To balance a GE top load washer and prevent shaking, you typically adjust the leveling feet located at the bottom. Based on common practice and relevant information, this involves two main steps to ensure stability, especially if the washer experiences shaking, which can sometimes cause the spin cycle to stop if the load is unbalanced or fills the basket beyond the balance ring.
Balancing your washer helps maintain smooth operation during cycles, particularly during the high-speed spin. When laundry is unevenly distributed or overloaded, like filling the basket beyond the balance ring, the machine can become unstable and shake. Adjusting the leveling feet helps counteract this instability by ensuring the washer sits firmly on the floor.
Here's how to adjust the leveling feet:
- Reach the Feet: Locate the leveling feet, usually found on the bottom corners of the washer. You may need to gently tilt the washer or look underneath.
- Adjust Height: Twist the leveling feet clockwise until they reach the ground. This action extends the feet downwards. Adjust each foot as needed to ensure all four feet are making firm contact with the floor and the washer is level. You might use a spirit level placed on top of the washer to check for levelness side-to-side and front-to-back.
- Secure in Place: Once the washer is level and stable, you need to lock the feet into position. Twist and turn the locking nuts counter-clockwise to lock the leveling feet in place. This secures the feet against the washer frame, preventing them from vibrating loose during operation.
Making these adjustments ensures the washer distributes its weight evenly, reducing vibration and shaking, and helping to prevent issues like the spin cycle stopping due to imbalance.
Here is a simple summary of the steps:
| Action | Direction | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Twist Leveling Feet | Clockwise | Reach ground |
| Twist Locking Nuts | Counter-Clockwise | Lock feet |
Proper balancing is a simple but crucial maintenance step that can significantly improve your washer's performance and longevity.
