An unbalanced washing machine can lead to a host of problems: loud banging noises during spin cycles, excessive vibrations, premature wear of mechanical parts, and even floor damage. Properly balancing your Admiral washing machine is essential for optimal performance, energy efficiency, and longevity of the appliance.
Understanding the correct balancing process, identifying common causes of imbalance, and applying professional techniques will help you maintain smooth and quiet operation. This guide covers everything you need to know about balancing Admiral washers with confidence.
Why Proper Balance Matters
Balance is critical to the function of any washing machine, particularly during high-speed spin cycles. An unbalanced washer can:
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Cause excessive noise and vibration.
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Wear out bearings, suspension springs, and shocks prematurely.
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Lead to uneven laundry results.
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Consume more energy due to inefficient spinning.
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Cause the appliance to “walk” across the floor.
Common causes of imbalance include uneven loading, improper installation, worn suspension components, and unlevel floors.
Recognizing the Signs of an Unbalanced Washing Machine
Knowing the symptoms of an unbalanced Admiral washer helps you take timely corrective action:
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Loud thumping or banging noises during the spin cycle.
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The machine vibrates excessively or moves across the floor.
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Error codes related to unbalanced load (depending on model).
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The spin cycle fails to complete or takes longer than normal.
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Clothes come out wet due to poor spin performance.
When you notice these issues, it’s time to check the balance of your washer.
How to Balance an Admiral Washing Machine
Follow these professional steps to properly balance your Admiral washing machine and restore smooth operation.
1. Level the Washer Correctly
One of the most common causes of imbalance is an improperly leveled machine. Even slight tilting can cause the drum to spin unevenly.
Best Practice:
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Place a bubble level on the top of the washer, both side-to-side and front-to-back.
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Adjust the leveling feet located under each corner of the appliance:
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Loosen the lock nuts (if present) with a wrench.
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Turn the feet clockwise to lower and counterclockwise to raise.
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Achieve perfect level in both directions.
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Once level, tighten the lock nuts to secure the feet.
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Verify by gently rocking the washer; it should not wobble.
2. Inspect the Floor Surface
Even a perfectly leveled washer can become unbalanced if installed on an unstable surface.
Best Practice:
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Ensure the floor beneath the washer is solid and level.
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Avoid installing the washer on soft or uneven surfaces (e.g., carpet or old wooden floors).
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If necessary, reinforce the floor or use an anti-vibration mat designed for washing machines.
3. Balance the Laundry Load
An unevenly distributed load is one of the primary causes of imbalance during the spin cycle.
Best Practice:
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Load items evenly around the drum.
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Avoid washing single heavy items (such as a large blanket or rug) alone.
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Mix large and small items to promote even distribution.
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Do not overload the drum; consult your model’s load capacity guidelines.
If an imbalance occurs during the cycle, the washer may attempt to correct it automatically, but manual intervention—pausing the cycle and redistributing the load—may be necessary.
4. Check the Suspension System
Over time, the suspension components that stabilize the drum can wear out, contributing to imbalance.
Best Practice:
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Inspect suspension rods or springs for wear or damage.
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Check shock absorbers (on front-load models) for leaks or loss of tension.
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Listen for excessive drum movement or banging even with a balanced load.
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If parts appear worn, replace them with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components designed for your specific Admiral model.
Replacing suspension components restores proper drum stability and prevents future imbalance issues.
5. Examine the Drum and Bearings
In rare cases, drum alignment or bearing wear can cause persistent imbalance problems.
Best Practice:
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Check that the drum rotates smoothly and is centered.
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Listen for grinding or knocking sounds when rotating the drum by hand.
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If the drum is loose or bearings sound rough, professional repair is required.
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Replacing bearings is a complex process that typically requires disassembly of the machine.
Prompt attention to bearing issues prevents severe damage and extends the washer’s lifespan.
6. Secure Shipping Bolts Before Initial Installation (For New Washers)
If your Admiral washer is newly installed, ensure shipping bolts used to stabilize the drum during transport have been removed.
Best Practice:
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Locate and remove all shipping bolts according to the installation manual.
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Failure to remove these bolts can lead to severe imbalance and damage during operation.
Once removed, keep the bolts in case the machine needs to be transported in the future.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Washer Balanced
Implement these ongoing maintenance habits to promote smooth and balanced operation:
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Inspect leveling every few months, especially if the washer is on a wooden floor that may shift.
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Check load balance before each cycle; redistribute items as needed.
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Clean the drum regularly to remove detergent buildup that could affect load distribution.
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Replace suspension components at the first sign of excessive movement or noise.
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Use high-efficiency detergent to reduce suds and prevent unbalanced loads.
When to Call a Professional
If your Admiral washer continues to experience balance problems despite proper leveling and load management, seek professional service when:
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The drum moves excessively during spin cycles.
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The washer vibrates even with small loads.
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You hear loud banging or knocking noises.
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The machine displays repeated unbalanced load errors.
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Suspension or bearing replacement is required.
Professional technicians have the tools and expertise to perform detailed diagnostics and ensure your washer operates smoothly.
Properly balancing your Admiral washing machine is key to achieving quiet, efficient, and reliable performance. By leveling the machine, loading it correctly, maintaining the suspension system, and inspecting key components, you can prevent imbalance-related issues and extend the life of your appliance.
Consistent attention to balance ensures that every wash cycle runs smoothly, protecting both your machine and your laundry.
