I'm a single mom of four kids, and I'm really struggling with my washing machine. About six months ago, it started acting up, showing signs of unbalanced loads. I'd adjust the clothes, and that would usually fix it. But now, it's even worse! Recently, it's been jumping around and moving several inches across the floor—no amount of leveling seems to work. I've already replaced the shock pads because they were worn out, and last week I put in new support rods. Despite all this, it still shakes violently. My washer is only 4.5 years old and is a Whirlpool top loader with 3.9 cu ft capacity. I'm handy with repairs, but I need some advice on what might be going wrong or what else I can check.
3 Answers
You might want to look into replacing the snubber ring. It requires taking apart the machine, but it’s not as daunting as it sounds—just a handful of parts to deal with. The springs can be a pain, but it’s still a cheaper fix than shelling out for a new machine!
If it's a top loader, it definitely has suspension springs that hold the barrel. They're similar to shocks on a car, and replacing them is usually straightforward. I’d recommend doing this soon—you don’t want the barrel to bend and cause more issues down the line!
It sounds like you might be dealing with worn-out springs at the bottom of the tub. I had a similar issue before, and replacing the springs worked wonders for me! They’re not that expensive, but the installation can be a bit tricky. Once I replaced mine, the machine was as steady as a rock!

Do you know if I need both springs and suspension rods? I can't find any springs in my washer, just the ones on the rods.