Washer Spider Arm Problem: Causes, Fix, and Prevention Tips

A noisy washer can be alarming, especially when it bangs and shakes during the spin cycle. Fortunately, this doesn’t always mean you need a new appliance. The problem may come from a worn or damaged spider arm assembly, a part you can replace yourself with a few tools and some patience. This guide explains what the assembly does, how to identify the problem, and what you’ll need to complete the repair.

Understanding the Spider Arm Assembly

The spider arm assembly, also known as a basket spider or drum spider, is an aluminum component that supports the inner drum of a front-load washer. It attaches to the back of the drum with several bolts, helping the drum stay balanced while spinning. Over time, exposure to water and detergent can cause the aluminum to corrode or weaken, leading to noise and imbalance during operation.

Signs of a Damaged Spider Arm Assembly

When the spider arm assembly begins to fail, you might hear banging or clunking sounds during a wash cycle. Cracked or corroded arms can cause the drum to move unevenly, creating vibration and noise. Corrosion is especially common in areas with hard water or when too much detergent is used. As the metal corrodes, it becomes brittle and may eventually break apart.

Pro Tip: Use the correct amount of detergent recommended for high-efficiency washers. Too much soap can leave residue that contributes to corrosion and wear.

How to Prevent Future Corrosion

Since the spider arm assembly is made from aluminum, it’s naturally prone to corrosion over time. However, you can take several simple steps to extend its life:

• Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent in the proper amount.
• Run a cleaning cycle once a month using washer cleaner or a mix of vinegar and baking soda.
• Wipe the drum and rubber seal dry after each use.
• Leave the washer door open for several hours after washing to promote airflow.
• Check for mineral buildup if you have hard water and consider adding a water softener.
• Avoid mixing liquid and powder detergents in the same load.
• Remove wet clothes promptly to prevent standing moisture inside the drum.

A few small habits can greatly reduce the risk of corrosion and help the washer run smoothly for years.

Tools and Materials

Before starting the repair, gather these supplies:

• New spider arm assembly and six spider bolts
• Optional outer tub seal
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Hammer
• Ratchet wrench
• Socket set (19mm, 13mm, 10mm, and 7mm)
• Pliers
• Socket extender
• Work gloves
• Wood blocks or cinder blocks for support
• Blue thread locker for securing bolts

Having everything ready will make the process smoother and safer.

How to Replace a Washer’s Spider Arm Assembly

Here are the steps to disassemble your washer, replace the spider arm assembly, and reassemble it so your machine runs smoothly again.

Disassemble Your Washer

• Disconnect the washing machine from power and turn off the hot and cold water supplies.
• Remove the rear access panel by taking out the screws on each side, lifting it up from the lower tabs, and pulling it away from the upper tabs.
• Disconnect the water temperature sensor and all other wires on the back of the tub.
• Loosen the rotor nut with a 19mm socket and ratchet, then wiggle the rotor free from the stator magnets.
• Remove the stator using a 10mm socket and extension to remove all bolts.
• Remove the washer lid by taking out the screws, lifting the top, pulling it back slightly, and removing it.
• Disconnect the hoses from the top of the washer tub, loosening clamps with pliers or a screwdriver.
• Remove the detergent drawer by pressing the release tab and pulling it out.
• Remove the control panel by unscrewing the mounting screws, pulling it away from the washer, disconnecting wiring harnesses, and lifting it off the bottom tabs.
• Open the drain hose access panel, unclip the drain hose, remove both screws, and close the access panel.
• Open the washer door and remove the three screws holding the door switch assembly.
• Remove the door gasket clamp by prying out the spring with a flathead screwdriver and pushing the gasket inside the drum.
• Remove the four screws at the top of the front panel and lift it slightly to clear the locking tab, then pull it away from the washer body and set it aside.
• Drain any remaining water by uncapping the drain hose and emptying it into a pan or bowl.
• Disconnect the hoses from the door gasket by releasing the clamps with pliers and prying the hoses off.
• Remove the inner door seal clamp and gasket using a 7mm socket or flathead screwdriver.
• Remove the detergent dispenser hose by compressing the clamp with pliers and pulling it off.
• Remove the washer tub weights using a 13mm socket to take out the bolts.
• Remove the water switch air pressure hose by untwisting wire ties, loosening the front and back clamps, and setting it aside.
• Disconnect the tank heater wires located near the air pressure hose.
• Remove the tub-to-pump hose by loosening its clamp with a Phillips screwdriver.
• Remove the shock absorbers using a 13mm socket and ratchet to take out the bolts and pull them down from the tub.
• Remove the suspension springs by unhooking them from the frame and tub, moving wires or hoses as needed.
• Lift and slide the tub assembly out of the washer and place it on blocks or cinder blocks.
• Inspect the tub for cracks or damage.
• Remove all screws holding the outer tub together with a 10mm ratchet, separate the halves, and remove the top half.
• Remove the inner tub by lifting it out or tapping the shaft gently with a mallet if it is stuck.

Replace the Spider Arm Assembly

• Inspect the bearings and seal for wear and replace them if necessary.
• Clean the outer tub to remove debris and corrosion.
• Remove the spider arm by unscrewing the six 10mm bolts holding it in place.
• Pry the spider arm free with a flathead screwdriver if needed.
• Clean the exterior of the inner tub and flatten bolt holes with a hammer.
• Position the new spider arm assembly on the inner tub and tap it gently into place.
• Thread in and tighten all six spider bolts with a socket and ratchet.
• Apply blue thread locker to reused bolts if necessary.

Reassemble Your Washer

• Place the wave washer in position and lower the inner tub onto the shaft.
• Reassemble the outer tub, aligning tabs and reinstalling all screws.
• Check that the heating element is correctly positioned.
• Lift and slide the tub assembly back into the washer cabinet.
• Reattach both suspension springs and secure them in their mounts.
• Reinstall the shock absorbers and apply thread locker to the bolts.
• Reconnect the tub-to-pump hose and tighten the clamp.
• Reconnect the heater wires and grounding wire, securing the harness clamp.
• Reattach the air pressure hose and its clamps, securing it with twist ties.
• Reconnect the pump hose, aligning it properly with the tub.
• Reattach the detergent dispenser hose and secure its clamp.
• Reinstall the door gasket by tucking it into the outer lip of the tub and securing it with the inner clamp.
• Reattach the door gasket hose and clamp.
• Reinstall the tub weights, setting them on the mounting pegs and securing with bolts coated in thread locker.
• Reinstall the front panel by aligning it with the lower brackets and threading the drain hose through the access opening.
• Reconnect the door switch assembly and reinstall its mounting screws.
• Secure the front panel with the top and bottom screws and clip the drain hose back in place.
• Pull the door gasket into the front panel groove and reinstall the outer clamp with the spring positioned at the bottom.
• Reconnect all wiring harnesses to the control panel and seat it back in place.
• Reinstall the control panel mounting screws and slide the detergent drawer back in.
• Reinstall the stator, positioning the wires around 4 or 5 o’clock, and secure with bolts.
• Reattach the temperature sensor wire and ground wire.
• Reinstall the rotor on the shaft, adding the washers and nut.
• Reattach the rear access panel, securing the top and bottom tabs and tightening the screws.
• Reconnect the top hoses and clamps.
• Reinstall the washer lid, aligning the brackets and securing the screws.
• Reconnect the power and water supply and run a test cycle to verify operation and check for leaks.

In Summary

Fixing a washer’s spider arm might look like a big job, but it’s definitely something you can handle with some patience and preparation. Once you know what causes the problem and how to prevent it, you’ll save yourself from future noise, leaks, and costly repairs. 

The key is taking small steps that protect the metal parts from corrosion and keeping your washer clean and dry after each use. With the right tools and habits, your machine can run quietly and smoothly for years, giving you one less household headache to worry about.