Washing Machine Tub Shock Absorbers — Diagnosis, Causes, and Replacement Guide
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
What tub shock absorbers (dampers) do: Tub shock absorbers — also called dampers — reduce the tub's bounce and vibration during the spin cycle by damping the up-and-down motion of the inner tub against the washer frame. When they wear out the tub can bang, clunk, or rock violently, especially under heavy or unbalanced loads. Diagnostic and repair steps: 1. Reproduce and observe the symptom: Run a spin-only cycle with a normal load. Listen for banging, clunking, or loud thumps and watch for excessive tub movement. Note whether noise happens only in spin or throughout cycles. 2. Perform a manual bounce test: Open the washer door (if safe to do so) and push the inner tub down firmly; let go. Good shocks will slow the tub's rebound quickly. If the tub bounces freely or returns with a heavy clunk, the shocks are likely bad. 3. Inspect for other causes first: Check for a loose or broken tub support spring, broken snubber (front-load), worn bearings/seal (rumbling, not just bouncing), or a loose drive pulley/belt. Shake the tub by hand to check for lateral movement which suggests bearing issues rather than shocks. 4. Identify shock/damper location for your model: Front-load washers typically have 2–4 dampers under the tub attached to the outer tub/frame. Top-load washers often use suspension rods or straps instead of dampers. Consult your model diagram. 5. Unplug and prepare the washer: Turn off power at the breaker and shut off water (if you need to tilt or move the washer). For front-load units, remove the lower access panel or rear panel as required to reach the dampers. For top-load units, you may need to remove the cabinet or access panel to reach suspension rods. 6. Support the tub: Place a block or jack under the tub to support its weight before removing dampers. This prevents the tub from dropping and damaging other components. 7. Remove bad dampers/shocks: Most dampers are held with spring clips, pins, or bolts at both ends. Release the retaining clip or remove the fastener and slide the damper off the mounting stud. Note orientation — many have a top and bottom end that are different. 8. Inspect mounts and studs: Check the rubber grommets and mounting studs for wear or cracking. Replace them if damaged. 9. Install new dampers: Fit the new shock onto the studs and secure clips/pins/bolts. Ensure the damper moves freely and is oriented per the diagram. Replace suspension rods or snubber parts as needed for top-loads or specific front-load designs. 10. Reassemble and test: Remove the support under the tub, restore panels, reconnect power, and run an empty spin cycle (or with a small load) to confirm the noise and excessive movement are gone. 11. When to replace more components: If the tub still rocks after replacing dampers, check and replace suspension springs (top-load), the shock mounting hardware, and inspect bearings/seal for failure. If you hear grinding or a continuous rumble, address bearings before repeating damper replacement. Safety note: Always disconnect power before working on the washer, support the tub before removing dampers, and follow the manufacturer's service manual for model-specific steps. If you are uncomfortable supporting the tub or working under the washer, call a professional.
Common Symptoms
Loud banging or clunking during spin, excessive tub movement or rocking, washer walking across the floor, or repeated unbalanced load errors.
Common Causes
- Worn internal damping (loss of hydraulic or mechanical damping)
- Broken or cracked mounting grommets, studs, or clips
- Failed suspension rods or springs (top-load washers)
- Worn bearings or other tub/support failures misdiagnosed as bad shocks
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
To confirm a faulty damper quickly: with the washer unplugged, press down on the inner tub; if it bounces more than once and returns with a heavy clunk, at least one damper is worn and should be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do washing machine shock absorbers last?
Typical life depends on usage, load imbalance frequency, and build quality. Many last 5–10 years in normal household use. Heavy loads, frequent unbalanced loads, or rough installation (washer not level) shorten life. Replace them as soon as you hear banging or notice excessive movement.
Do I have to replace all shock absorbers at once?
You can replace only the failed shock, but because the rest are often worn similarly, it's best practice to replace them in pairs or all at once (front-loaders commonly have 3–4). This evens damping and prevents needing a repeat repair soon.
Related How-To Videos
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.