Work gloves
Use it for: Protects your hands around sharp cabinet edges and tight mounting points.
Shop work glovesWasher repair
How to Replace a Washer Shock Absorber Set
If your washer tub bangs around, moves too freely, or shakes hard during spin, replacing the washer shock absorber set is a common fix.
This repair is usually done from the front, rear, or bottom access area depending on the washer design. The goal is to support the tub, swap the worn shocks one at a time, and then test the machine under a normal load.
Before you start: Match the replacement part to your exact washer before ordering.
Safety first
- Unplug the washer before opening any panel or touching internal parts.
- Cabinet edges can be sharp, so wear gloves and move slowly around the frame.
- Support the tub before removing a shock so the tub does not shift suddenly.
- Do not force mismatched parts into the mounts.
Tools you may need
Flashlight
Use it for: Helps you see the shock mounts, pins, and any hidden damage inside the cabinet.
Shop flashlights
Screwdriver set
Use it for: Removes access panels or top panels on many washers.
Shop screwdriver sets
Pliers
Use it for: Useful for clips, retaining pins, and stubborn fasteners on some shock mounts.
Shop pliers
Socket set
Use it for: Removes bolts used on some washer panels and shock brackets.
Shop socket sets
Wood block or firm support
Use it for: Supports the tub slightly so the shocks are easier to remove and install safely.
Find a support blockAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Repair Riot may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Confirm the shocks are the likely problem
- Unplug the washer and open the lid or door.
- Press down on the inner tub or basket by hand and let it rise back up.
- Watch for excessive side-to-side movement, a loose bouncing feel, or the tub slamming the cabinet instead of settling smoothly.
- Think about the symptom pattern: worn shocks usually show up as banging, walking, or violent shaking during spin, especially with balanced loads.
- Rule out simple causes first by making sure the washer is level and the load was not badly out of balance.
If it works: The washer shows excessive tub movement and the symptoms fit worn shock absorbers better than a one-time load issue.
If it doesn’t: If the washer only shook during one uneven load and now runs normally, rebalance the load and monitor it before replacing parts.
Stop if:
- The inner basket feels loose at the shaft, scrapes badly, or has obvious bearing or suspension damage beyond the shocks.
- You see a cracked tub support, broken spring, or torn cabinet mount.
Step 2: Set up the washer and reach the shock absorber area
- Turn off the water supply if you need to move the washer for access.
- Pull the washer forward enough to work safely around it.
- Remove the panel or access area needed to reach the shocks. On many washers this is a front lower panel, rear panel, or the main front panel.
- Use a flashlight to locate the shock absorbers between the outer tub and the base frame.
- Place a wood block or other firm support under the tub if needed so the tub weight is not hanging hard on the shock you are removing.
If it works: You can clearly see the shock absorber set and the tub is supported well enough to remove a shock without the tub dropping suddenly.
If it doesn’t: If you still cannot reach the shocks safely, look for additional panel screws or a top panel that must come off first.
Stop if:
- The washer cabinet is unstable, badly rusted around the mounts, or unsafe to work on.
- You cannot support the tub securely enough to remove the shocks safely.
Step 3: Remove the old shocks one at a time
- Take a quick photo of the original shock positions before removing anything.
- Start with one shock so the remaining shocks help hold the tub in place.
- Remove the retaining pin, clip, bolt, or fastener from the lower mount first, then the upper mount.
- Work the old shock free from the tub and base mounts.
- Repeat for the remaining shocks, keeping any reusable hardware organized if the new set does not include it.
If it works: The old shocks are out and you know how each mount and fastener goes back together.
If it doesn’t: If a shock is stuck, relieve a little tub pressure with your support block and try again without forcing the mount sideways.
Stop if:
- A mounting hole is elongated, cracked, or broken instead of just worn at the shock.
- A fastener snaps off in the frame or tub support.
Step 4: Install the new washer shock absorber set
- Compare the new shocks to the old ones for length, mount style, and attachment points before installing.
- Install each new shock in the same orientation as the original part.
- Attach the upper and lower mounts fully and reinstall the correct pins, clips, or bolts.
- Replace the shocks one by one until the full set is installed.
- Make sure each shock is seated squarely and not twisted or half-clipped into place.
If it works: All new shocks are installed securely and the tub feels more controlled when moved by hand.
If it doesn’t: If the new parts do not match the old mount style or length, recheck the washer model fit before forcing installation.
Stop if:
- The replacement set does not fit the washer correctly.
- A mount will not hold the new shock securely because the frame or tub support is damaged.
Step 5: Reassemble the washer and do a no-load test
- Remove the tub support block if you used one.
- Reinstall all access panels and tighten the panel screws.
- Move the washer back into position and level it if needed.
- Reconnect power and restore water if it was turned off.
- Run a short spin or rinse-and-spin cycle with no clothes and listen for abnormal banging or cabinet contact.
If it works: The washer completes a no-load spin with noticeably less tub movement and no major banging.
If it doesn’t: If the washer still shakes hard with no load, recheck that every shock is fully mounted and that the washer is level on the floor.
Stop if:
- The tub still slams the cabinet, the basket wobbles badly, or another suspension part is clearly failing.
Step 6: Verify the repair with a normal laundry load
- Wash a medium, balanced load such as towels mixed with smaller items.
- Stay nearby during the final spin and watch for walking, heavy thumping, or repeated off-balance behavior.
- Check that the washer stays planted, the tub movement is controlled, and the cycle finishes normally.
- Look underneath and around the access area one more time to make sure nothing came loose during operation.
If it works: The washer handles a real load with normal vibration and the banging problem is gone or greatly reduced.
If it doesn’t: If vibration improved but is still excessive, check for worn suspension springs, shipping hardware left in place, or floor instability.
Stop if:
- The washer still has severe shaking after the new shocks are installed and the machine is level, because the root cause is likely elsewhere in the suspension or tub system.
Replacement Parts
Find a washer shock absorber set on Amazon
Match the replacement part to your exact washer before ordering.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Repair Riot may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Verify the repair
- The tub no longer bounces excessively when pushed by hand.
- A no-load spin runs without hard banging against the cabinet.
- A normal balanced load finishes with controlled vibration and no walking.
- All shock mounts, clips, pins, or bolts remain secure after testing.
FAQ
Do I need to replace all the shocks or just one?
Replace the full washer shock absorber set when possible. If one shock is worn, the others are usually not far behind, and mixed old and new shocks can leave the tub unevenly supported.
What symptoms point to bad washer shocks?
Common signs are loud banging in spin, excessive vibration, the washer walking across the floor, and a tub that moves too freely by hand.
Can bad shocks cause leaks?
Not directly in most cases, but severe tub movement can stress hoses, boots, and other parts. If the washer has been shaking hard for a while, inspect nearby parts while you have it open.
How do I know I ordered the right shock absorber set?
Match the replacement to your exact washer model and compare the mount style and overall length to the original parts before installation.
What if the washer still shakes after I replace the shocks?
Recheck leveling first. If the shocks are installed correctly and the washer still shakes badly, the problem may be a worn spring, damaged tub support, loose basket, or another suspension issue.