Leveling your Kenmore washing machine is essential for optimal performance, reduced noise, and extended appliance lifespan. It primarily involves adjusting the machine's leveling feet until it sits firmly and evenly on the floor.
Why Leveling Your Washer is Crucial
An unlevel washing machine can lead to several problems:
- Excessive Vibrations and Noise: During cycles, especially spin, the machine will shake violently and produce loud thumping or banging sounds.
- Premature Wear and Tear: Components like bearings and suspension systems can wear out faster due to uneven stress.
- Inefficient Operation: Clothes may not be washed or rinsed effectively, and the machine might move across the floor.
- Error Codes: Some modern washers might display error codes related to an unbalanced load if they detect excessive vibration.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Spirit Level | To accurately check the machine's levelness. |
| Adjustable Wrench | To loosen and tighten the lock nuts on the feet. |
| Pliers | Can be used in place of an adjustable wrench if needed. |
| Gloves (Optional) | For better grip and protection. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling Your Kenmore Washer
Follow these steps to ensure your Kenmore washing machine is perfectly level and stable.
Step 1: Prepare Your Washer
- Unplug the Washer: For safety, always disconnect the washing machine from the power outlet.
- Clear the Area: Pull the washer away from the wall to give yourself enough room to work around it.
- Empty the Drum: Ensure the washer drum is empty of clothes and water.
Step 2: Identify Unstable Feet
- Wobble Test: Gently rock the washer back and forth, and side to side, to identify which corner(s) are unstable and causing it to wobble. This will give you an initial idea of which feet need adjustment.
Step 3: Check for Levelness
- Place the Level: Place your spirit level on the top of the washer, first from front to back, then from side to side.
- Observe the Bubble: Note where the bubble rests. If it's not perfectly centered, your washer is not level in that direction.
Step 4: Adjust the Front Leveling Legs
Most Kenmore washers have two adjustable leveling legs at the front.
- Access the Legs: You may need to tilt the washer slightly backward to take some weight off the front legs or access them more easily. Always have someone assist you when tilting heavy appliances.
- Loosen the Lock Nut: Each front leg usually has a lock nut that secures it in place. Use your adjustable wrench to turn the lock nut counter-clockwise to loosen it.
- Adjust the Leg Height: Turn the foot itself clockwise to lower the washer corner or counter-clockwise to raise it.
- Raise the leg if that corner is too low (bubble on the level indicates the washer needs to come up on that side).
- Lower the leg if that corner is too high.
- Tighten the Lock Nut: Once you've adjusted the leg to the desired height, turn the lock nut clockwise until it is tightly against the washer cabinet. This is crucial to prevent the leg from shifting during operation.
Step 5: Level the Rear Legs (If Applicable)
Some Kenmore models have self-leveling rear legs, which adjust automatically when you tilt the washer forward and then slowly lower it back down. Other models have adjustable rear legs similar to the front ones.
- Self-Leveling Rear Legs: Tilt the washer forward about 4-6 inches and gently lower it back down. This should engage the self-adjusting mechanism. You might hear a clicking sound as they adjust.
- Manually Adjustable Rear Legs: If your model has manual rear legs, repeat Step 4 for each rear leg. This usually requires tilting the washer forward to access them.
Step 6: Verify and Recheck
- Re-Check Levelness: Place your spirit level on the washer's top again, both front-to-back and side-to-side. Make small, incremental adjustments to any leg as needed until the bubble is perfectly centered in all directions.
- Confirm Foot Contact: After all adjustments, gently rock the washer from corner to corner. There should be no wobble, and you must ensure all feet touch the floor. A stable washer is one where all points of contact bear weight evenly.
- Final Lock Nut Check: Double-check that all lock nuts are tightly against the washer cabinet to secure the legs in their adjusted positions.
Step 7: Test Your Washer
- Plug In: Reconnect the washer to the power outlet.
- Run a Small Load: Start a small wash cycle, perhaps with a few towels, and observe the machine's stability during the wash and spin cycles. This will help you verify your adjustments.
Common Leveling Issues and Solutions
- Uneven Floor: If your floor is severely uneven, you might consider using appliance leveling pads or shims under the feet, though directly adjusting the legs is always the first preference.
- Worn Feet: Over time, the rubber or plastic feet can wear down. Replacement feet kits are available if necessary.
- Self-Leveling Rear Legs Not Engaging: If your rear self-leveling legs aren't engaging, try tilting the washer back and forth a few times, ensuring it's lowered slowly each time. Sometimes, a sticky mechanism needs a bit of encouragement.
Maintaining Your Washer's Stability
- Periodic Checks: It's a good practice to recheck your washer's levelness every six months or if you notice new vibrations or noises.
- Proper Loading: Always distribute laundry evenly inside the drum to prevent unbalanced loads, which can cause excessive vibration even in a perfectly level machine. For more tips on washer maintenance, consult reputable sources like ENERGY STAR.
By carefully following these steps, your Kenmore washing machine will run smoothly, quietly, and efficiently for years to come.
