GE Washer Top Loader Out of Balance Shaking Repair Tutorial

[@jullesmills8300]

A big thank you from Julles Mills. My counterweight was not just banging around, but it was loose. Following your directions, I did get to it and tighten it. And I am a 66 year old woman. My motto though is 'I'm the Man'.

[@tman111195]

Julles Mills I

[@AllNatural7]

Wow, this gives me great encouragement as I am still a single woman and my dad lives far away!!!

[@mikedavies8698]

Good job, proud of you girl. You da WO-MAN

[@mikedavies8698]

Great job. Thank goodness for people still willing to fix a item.

[@dianahodnicki6612]

Watched this video a couple of times and one from Repair Clinic to help me take the top end apart. It was an all day affair taking it apart and working through the discovery phase. Note: I had an appliance repair person tell me that the rod and spring assemblies needs replacement to the tune of $500. He suggested that I purchase a new washer specifically a Speed Queen. After a few days of looking and not finding one I decided to take it apart and really see for myself what ailed it. Long story short, the spring assemblies and the tub dampening straps were sound but the piece of concrete that sat across from the motor was hanging on by one bolt. So after a full vacuum and clean up I reinstalled the block and added a third bolt in the middle section using 3/8 threaded rod with washers and nuts. A much better installation than from the factory and it is working well tonight! Kudos to my brother who stopped by to see what his sister was up to today. He was impressed with my efforts. Just saved myself at least $750 and it was a great rainy day project to boot! Subbed!!!

[@Pallious420]

Hey man, I want to thank you for this video. Not only do we have the same washer, but you saved me a trip charge and a possible 200 bucks because as of dec of 2017 my warranty was up. Even though the problems were different, you showed me how to open the washer without breaking anything, and what to look for. I was able to diagnose the problem, and fix it in about 10 minutes. Thank you, and to all the people who make these videos, they really are a big help. -Dennis

[@condor5635]

Nice video. 4:15 It is called the mode shifter and not a clutch/transmission. It's sole purpose is to either not engage and agitate or engage and spin. The wire you replaced signal a coil to either engage a gear (spin) or not engage it (agitate). Yours sounded really bad as the bearing is going out or is already bad. I just posted a video on replacing the bearing for $15 bucks instead of buying the entire new mode shifter for $170. Something you could easily do if you still have this machine. Thanks for posting!

[@Kithas]

Thanks for this! We just moved and I was having the worst time balancing my washer. Really didnt want to pay a ton in repairs or buy a new one, this was a lifesaver!

[@michaelgee9839]

Wow! good video, I have the tub out at 10PM, going to sleep and buy parts tomorrow, I do use that pause button to review a lot.. I think you did a great job on the video. I watched another one before yours on just taking it apart, but did not know my problem until I saw your first screen of the crushed cinder block in the bottom and knew I was going to learn something! thanks again I love GE/Fred Flintstone technology. A ROCK! near a moving part.... genius!

[@jamesrevillini8816]

Thanks so much! You saved me like $400 and the best part was that I didn't even have to go past minute 2! Once I got the covers off I found that somehow the whole drum was simply off-kilter. I was able to pull it up from the top, reseat it, and it was done! Great job!

[@geoobieandmachieofgrandhav2596]

Well Done Mike. Your video was super informative, especially how to get the drum and motor assembly out of the chassis. When I first heard the noise, I thought I had a problem with a broken or stretched damper strap, then maybe a tension rod was worn out. I never thought it was the counterweight. Infact, I didn't even know there was one. One of the bolts worked loose and came out of the sheet metal, and the weight moved around in the motor assembly but it didn't break. I've still got to get it all back together, but I'm putting a washer an a nut on the end of the 4" sheet metal screw for extra security as I'd rather not have this thing get loose again.

[@brianscott1656]

Awesome instructions. My GE counterbalance had fallen off into the back of the washer. My design was held on by just one bolt. I was able to set the weight back in place with the bracket and turn in the bolt just by laying on the floor without having to touch the tub. The bolt is a little stripped and a new one is just $2.50 to order but we were about to buy a new machine. Wouldn't have had a clue where to start without your video. Thanks!

[@patriciawebb1636]

Thank you so much for the video. My son and I tried everything to fix the problem. He was just about to give up and let me call a repairman when he googled you. The bolts were only loose (the machine is only 2 yrs. old). He had a little trouble getting to the bolts without taking the tub out, but was able to tighten them from the bottom, by pushing the tub over to the sides. So happy now!!!

[@heatherstream8134]

I can't say I'm going to attempt this, but your video gave me some insight on what to guesstimate our appliance technician will tell us next week, regarding our clunky, wobbling washer!

[@chasecullinan4974]

Thank you SO much for this video. I have the same washer and had an issue with it leaking. I used this as a disassembly guide. Very thorough. Thanks for the help.

[@lisaedenmedium]

You're a great teacher!! Thanks for taking your time and being easy to hear and understand

[@bandoheme]

Excellent explanation and instructions. I think this is my problem as the machine spins out of balance even when its empty. Thanks for making such a great video.

[@Bilytkid]

Great video. One of the things I like about a GE washing machine is how easy they are to work on, compared to many other models.

[@giuseppelafronza3833]

fantastic video, detailed enough for me to have enough courage to open my washer up to fix it! Thanks for the money you just saved me!

[@katiehodge5508]

Thanks! Once I knew some things to look at it took us about 10 minutes to pop it off the front, find where one of the black things at the top had come loose, find where that screw had fallen and put it back. No service call or replacement costs.

[@alexisonfirecjj]

sweet video my GE top loader drum was hitting the side walls like crazy it was the rubber latch that came lose because of bolt...just connected everything back and works fine thanks to you

[@scottdasovich6355]

Thanks for this video. My fix ended up being much simpler (bucket had just jumped out of the bottom bracket), but this video was enormously helpful.

[@rcecconi1]

Thanks for the video. My patio block wasn't too bad and the bracket and bolts were on the bottom. I went to Home Depot, bought some 1/4-20 Nylox nuts, fender washers and high strength foam tape, bolted it back up with the foam tape between the bracket and patio block. You can do it without taking the tub out but be prepared to get a little scratched up from sharp edges in tight spaces. Think of the "Patio Block" when you look out over the wing at your GE jet engine, Just sayin...

[@GmGarlo]

thanks for explaining everything so well because many people leave out the little things that can make the job so much harder Thanks again.

[@johnlingafelter524]

Actually he did leave out some stuff

[@Boschwash24]

Top loading washers what a pile of shit. American crap

[@chasecullinan4974]

Like the 1/4" screws under the front panel that have to be removed before lifting the top panel and lid up and the 4 black rubber bungee retention straps...he covered both on the reassembly portion though. He said he already had it apart. If you are doing this type of disassembly and reassembly yourself, you probably could figure those 6 screws out though.

[@nazrudeenbaksh3668]

Thanks very much, you were very thorough with the instructions. It helped me take my washer apart, identify what was wrong and fix it myself.

[@javieralfaro2598]

Thank you for the vid I almost bought a new washer but found this video and was able to make my own bracket and reinforcing the weight then adding washers and nuts. Washer machine is working like a champ! Thanks again.

[@guardian_bob7171]

Thanks Mike, My block had come off the bracket but was salvageable with only an edge chipped off. Reattached it with new bolts and lock nuts, GE crappy design to screw into a tapped stamped plate. Made for failure. My wires were almost chewed through but was able to repair them and reattach the brick without taking the bottom plate off. Be sure you get all the concrete dust vacuumed up. The mode shifter or bearing is making the infamous freight train noise on spin, so not worth the money to buy a new brick. Keeping an eye on the sales for a new unit now, no longer expecting a 15 -20 year machine, maybe 5-7 like this pos.

[@ataraxiajudith9229]

This is great! Let’s see if a single female can do it. LOL. Thank God for people like you willing to share your knowledge!

[@Sooch67]

Thanks! The drum cylinder on ours has two metal tabs on the bottom and Somehow it ended up on the other side of a similar flange/tab on the frame. Simply popped it back over so it's inbetween the two flanges and now it's centered again and working. This video helped me figure it out. Much appreciation. (certainly glad our problem wasn't as complicated as this though!)

[@mizzoumail]

This was the best video I've seen on a ge washer.. thanks Mike!

[@bobjansen717]

Awesome video and amazing details on this problem. I watched the video and was ready to tackle the tear down and repair, but found my unbalance problem was much simpler. Took the front off using your information and found the rock bolted tightly in place. I then noticed that there are 2 metal tabs sticking down from the motor mounting area and 2 long metal rails coming up from the base and these were all bent into positions that didn't appear correct. The tab coming down from the motor on the right was outside of the metal rail coming up from the base. A quick check on your video confirmed that the tabs coming down should be inside the metal rails coming up from the base. It appears that the rails coming up from the bottom are designed to act like bumpers and keep the motor from moving to far to either side. In my case, an unbalanced load caused it to move to the side and up at the same time and the tab jumped over the rail and got hung up with no way to return. It was easy to lift the tub/motor back up and over to the correct position and bend all the tabs back to their original positions. Works fine now. Your video was instrumental in helping me with the repair even though I didn't have to replace the rock. Thanks for posting it.

[@Wyevere]

Same problem here. The rock is fine. The tub was out of position. Moved tub back. So far, so good. But this should NOT be happening in the first place. The washer I had before this lasted 40 years, and never had an unbalance problem, no matter what I put into it. So far, this one has had its pump replaced twice due to getting blocked with lint. Ridiculous.

[@webailey8907]

Omg yassss thank you. I had an issue where the dryer was shaking so hard it jumped over the bracket retainer causing it to shake hard. These instructions were simple. I did have to use a 1/4 socket to lift the lid though. I saw you removed these previously but u didn't mention it in the video. Anyway thanks again!

[@jr8216]

I know it’s been a while since you posted but stopping by to say thanks !

[@derekhouse2708]

Thank You! This is the best tutorial on KZbin! Well done!

[@bevstiltner8463]

Awesome video for a do it yourselfer!!!! Thank you so very much for your easy to follow directions!

[@gcbtn]

I found the rock in mine, and thought "what the crap did Lowes do to me?" glad to hear I wasn't crazy. Thanks so much for the explanation. Great vid.

[@toolsandgadgetsreviews762]

Awesome video!!! Of course I decide to find you after the washer is out of warranty. What a stupid design. Thank you so much for helping us to save money during this inflation crisis.

[@condor5635]

Might want to put some locktite on those 4 bolts (3 one way and the fourth the other way). I had mine open the other day and two were laying on the bottom panel! The third was working its way lose! Luckily my brick has not broken yet. I also put a huge zip tie on the motor that hold those wires tight against the motor frame which alleviates pressure on those mounting harnesses. One of the wire harnesses had one intermittent wire connection at the plastic harness that happened over time due the severe shaking that those machines do. Thanks for sharing!

[@andreszuniga5368]

Great video. I helped me out troubleshooting the issue with our washer; one of the suspension rods came out by itself on the last wash

[@deebocj]

My counter weight screw was a little loose. Tightened it. So far so good. Thanks!

[@noseyboys]

Very good video. Hopefully my husband will be able to use this to fix our machine. Thanks for posting.

[@HVACENGINEER94]

I wanted to add I give you credit for doing that .that machine is shot, the tub bearing is also wiped out, you can hear the roaring noise when you spun the mode shifter

[@rogeliotorres1488]

Excellent job of explaining everything, good job for camera person too.

[@frontdeskmike]

Thanks, Mike! You helped me save a lot of money! Excellent tutorial.

[@TonySmith1111]

Thank you very much for this video! It was exactly what I needed in order to repair the exact problem you are addressing. Excellent work... THANK YOU!!!

[@lawrencefallas1111]

Very nice video. Instructions are great ...thank you so much for your time.

[@toma674]

Nicely done and demonstrated..just look out for mr.murphy and his laws,those back suspension hangers can be quite difficult..an extra set of hands always helps..thanks for taking the time to show.

[@zeke1883]

Awesome video... One of the bolts snapped on mine and the little round threaded "nut" that was swaged into the metal pan broke out with the bolt. Had to do a little jury rigging to reattach that side of the bracket but my block wasn't damaged enough that I couldn't re-use it. So glad I found your video. Gave me the courage to try it. Everything worked as you described. Pain in the ASS but got it completely out, and re-installed, am going to give it a try shortly with a load of clothes. I too was just going to call a repair guy this week. Glad I waited. Excellent video by the way. Camera work is top notch.

[@ken481959]

Looks like a simple and straight forward proposition. Thanks!

[@Mark-eu4ds]

This happened to mine. My GE was a 2012 model. It lasted 3 months. I made Best Buy take it back and exchange it. The brick got hurled into the motor. Clearly a design defect. The sheet metal looks very flimsy. I kind of wish I let them repair it. I liked how quiet the agitation and spin was. Sounded cool when it was going into spin mode. I exchanged it for a Samsung. I'm not too enthralled with it's defects. Upper splash shield spills water all over the floor in aquajet mode. There was the infamous recall and, to top it off IT'S RUSTING. I got it in 2013! Rusting! Should've kept the GE.

[@petercrane8216]

Mark Bielaga , I think you are doing very good lasting this long, I used to work for major white goods manufacturer in the late 1980s to early 1990s, there were designed them to have a life span of 6 years...

[@AhJodie]

Wow, you did an excellent job of explaining everything Mike, thank you!

[@pedwards134]

Awesome! We repaired our washing machine in 30-40 minutes.

[@toddt6730]

Excellent video, quite a lot of work to get that thing apart

[@jojeters]

Great video, walked me right through the necessary steps !! Thanks!

[@8939403231]

Dude your a life saver!!! Awesome video!! Thank you!!!

[@markoshaughnessy8375]

great video! when I first saw you take the brick out I thought the video was a joke! GE was supposed to be full of great engineers...putting a large brick, poorly secured to a washer drum?? Thanks for the clear instructions.

[@sawahfwaps144]

Fascinating watching this video. Now I know what has been wrong with that thing being off balance ever since we bought it. Still think that there should be some kind of controls on products that are made that shouldn't end up in the garbage dump instantly. Now it's chipping off plastic into the wash. When I contacted the dealer that sold it to as they said O just flip up the top and blah blah blah. Well to me that wasn't a really good answer because we just bought it but it has spent 96% of its time being off balance.

[@gregguikema2613]

I have got the belt off but cannot get the pulley unstuck from the shaft. I have hit it with a hammer and pulled up on it. Will keep trying. My counterweight is not too damaged. I am thinking about getting the new bracket and bolting the piece of junk back on.

[@zeran74]

Thanks so much I thought mine was having issues it might need new bugie cords but other than that everything looked good. not sure if I need to replace them or not they are still all connected.

[@refinisherman]

Great video , really helped . Thanks !

[@Xavierstrainsandmotors]

Since you’re going by the motor area can you show how to peel down the outer driver drum?

[@billybrooks9094]

Great Video. I have a GE washer Dryer combo with no counterweight. Also no mention of one in a parts catalog and the manual It's spinning uncontrollably and shredding the plastic outer basket. Any Ideas?

[@Xavierstrainsandmotors]

During the video can you please show how to peel down the auto drive drum of the GE washer that you on?

[@801revolutionary]

Thank you for the great video I just fixed my washer!!

[@jrmtz3402]

Thanks, saved me a service call.

[@Richco07]

Good video, but it leaves out a couple steps for those who are complete noobs. The GE top load washer disassembly video by repairclinic shows the steps though.

[@petermaz701]

Wow amazing job!!!

[@richl.2599]

Very very informative. Perfectly explained. Anyone who thumbs down this is as dumb as one of those rocks. Even simple to the point instructions trigger people who just can't get much of anything. Thank you sir.

[@tyrrellj1985]

awesome video! answered all my questions!

[@Kate-hb7ih]

Thank you!!!! You are a life saver!!

[@cantfindapril]

OH Good grief, do I have to do all that to fix this? 2 months after my warranty this happens. Why?

[@cephusthomas8280]

You didn't mention the rear 2 hangers, they were hard to get too. Other than that is was fairly easy. Thank you.

[@chasecullinan4974]

My arms BARELLLLLLLY fit. It was a tight squeeze.

[@amymorman965]

How did you get the back suspension rods off since you can't reach them? Getting them back on seems like it would be easier, but I can't figure out how you go them off.

[@gregguikema2613]

Well I got the cinder block back on but the drive belt keeps working its way off the pulley. I am hoping I don't need a new belt as it was not easy to get the belt back on the pulley. I will try to tighten the bolts and straighten the belt again.

[@gregguikema2613]

Ok I had to take the unit apart and tighten the bolt on the bottom of the pulley as tight as I could get it. Had to use an extension rod to make sure it was snug. It kept working loose when I tightened it with my socket wrench. Ran a test load and all seems well. I will update when it breaks next. I don't have alot of faith in the machine :)

[@gregguikema2613]

The 2 hardest parts were 1) getting the drive belt back on the pulley. My wife helped or I may still be working on it. I used a pliers to hold the belt to the pulley (be careful not to damage the belt) and with my other hand I made sure the belt did not come loose off the small pulley wheel. My wife turned the large pulley slowly as I did this. 2) getting the pulley off the unit was also difficult. I hit it with a hammer as suggested but this took several efforts to get it off. I took a few breaks to make sure I didn't get mad and whack it too hard and break something. Yes it does get frustrating but I have found out if you have a great video help like this it helps to study it when you feel stuck. Also even though it takes quite a bit of time you feel great when you fix something yourself. Now I know how the machine works. I was getting pretty close to calling a repair man. I am going to bill GE for the $17 and some off cents I paid to get the parts to repair this and see if they will humor me with a check. Of course mine was out of warranty by 3 weeks!

[@deeannpookie450]

You might put some Lock-Tite on that bolt.

[@Zach0711]

Would a very thin sheet of rubber on top and bottom of counter weight in between the brackets cause less vibration?

[@johnpowell7341]

Excellent video Mike. I have exact same washer. Mine makes an unnormal clicking noise during agitation and heavier loads. It is not rubbing anywhere but the clicking is coming from the cam area and happens when the motor reverses direction during agitation. Essentially the area where your wires were broken. Those wires power the mode shifter that engages and disengages the shaft depending on whether it is in agitate mode or spin mode. Have you experienced this clicking noise?

[@jeremydaleheisey9108]

Somehow mine is missing a counterweight. Came with the house. Has been so loud since we bought the place. Now I know why.

[@gregguikema2613]

Where did you find the new counterweight kit? I just pulled my GE G153 apart and see the cinder block has fallen out just as you show. Luckily nothing is really damaged yet as it fell off on Christmas Eve. Wouldn't you know? Thanks for the video!

[@ЯрославМолчанов-э5в]

SHAKE. SHAKE. SHAKE SHAKE

[@ЯрославМолчанов-э5в]

+Ярослав Молчанов что. SHAKE SHAKE

[@reginaldhicks7328]

Should you go ahead and replace the belt for the pulley while you're at it

[@swilson5030]

thank you this was a great help

[@Danafinfin]

We have same problem with our washer - super bummer. Would you mind sharing your washer model #, as well as the part #s for the counterweight, bracket, and washers? Did you purchase online? We are desperate to wash clothes again! Thank you!

[@bobwallace6647]

Great video. I have looked everywhere I can think of to order a new counter weight stone. Where do you get these from and are they basically the same size for all manufacturers?

[@mikedavies8698]

You will have to look at you model number, mine was under the lid then in the right hand corner near the hinge. Then google you brand and model number and counter weight

[@hilariobarria8169]

Mike buenos tardes buen video no hablo el ingles pero para pedirle su ayuda tengo una lavadora igual que esta tengo problemas con la la tarjeta no enciende gracias bendiciones

[@CariLemme]

Spot-on video. Thank you!

[@JohnBarrow1961]

Thanks for the vid, but you didn't show how you reconnected the rear suspension rods! It looks tight back there!

[@Richco07]

I used a bb rifle stock to push them down and to reposition them. I'm sure you've solved the problem by now though

[@wisdomwisdom817]

Awesome job thank you

[@Aliusmi]

Professional 👍🏻

[@jtags59]

Very informative, thanks!

[@garrettgubler9279]

Where did you get your bracket?

[@aishakandisha]

great tutorial. Hope I can do it.

[@tienle-qp6tn]

Hi Mike can you please let me know what that rock call and the part #?

[@garyhenry2546]

how much does the cinder block cost?

[@Enonymouse_]

I just thought of something, why the hell doesn't manufacturers use a better load balancing system than this? There are dynamic load balancing methods used in industrial applications as well as tires just using beads that are distributed by centrifugal force, that seems like a much better method rather than using stone. Great video though, very helpful!

[@iplayloud2]

My older GE very similar has no counter weightv🤔

[@adriaowens8789]

Thank you for the great video! What kind of tools will I need? Do you recall what size wrenches you need? Also do you recall what size bolt that was you used the wrench on? Thank you so much!

[@typo91]

i wanted to see how you get the back hangers on... but you kinda just skipped over that.... i wonder why?

[@guardian_bob7171]

Sure you got it by now ;) for others: once the tub is back in the frame put the rear hangers on first. Tilt tub forward ( a second person is helpful) and swing them into place. to assist can use a long bit of wood, broomstick, end of hammer, or in my case long skinny arms to reach in pop it in the bracket. Use a light to ensure they are seated properly. Mike said in another comment he used an old bbgun

[@ImNotaStarfishYT]

What did the new counter weight cost?

[@mikedavies8698]

About $28

[@ImNotaStarfishYT]

@@mikedavies8698 thanks for your reply. I checked mine out cause it had the same issues. Mine had a few problems more. Apparently no one took the guide bar out so it was grinding that. Also one the shock springs made its way out, don't ask me how cause as you know you have to lift it to remove them. As well as the block was a little loose. But now with all that resolved it runs like a champ.

[@IronGumby]

@@ImNotaStarfishYT Guide bar? Supposed to be removed? What does this look like, and what did it guide? Thanks

[@IronGumby]

@@mikedavies8698 Mine grinds when I put too much water in (my dad got the same washer a year or two later, around 2014, and his is rigged to be more eco-friendly by not letting him fill it as high), so now I wonder if it was really for economical reasons. The heavy weight of the water literally stretches the suspension rods so much that the pulley grinds on the bottom bracket of the frame. Any suggestions how to resolve, besides using less water like I do now? Thanks

[@lisawilson1577]

How do you get the back rods loose without having 50 hands? Im afraid to use board to help me lift if its on the transmission pully...dont need anymore crap with this washer but will never buy another GE. I can see the rock and bracket but tub still has to come out. Hate asking for help!

[@johnlingafelter524]

Use a broom handle. Pick up the drum from the top, and use the handle to tap them out

[@Ashroyer86]

do you know if the drive pulley on that machine should have side to side play? or rotational play i guess.

[@chasecullinan4974]

Yes because of the gaps in the teeth on the transmission and the pulley.

[@Sillyna511]

Hi, We completed this repair today but after putting it back together, the lid sensor isn't recognizing that the lid is on! :( We have tried wriggling all the cords connected to the sensor, and nothing. What are the odds that it needs to be replaced, when it was working just fine prior to replacing the counterweight? UGH this is frustrating! :(

[@johnharman6505]

Four small tubes at top of tub. Fill tub at start up. Didn't see them in video. One is leaking.

[@joelboss89]

How can i purchase that rock from

[@rs2543]

My machine shakes violently but the rock is still tightly secured. What could be the problem!?

[@HowsaBowsaYowsa]

Good gawd they put an actual rock under there for balance. Next time look into a Speed Queen washer.

[@johnlingafelter524]

Its a concrete block and not all top loads have them. ALL front loads DO

[@Kithas]

Counterweights are important in any suspended system. Sure a cinder block might be low-tech but if it gets the job done why use something more expensive? A lead weight would have the same issues and be much more costly.