The Atlant washing machine jumps

All Atlant washing machines are capable of spinning at speeds of up to 800-1000 rpm. The centrifugal force generated at such a speed is damped by counterweights and shock absorption, but part of the load results in vibration - this is normal. If a slight buzzing develops into “jumping” throughout the room, it means that the equipment is in a faulty condition. When the washing machine jumps, it is recommended to immediately carry out diagnostics. It is necessary to find the problem and fix it as soon as possible.

Why does the car bounce?

In normal condition, the Atlant machine can absorb the lion's share of centrifugal force due to counterweights and shock absorption. Thanks to this, the machine operates silently, vibrates slightly, and the power increases only during the spin cycle. If a slight vibration develops into a frightening shaking, then there are obvious problems.

Excessive shaking does not always indicate serious violations in the design of the washing machine. Moreover, some defects can be eliminated quickly and at home. However, first we look at the list of all possible problems:

• Incorrect installation of the machine,
• Imbalance,
• Non-compliance with loading standards (both over- and under-loading),
• Transport bolts not removed,
• Foreign bodies (keys, small items, bobby pins, bra underwires) getting between the tank and the drum,
• Broken shock absorption system (weakened springs or dampers),
• Worn bearings,
• Damaged counterweights (loose retaining bolt or crack in concrete),
• Faulty electric motor.

If you study the factory instructions, adhere to safety rules, and follow the recommendations, then most faults will be corrected effectively and quickly. The main thing is not to delay the repair and not allow the machine to aggravate the problem.

Looking for the source of the problem

There is no point in contacting the service center right away - most problems can be solved on your own. To find out who is to blame and what to do, you will have to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the machine. We proceed from simple to complex.

Typical and easily corrected problems include imbalance. The name speaks for itself: the balance of the drum is upset; it gets knocked out of its “orbit” and begins to hit the wall. All this leads to strong jumping and knocking.

An imbalance appears in the following situations:

• Clothes are crumpled in one place, for example, got into the duvet cover.
• The maximum loading weight has been exceeded or, on the contrary, there are too few things placed in the drum,
• The weight is insufficient or excessive for the included program.

The second typical cause of unhealthy shaking is transportation bolts that have not been removed. This situation occurs only on machines that are launched for the first time. According to the instructions, operating the washing machine with the drum fixed is prohibited. Moreover, starting without removing fasteners will result in severe internal damage and will automatically void the free warranty.

The washing machine also jumps due to improper installation. It is easy to check the stability of the machine: just try to swing the body. If the machine moves with light pressure, it means that the problem is with the installation, and it is necessary to adjust the position of the equipment using a building level.

The next step is to prevent foreign objects from getting inside the machine. Open the hatch door and turn the drum by hand, shining a flashlight through the tank. There are keys, or a coin stuck somewhere, which jams, interferes with acceleration, and introduces an imbalance.

Next, we move on to complex problems. First on the list is shock absorption, designed to smooth out shaking and vibration. Over time, the dampers wear out, the springs weaken, which leads to the drum being “lost” and hitting the walls of the housing, leading to jumps, and knocking. The signs are similar in situations where counterweights are weakened or damaged. If, instead of a dull tapping sound, the machine makes a strong grinding or clanging sound, then it is worth checking the bearing assembly.

So, everything is simple: remove the top cover of the washing machine and sequentially inspect all problem areas. If there is no imbalance or stuck object, the transportation bolts have been removed, the machine is level, the bearings and shock absorption are fine, then the engine or a manufacturing defect is to blame. After identifying the cause, we proceed to correct the situation according to the instructions below.

 

We solve the problem ourselves.

Having found out why Atlas is jumping, we begin repairs. The algorithm of actions and set of tools depends on the nature and scale of the breakdown. If imbalance is to blame for horse racing, then you need to:

• Stop the running cycle,
• De-energize equipment,
• Start the drain (if the “drain” button does not work, then we operate through the garbage filter),
• Open the drum and fix the problem.

As a rule, imbalance occurs due to excess or insufficient amount of laundry. In this case, it is necessary to remove some of the things or replenish the volume. If the clothes have bunched up in a lump, then just break it up and distribute it evenly over the walls of the drum. You can then continue the interrupted wash.

An unstable machine must be readjusted. We place a building level on the lid and, guided by the device, tighten the legs of the machine. For the best effect, you should stock up on special anti-vibration attachments.

It is more difficult with objects that have fallen inside the tank. You can try to pick up the item with a wire “hook” through the hole between the drum and the body. Another way out is to unscrew the back wall, take out the heating element, and through the free “hole” feel for the “lost” with your hand.

Depleted depreciation will require more serious interventions, or rather, replacement. Dampers and springs are replaced only in pairs, even if one of them seems completely intact. However, the process is quite complex and time-consuming. Installation details are described in more detail in separate instructions.

You will also have to work hard with damaged counterweights. We remove the top cover of the case and carefully inspect the concrete blocks. The screws holding them must be tightened, and small cracks or chips must be repaired with PVA glue. If there are too many defects, then it is safer to replace them completely.

Atlas often jumps due to worn out bearings. In this case, only replacement will help, and this will require almost complete disassembly of the machine. It is better not to tamper with a bearing assembly if you are unprepared: either contact a service center or study the detailed instructions.

It is worse when the engine is to blame for the races. Only a few can cope with self-diagnosis and repair of the engine; analogues are expensive. It is often cheaper and easier to buy a new washing machine.

What do the experts advise?

A jumping washing machine is not a joke, but an SOS signal. If you do not react to the problem in time, the machine will cause irreparable damage. At the same time, preventing vibrations from developing into shaking is much easier than dealing with the consequences. Moreover, you can reduce the likelihood of breakdown to a minimum by following certain rules:

 

• Leave 3-5 cm around the body,
• Monitor the loading of the drum,
• Do not store foreign objects on the lid of the washing machine,
• Carefully check pockets before washing,
• Do not start washing with the transport bolts not removed,
• Sort items by fabric type,
• Respond to faults in a timely manner.

You cannot ignore the washer’s jumps. It is better to protect yourself and your equipment by dealing with the problem yourself or turning to professionals.