How to Fix Shock absorber worn on Frigidaire FFFW5000QW (Front Load)

Shock Absorber Worn

In this step-by-step repair guide, I’ll walk you through fixing the shock absorber worn issue on your Frigidaire FFFW5000QW (Front Load). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and avoid a costly service call.

Part of our Top 20 Washing Machine Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all washing machine repair guides for related models and issues.

Common Symptoms & Causes

If your Frigidaire FFFW5000QW is showing signs of a worn shock absorber, you may notice several symptoms during the wash cycle:

• The washer tub bangs loudly against the cabinet during the spin cycle
• Excessive vibration causes the machine to walk across the floor
• Visible fluid leaking from the shock absorber body beneath the drum
• Laundry loads finish unbalanced with clothes clumped to one side

These issues usually stem from normal wear and tear over time. The internal piston seal of the shock absorber deteriorates, which reduces its ability to dampen drum movement during high-speed spins.

Safety First

• Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
• Shut off the water supply valve before disconnecting any water lines or hoses.
• Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
• Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
• Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• ¼” nut driver
• Torx T20 screwdriver
• Multimeter
• Bucket and towels

Replacement Parts

• Shock absorber set (2–4)
• suspension springs
• 13mm socket
• Torx T20

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

First, unplug the washer from the wall outlet. You need to ensure safety before touching any components. Next, check the rear panel for the four 13mm shipping bolts. These bolts are often the leading cause of violent vibration in Frigidaire front loaders because they lock the drum securely during transit. Removing these bolts is crucial before assuming any internal parts are faulty.

Step 2

Use a bubble level on top of the washer and adjust all four rubber feet until the unit is perfectly flat. Then, tighten each jam nut firmly against the cabinet base to lock the position. An unlevel washer shifts its load to one side during spin, creating uneven forces that can wear out the shocks prematurely and cause the machine to move around. Pro tip: grab opposite corners of the machine and try to rock it — if it moves at all, the feet aren’t fully engaged.

Step 3

Remove the four T20 Torx screws securing the rear access panel and set it aside. This will expose the two bottom shock absorbers, which are bolted between the outer tub bracket and the cabinet floor with 13mm bolts. To test each shock, grasp it firmly and compress it by hand. A good shock will provide consistent, dampened resistance throughout its travel, while a worn shock will collapse easily with little to no resistance. If either fails this test, replace both as a matched set, as uneven damping will lead to an off-axis oscillation during spin.

Step 4

While the rear panel is off, inspect the two suspension springs that run from the upper rim of the outer tub to anchor points at the top of the cabinet. Look for any coils that are visibly stretched apart, cracked, or completely broken. A failed spring allows the tub to hang unevenly, which overloads the shocks and creates loud banging during the spin cycle. Always replace springs in pairs to maintain balanced support for the tub.

Step 5

Install the new shock absorbers in the same orientation as the originals. Reversing them can cause the mounting pins to disengage under load. Start threading the 13mm bolts in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then torque them to 15 ft-lbs with a torque wrench. Before putting the rear panel back on, confirm that the rubber bump stops are in place on each shock; they prevent metal-to-metal contact at full compression.

Step 6

Replace the rear panel, plug the unit back in, and run a dedicated Spin cycle with no laundry inside. Observe the baseline behavior. Watch the cabinet from the front; side-to-side movement should not exceed half an inch at peak spin speed. If it does, that indicates a shock isn’t seated correctly, a leveling foot has loosened, or another component like a spring or tub bearing is also failing. If vibration continues, recheck each shock mounting bolt for proper torque before assuming a deeper issue.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

You can find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your Frigidaire FFFW5000QW (Front Load) on Amazon:

• Frigidaire FFFW5000QW shock absorber 5304491700 replacement
• Frigidaire front load washer suspension spring 131856402
• front load washer shock absorber set replacement

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after you’ve completed all the steps above, you may be facing a failed main control board, a worn drive motor, or a bearing assembly issue that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. In that case, contact a licensed appliance technician. Make sure to shut off both hot and cold supply valves before any work that opens the fill circuit.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

Typically, replacement shock absorbers for the Frigidaire FFFW5000QW cost $20–$60 for parts if you tackle the repair yourself. A professional service call for this fix generally runs $150–$300 once you factor in labor and diagnostic fees. By choosing the DIY route, you can save yourself $100–$250 or more on this straightforward repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the shock absorbers on my Frigidaire FFFW5000QW are worn out?

The most common signs include excessive vibration, loud banging during the spin cycle, or the drum visibly shifting inside the cabinet. When compressed by hand, a worn shock absorber will feel loose or fail to provide adequate resistance.

Can I replace the shock absorbers on my Frigidaire FFFW5000QW myself?

Absolutely! This repair is manageable with basic tools and a compatible replacement part. Just remember to unplug the washer before starting any disassembly.

Do I need to replace both shock absorbers at the same time?

Yes, it’s strongly recommended to replace both shock absorbers simultaneously, even if only one appears damaged. Replacing them as a pair ensures balanced drum support and prevents uneven wear from quickly recurring.

Recommended Products

Here are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:

• Frigidaire 5304491700 Washer Rear Shock Absorber Kit (2-Pack) — Genuine OEM Part
• Frigidaire 5304491701 Washer Front Shock Absorber Kit — Replaces 137040900, AP5691818, PS8689636

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The Shock Absorber Set That Stops the Drum Bang on Your FFFW5000QW

If you’re hearing that heavy metallic banging during the spin cycle, worn shocks are almost always the culprit on this Frigidaire model. This is the part you’ll actually need to order — a matched set sized for your machine’s suspension system.

What Works

• Direct fit for the FFFW5000QW with no modification needed — the mounting brackets align without forcing or creative repositioning.
• Replacing both shocks together eliminates the annoying half-fix scenario where one new shock paired with one worn one creates uneven damping and continued vibration.
• The noise stops immediately after installation — you’ll notice the drum stays centered and quiet the first time you run a spin cycle, which tells you the job is done right.

What Doesn’t

• You need to verify the exact part number for your specific serial number before ordering — Frigidaire changed suppliers mid-production run on this model, and getting the wrong variant means a return trip.
• Installation requires draining the machine and accessing the lower drum housing, which means you’ll need time and a workspace — this isn’t a five-minute swap.

I’ve seen homeowners order shocks for the wrong Frigidaire generation and end up with parts that physically don’t fit the mounting ears, so double-check your model’s literature or call Frigidaire with your serial number first. Once you have the right part, the shock absorber set (2–4) will give you exactly what you need.

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