum support springs and dampers for wear or breakage. Replace if necessary.
4

Check the suspension rods for damage or looseness. Ensure they are securely attached to the frame and tub.
5

Manually rotate the drum and listen for grinding noises, indicating a possible tub bearing failure. If noisy, replacement is required.
6

Inspect the outer tub for cracks or damage. If found, the entire tub assembly may need replacing.
7

Check for foreign objects between the inner and outer tubs. You may need to partially disassemble the washer to access this area.

Safety Warning:

Always disconnect power before working on the washer. Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. High voltage components are present; use caution. Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures should be followed during any repair.

Prevention:

Avoid overloading the washer. Regularly inspect the suspension components for wear. Use appropriate detergent amounts to prevent excessive suds and potential damage.

Expert Tip:

Some Admiral washers have a diagnostic mode that can help identify the source of the rattle. Consult the service manual for the specific sequence to enter diagnostic mode. A common sequence involves pressing and holding specific buttons in a specific order (e.g., START/PAUSE, then POWER, then START/PAUSE again within 5 seconds).

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the suspension rods to see if they are worn?

Visually inspect the rods for any signs of damage, such as bends or cracks. Also, check the springs for any signs of stretching or corrosion. Compare the resistance of each rod by compressing them one by one. Significantly weaker rods need replacement.

•What kind of grease is best for lubricating the tub bearing after replacement?

Use a high-quality, waterproof, and high-temperature bearing grease. A lithium-based grease is generally recommended for this application.

•Where can I find the service manual for my Admiral washer model?

Start by searching online using the model number of your Admiral washer followed by 'service manual' or 'repair manual'. You can also check the Admiral website or appliance parts retailers like AppliancePartsPros.com or RepairClinic.com, which often have manuals available for download.

Admiral Washer Drum Loose and Rattling: Troubleshooting Guide

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the suspension rods to see if they are worn?

•What kind of grease is best for lubricating the tub bearing after replacement?

•Where can I find the service manual for my Admiral washer model?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: