How to Fix a Snubber Ring for a Washer That is Noisy and Leave Marks on Clothes

If your model of top-load washer uses a snubber ring, it can cause a grinding or excessive vibrating noise when that ring wears out. It can cause your machine to physically shake as well. If you are experiencing these symptoms, the information below can help you determine if the snubber ring is the cause. If you do need to replace this part, we have provided instructional videos to guide you through the repair.

What is a Snubber Ring and Where is it Located?

Under the tub of your washer, some models feature a plastic ring or a lubricated felt pad to absorb vibration during the spin cycle. With time and use, these pads or rings can get worn out, and then the tub could shake too much or even grind against the base of the machine, which causes extreme shaking. Unplug the washer, take off the front panel, and carefully unhook the suspension springs, and raise the entire wash assembly to properly inspect the part. Because of the nature of tightly stretched metal springs, gloves and safety glasses should be worn.

General Location of the Snubber Ring in a Washer

What Type of Noise Can You Expect?

If the snubber ring has become worn or dried out, it can result in your washer vibrating excessively. It could also result in a grinding noise.

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Snubber Ring in a Washing Machine

1. Unplug your washing machine and remove the front panel.
2. Locate and inspect the snubber. You will need to remove the tub springs and raise the entire wash assembly to properly inspect the snubber.
3. On the plastic style snubber, look for signs of white dust on or near the snubber. On the felt style, look for dislodged or dry pads.
4. If you find either of the symptoms above, you will need a replacement snubber ring.

How to Install a New Snubber Ring

It is possible to complete this repair yourself, however it does involve taking apart much of your washer to access the snubber ring. If you are not comfortable with the disassembly, you may want to have a qualified service technician complete this repair. Our video and general instructions will help you review the process and determine whether you're in a position to carry out these steps yourself. If not, it might be time to call in a professional, and begin weighing the costs of this against the cost of a new machine at this stage. With our repair help, you'll be well positioned for whichever decision makes the most sense for you and your washer.

1. It's very important to clean up the area the old snubber was located with a rag and cleaning solution, or power drill and wire brush. This area will likely have gathered a lot of residue and grime if the old snubber ring failed, and proper cleaning will get much more life out of your new one.
2. With the area clean and free of debris, you can set the new snubber ring into its position.
3. Next, move the superstructure back into place, taking note of the drain hose location and ensuring it aligns with where it connects to the pump. By doing this now, you can be sure you're putting the superstructure back in place at the right location.
4. Go back through the steps and video outlined in the access and removal section above, putting the components back into position in reverse order. Note that taking photographs and keeping parts organized and grouped together during disassembly will make reassembly much simpler.

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