Whirlpool Washer Leveling Help

[louvac]

Hey Guys!

I have a 28 year old Whirlpool washer model LA7680XTN1 from 1992. I also have the matching Whirlpool dryer and both are in mint condition!

Last week I had a Life Proof floating (100% virgin vinyl) floor put down in my laundry room. Today, I finally was able to move the washer and dryer back into the room and reconnect them as the painting was finally finished this week.

Now, the washer went in without a problem but naturally it now needs to be leveled. Even though it appears to be level on all accounts--it's level on all four corners--it shakes when it goes into the spin cycle. It's important to know that it doesn't appear to want to "walk"--just shake. The rear legs are a lever system and are connected with springs and so the individual feet don't turn. The front feet do. I also don't see a locking nut either on the front feet. When the old rubber tile floor was down it didn't budge but now the new vinyl plank flooring has changed the whole equation. What gives? What I am doing wrong or need to do now?

Is there any easier way to get this machine to settle in and not shake? Why does it shake even though the machine seems to be completely level? Do I need some sort of rubber gripping cushion on the bottom of the feet? I feel like I am chasing the adjusting of the feet.

 

[yogitunes]

the problem could be your new 'floating floor'.....unlike true hardwood flooring, this has a foam cushion underlayment, and that alone could be causing the bounce...

would be no different that installing your machine on carpet....

unfortunately most times, for a laundry area/room, best for hardwood or tiled flooring...a solid surface over top of another solid surface...

keep in mind too, your DirectDrive washer is a lot lighter in weight than if you had a Belt Drive unit which would hold its own under most flooring conditions...

you may find that you would have to install 3/4" board as a platform under the washer/dryer, screwed in place to make firm contact with the substructure...

 

[louvac]

I kind of suspected this

It isn't possible to screw a platform down since the floating floor cannot be secured to the base floor. Do you think by simply putting down a 3/4" piece of plywood would do the trick? Or, do you think rubber furniture cups may even work?

 

[louvac]

Forgot to mention

How critical is the turning of the feet in terms of "turns"? In other words, does a quarter of a turn make much of a difference or does it need to be adjusted in terms of whole turns?

 

[bendixmark]

Floating Floor

I have done service calls for this many times. Direct drive washers require a rock solid service like concrete to sit on or they will vibrate.Adding plywood just makes it worse.The plywood vibrates.I had a three month old direct drive do this. I had to bring the machine into the garage to prove to the people it wasn't the machine. The contractor who installed that should have known you cant put a washing machine on a floating floor.

 

[combo52]

Shaking DD Washer

There should be lock nuts on the front feet that must be tightened UP against the washers frame, this will help a little, but unfortunately the floating floor may be the main problem.

 

The good news it will not hurt the washer to shake, but if you don't want it to shake you can either remove the floor under the washer or try  3/4" piece of really good plywood under the washer & dryer [ use one piece under the W&D for best stability ]

 

John L.