How to Replace 134144700 Suspension Spring with Insulators on Frigidaire Washer — Step-by-Step

Your Frigidaire washer sounds like it's trying to break through the floor during spin cycle. That violent shaking isn't normal — it's a clear sign your suspension springs have weakened or broken. When one of the four suspension springs that support your wash basket fails, the entire machine loses balance, and you'll hear banging against the cabinet walls. Left unchecked, this can damage other components or even crack your washer's outer tub.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair takes about 45 minutes if you work methodically. You'll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Work gloves (those spring hooks are sharp)
• Flashlight or work light

Difficulty: Moderate — You'll be working inside the cabinet, but the springs are accessible once you remove the top panel.

Time Required: 45-60 minutes for all four springs

Safety First

Unplug the washer completely before starting. These suspension springs are under tension and can snap back violently if you're not careful releasing them. Wear safety glasses and work gloves. If your washer has been shaking severely, inspect the area around the springs for any cracked plastic mounts or damaged frame sections — those need addressing too.

Step 1: Access the Suspension Springs

Pull the washer away from the wall to give yourself working room. Remove the two screws at the back of the top panel (they're usually 1/4-inch hex head or Phillips). Slide the top panel toward the back about an inch, then lift it off. You'll now see all four suspension springs stretching from the outer tub to the cabinet frame — they look like heavy-duty coil springs with hooks on both ends.

Step 2: Release the Old Spring from the Tub

Start with the damaged spring. Use needle-nose pliers to carefully unhook the top end from the wash tub mounting point. The spring is under tension, so control it as you release the hook. Don't let it snap back against the cabinet. Work the hook out of its slot by angling it slightly and pulling straight up.

Step 3: Remove the Bottom Connection

The bottom hook connects to the washer's base frame. Use your flathead screwdriver to pry the hook out of its mounting slot if it's tight. Some models on the GLTF1570FS and GLTR1670 series have rubber insulators at both connection points — those white or black cushions reduce vibration. Remove these carefully and inspect them. If they're cracked or compressed flat, they need replacing too (they come with your new spring kit).

Step 4: Install the New Spring and Insulators

Position the fresh rubber insulators at both mounting points. Hook the bottom of your new 134144700 spring to the base frame first — it's easier to work from the bottom up. Then stretch the top hook up to the tub mounting point. You'll need to pull firmly to get enough stretch, but the spring should seat without excessive force. Make sure the hook is fully engaged in its slot, not just barely hanging on the edge.

Step 5: Replace All Four Springs

Here's the thing most DIYers miss: if one spring failed, the others aren't far behind. They've all endured the same load cycles. Replace all four suspension springs while you're in there. It takes an extra 20 minutes and prevents another teardown in three months when the next spring snaps. Work around the tub systematically — front left, front right, rear left, rear right.

Testing After Installation

Reinstall the top panel and plug the washer back in. Run an empty spin cycle first to check for proper operation. The tub should remain centered with minimal vibration. Then run a small load — don't go full capacity yet. Listen for any unusual sounds and watch that the machine stays planted on the floor. If it still shakes excessively, check that all four springs are properly seated and that the load is balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I replace all four springs or just the broken one?

Replace all four. When one spring fails, it means they've all reached the end of their service life from the same years of load cycles. Replacing just one creates uneven tension that can cause continued shaking and premature failure of the other springs. The part costs are minimal compared to doing this job twice.

Why is my washer still shaking after replacing the springs?

Check three things: First, verify all spring hooks are fully seated in their mounting slots, not partially engaged. Second, confirm the rubber insulators are positioned correctly at each connection point. Third, make sure your washer is level — use a bubble level on top and adjust the front leveling feet. Uneven floors cause shaking that new springs can't fix.

Will this part work on my Kenmore washer built by Frigidaire?

Yes, if your Kenmore model number starts with 417, it's Frigidaire-manufactured and uses these same springs. Cross-reference your complete model number with the compatibility list. The 134144700 replaces older part numbers AP3212517, 131663600, 134136300, and 131277700, so it covers a wide range of front-load washers from 2005 onward.