maytag neptune washer jumps?

Question

I bought a Neptune in July 2006. Have had 6 service calls from 1st wash because it "dances" across the room! No one seems to have an answer? Now I don't receive return calls from the repairman? They said without the pedestal it would be better. I only bought it because of the pedestal. It even vibrates spinning empty. But with laundry it hits the dryer or jumps into the wall. I have had to stand in front of the washer for every load since last July for fear that it will pull the hose out of the drain when it jumps. Last time "two" repairmen arrived to replace the "drum". One said it didn't need replacement? He tightened the base. They left, I watched a load and it didn't jump across the room. He called and said it does vibrate because of the "power". I aksed him to come to see it with laundry in the machine. It was snowing and he assured me it is okay. The next load jumped. I called him back immediately and numerous times. It has been a week. Any ideas?

Answer 1

The two most common problems are a washer that is out of level or a load that is out of balance. I assume that the repairmen checked to make sure that the washer is level since it is the most common problem. That leaves the problem of the load being out of balance.

Are you careful to load the washer evenly? For instance, you wouldn't want wad up a bunch of blue jeans or bath towels on one side of the washer and small items like socks on the other. As the washer agitates the load, things pretty much stay in place and are not automatically redistributed. This could cause a severe imbalance that might cause your washer to shake violently on the spin cycle. There is usually an automatic shutoff that detects this and stops the washer. All you have to do is open the washer and redistribute the load and restart the spin cycle.

Another problem might be the strength and stability of the floor upon which the washer rests. If your washer rests on a concrete floor, it is probably OK unless the floor is severly out of level. In that case, adjusting the legs of the washer to make the machine level may not be enough to solve the problem. You may need to provide a level platform for your washer to sit on that is solidly anchored to the concrete floor.

A far more common problem is undersized floor joists and a "springy" floor. I have seen modular homes and apartments that were built with 2" x 6" floor joists that span 12'. They simply are not strong enough to support the weight of a washer and other appliances. They will quickly sag over a short period of time and could be a big part of your problem. In addition, it is not unusual for a heavy water heater, dryer, and maybe a freezer to be located in the same room. It is also not unusual for plumbers to have cut through load bearing floor joinst in order to run their waste pipes. All of these occurrances can have the effect of weakening your floor. When you walk across the floor in your utility room, does the floor feel solid or do you notice that it gives in to your weight. It doesn't take much give in the floor to make your washer shake. No matter how careful you are to balance the load, and no matter that your washer is perfectly leveled, if the floor is springy, the washer will shake and may walk across the floor.

If you find that your floor needs reinforcement, the best solution will probably be to provide additional support from below. A handyman or carpenter can usually do this without it costing you a fortune.

I hope this information helps you get to the bottom of your problem.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Wow, sounds weird. The only reason i can think of for any washer to dance like that would be an unbalanced load. Mine will sometimes do that too if i put in too big a load. Have you tried contacting the manufacturer directly? There should be some 1-800 # in the paperwork you got when you made the purchase, try contacting them and explain what the problem is along with all the repairmen you've had traipsing through your house trying to fix this. I just went to the Maytag site...there is a #...1-800-4MAYTAG...or you can visit their site yourself and go to customer service. good luck.

Answer 3

The Neptune advertises that it can handle any load it is a front loading machine there is no reason for this machine to dance, stroll or meander across your floor. You should write a seething letter to the manufacturer and inform them of all times repairmen have been at your home. Ask the manufacturer to send a repairman who specializes in Neptune machines. Also wouldn't hurt to ask about any possible recalls.

Answer 4

Try contacting the manufacturer and provide them the make, model and serial number. I know of others that have 'issues' with the Neptune line and had to contact them.
Good Luck.
You should have all the information you need on the warranties and in the instruction book.

Answer 5

Call the store where you bought your washer & tell them you are still having problems with the washer. If you get a song & a dance, then tell them if you don't get it repaired ASAP then you have no choice but to report them to the BBC (Better Business Bureau) No one wants that black mark against them but it's what's necessary sometimes. Good luck!!!

Answer 6

IF YOUR FLOOR IS WEAK, YOU WILL HAVE TO PUT IN GOOD FLOORING TO STOP THE MACHINE FROM BOUNCING AROUND. NO MACHINE WILL BE GOOD ON A WEAK FLOOR. IF IT IS NOT THE FLOOR, IT IS THE MACHINE-CALL THE 800 NUMBER IN YOUR USE AND CARE MANUAL AND GET THEM TO HANDLE IT. WRITE A DIARY/LOG BOOK IN CASE YOU NEED RECORDS.