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My top loader has damping springs at the bottom and a plastic "balance ring"[1] around the top of the basket that's filled with fluid to reduce vibrations. Cert

by Bjartr 9y ago

My top loader has damping springs at the bottom and a plastic "balance ring"[1] around the top of the basket that's filled with fluid to reduce vibrations. Certainly no concrete anywhere in it, that I could see when I took the cover/case off anyway. Though I've been having problems with it shaking too much during the spin cycle, so I wish it did have concrete. [1] http://www.appliancepartspros.com/whirlpool-balance-ring-asm-wp3956205-ap6008969.html http://www.appliancepartspros.com/whirlpool-balance-ring-asm...

ars 9y ago
Only front loaders have it. Top loaders don't spin fast enough to need it.
- TheSpiceIsLife 9y ago
  I was of the understanding top loaders don't require it because the axis of spin is oriented such that, so long as the load is sufficiently balanced, it doesn't matter how fast it spins. Front loaders have a harder time balancing the load due to the orientation of the drum, so require greater inertial mass to stabilise them.
  - ars 9y ago
    No, I don't believe that's true. An imbalanced top loader will "walk" across the room if it's not heavy enough to stay put. No, it's simply that top loaders just don't spin very fast. > Front loaders have a harder time balancing the load due to the orientation of the drum The opposite - it's easier for a front loader to balance the load, not harder (that's why they are able to spin faster). A top loader has no ability to move the clothing into balance. But a front loader can - it spins slowly so that the clothing moves around, and then when it detects balance, it speeds up and locks the clothing into position. A front loader is a better washing machine in every single way, except for one: it needs to be water tight, which means air tight, so it can grow mildew if the door is not left open when it's not in use.
    - TheSpiceIsLife 9y ago
      Ah, yep, all going points, I think you're right. I sit corrected. Yeah, got to leave that door open when not in use. Definitely something I always do.
creeble 9y ago
Try replacing the springs, or checking to see if one is broken. Happened to me. 22 years, same washing machine.

by Bjartr 9y ago

ars 9y ago

Only front loaders have it. Top loaders don't spin fast enough to need it.

TheSpiceIsLife 9y ago
I was of the understanding top loaders don't require it because the axis of spin is oriented such that, so long as the load is sufficiently balanced, it doesn't matter how fast it spins. Front loaders have a harder time balancing the load due to the orientation of the drum, so require greater inertial mass to stabilise them.
- ars 9y ago
  No, I don't believe that's true. An imbalanced top loader will "walk" across the room if it's not heavy enough to stay put. No, it's simply that top loaders just don't spin very fast. > Front loaders have a harder time balancing the load due to the orientation of the drum The opposite - it's easier for a front loader to balance the load, not harder (that's why they are able to spin faster). A top loader has no ability to move the clothing into balance. But a front loader can - it spins slowly so that the clothing moves around, and then when it detects balance, it speeds up and locks the clothing into position. A front loader is a better washing machine in every single way, except for one: it needs to be water tight, which means air tight, so it can grow mildew if the door is not left open when it's not in use.
  - TheSpiceIsLife 9y ago
    Ah, yep, all going points, I think you're right. I sit corrected. Yeah, got to leave that door open when not in use. Definitely something I always do.

creeble 9y ago

Try replacing the springs, or checking to see if one is broken. Happened to me. 22 years, same washing machine.