Washing Machine Balancing Springs Worn or Broken – What Part Fixes This?
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
Balancing springs (also called suspension springs or tub springs) support the washer tub and keep it centered during wash and spin cycles. When these springs weaken, stretch, or break the tub can sag, slap, or vibrate violently during spin, causing noise, banging, and machine movement. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the problem: 1) Safety first: Unplug the washer and shut off water if you will remove panels or move the machine. Wear gloves and eye protection. 2) Confirm symptom: Run a short spin-only cycle (with no clothes) and observe. Note whether the tub tilts to one side, rocks, bounces, or bangs loudly during spin. 3) Access the springs: Depending on your model, you typically remove the rear panel (front-load washers often remove the top and front). For top-load washers the springs are usually under the top or between the cabinet and tub. Consult your model's service manual for panel removal. 4) Visual inspection: Look for broken, stretched, rusted, or detached springs. Check the spring hooks/retainers and the frame mounting points for damage. If one or more springs are missing or visibly deformed, they need replacement. 5) Manual test: With the cabinet open and the washer supported, gently lift the tub at several points. The tub should be supported firmly with little movement. Excessive sag, a tilted tub, or a tub that drops when the support is removed indicates bad springs. 6) Check related parts: Many balance issues are caused by failed shocks/dampers, broken spring retainers, worn suspension rods, or a damaged balance ring (front-load). Inspect shocks (dampers) for oil leaks and play in the mounting. Replace any weak component—springs often fail in combination with worn dampers. 7) Replace springs (general procedure): a) Order the correct replacement springs for your exact model (springs vary by manufacturer and model year). b) Support the tub: Place a block of wood or a jack with a soft pad under the tub to take the weight off the springs. c) Remove tension: Using pliers, release the spring from the lower and then upper hooks/retainers. Keep track of any spacers or retainers. d) Install new springs: Hook the new spring into the top mount first (or as your model requires), then stretch into the bottom mount. Use spring pliers or a screwdriver/vice grips for leverage if needed—take care to avoid sudden release. e) Recheck alignment: Remove the support and confirm the tub sits centered with even tension on all springs. f) Reassemble panels and run a test spin with a small load to confirm the noise/vibration is resolved. 8) Final checks: If vibration persists, recheck spring installation and inspect shocks/dampers, bearings, spider arm (front-load), and leveling feet. Make sure the machine is level and on a solid surface. Safety note: Springs are under tension and can snap back—wear eye protection and keep hands clear of pinch points. If you are uncomfortable working with springs under tension, hire a qualified appliance technician.
Common Symptoms
Washer vibrates or rocks violently during spin; loud banging or slapping noises; tub tilts or sags to one side; washer moves on the floor; uneven wash or persistent off-balance error codes.
Common Causes
- Broken or stretched suspension/balancing springs due to metal fatigue or corrosion
- Failed spring retainers, hooks, or mounting points letting springs detach
- Worn dampers/shock absorbers or other suspension components increasing load on the springs
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
Manually lift the tub at several points after removing the cabinet; if the tub sags or wobbles significantly on one side the springs are the likely culprit. Also compare free length of each spring—visible stretching or corrosion is a quick confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace balancing springs myself or do I need a technician?
Many homeowners with basic mechanical skill and tools can replace suspension springs. The job requires unplugging the washer, supporting the tub while you remove/install springs under tension, and following model-specific disassembly steps. If you're uncomfortable with springs under tension or if the machine requires major disassembly, call a qualified appliance technician.
How long do balancing springs last and what causes them to fail?
Balancing springs commonly last 5–15 years depending on load frequency, heavy/imbalanced loads, humidity and corrosion. They fail from metal fatigue, rust, repeated overloading, or when other suspension parts (dampers, retainers) wear and transfer extra stress to the springs.
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.