Fisher & Paykel WashSmart Banging on Spin

Quick answer: A Fisher & Paykel WashSmart top loader that bangs, thumps or walks on the spin cycle has worn suspension in nearly every case. The bowl hangs from four suspension rods, and when the dampers inside them go soft the whole tub crashes around at spin speed. The fix is a suspension kit matched to your model ($44.55–$67.55 depending on the series), it takes under an hour, and it needs no special tools. Here’s how to confirm it and which kit fits.

Find the right Fisher & Paykel part by model number — or see the complete Fisher & Paykel washer repair guide.

Match the symptom to the cause

What you notice	When	Most likely cause
Banging and thumping, bowl hitting the cabinet	On spin, even with normal loads	Worn suspension rods / dampers
Machine walks across the floor	High spin	Worn suspension, or the machine isn’t level
Push the bowl down and it bounces several times	Machine off	Suspension dampers finished — this is the confirming test
Bowl sits visibly off-centre or lower on one corner	Any time	One rod stretched or its top hanger worn through
Only bangs with one heavy item (towels, a doona)	Occasional	Unbalanced load — redistribute before blaming parts

Not sure which part?Enter your model number and the Part Finder returns only parts confirmed to fit.

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The 10-second confirmation test

With the machine off and the lid open, press the empty bowl firmly down and let go. Healthy suspension lets it rise once and settle. If the bowl bounces two or three times, the friction dampers inside the rods are worn out and no amount of levelling or load-balancing will stop the banging. While you’re there, look at the four top corners under the cabinet lip — each rod hangs from a ball-and-socket hanger, and a worn socket lets that corner of the bowl sag.

One more thing to rule out first: a genuinely unbalanced load. A single doona or bath mat will make any top loader thump. If the machine bangs on every spin with ordinary mixed loads, it’s the suspension.

Which suspension kit fits your Fisher & Paykel

Fisher & Paykel changed the rod design across generations, so match the kit to the model number under the lid on the model sticker:

Your machine	Suspension kit	Price
WashSmart (WA7060G1, WA7560E1, WA8060G1, WA8560 series, WA1068, WL1068P1, WL8060P1)	Fisher & Paykel WashSmart suspension kit 424569P	$59.95
WashSmart / CleanSmart 10 kg (WA1068 and WL1068 family) — single rod	Fisher & Paykel suspension rod for WA1068P1, WA1068G1, WA1068G2 and WL1068P1	$67.55
AquaSmart (early series)	Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart suspension kit 424495P, pack of 4	$59.95
AquaSmart (later series)	Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart suspension kit 421127P, pack of 4	$50.95
Newer WA-T top loaders (WA7060, WA7560, WA8060 “T” models)	Fisher & Paykel suspension rod 4-pack for WA75T65GW1, WA70T60GW1, WA80T65GW1	$44.55
Smaller WA-T models	Fisher & Paykel suspension rod 4-pack for WA55T56GW1, WA60T56GW1, WA65T60GW1	$44.55
Classic GW / MW / IW SmartDrive top loaders	Fisher & Paykel suspension rod 4-pack for GW512, GW612, GW712, GW709 (other GW/MW/IW packs also in stock)	$44.55
WL8058G1 / WL9058G1	Fisher & Paykel top-load suspension rod for WL8058G1 and WL9058G1	$59.95

Replace all four as a set. The rods wear together, and fitting one new leg under a tired tub just moves the thump to another corner. Not sure which family your machine belongs to? Run the model number through the Part Finder.

Fitting suspension rods, step by step

Unplug the machine and turn off the taps. You don’t need to pull the hoses off for this job.
Open the console or lift the top deck (on most WashSmart and SmartDrive models the top panel hinges up after releasing the clips) so you can reach the four rod hangers at the cabinet corners.
Do one rod at a time so the bowl stays supported: lift the bowl corner slightly, unhook the old rod from its top hanger, then unhook the bottom end from the tub.
Clip in the new rod, bottom first, then seat the ball into the top hanger until it clicks.
Repeat for the other three, close the deck, and run a fast spin with a small towel load to confirm it runs true.

Allow 45–60 minutes. The only trick is supporting the bowl while a rod is out — a block of wood or a helper’s hand does it.

Repair cost vs a service call (Australia 2026)

Option	Typical cost
DIY suspension kit (set of 4)	$44.55–$59.95
Repairer callout plus the same kit and labour	commonly $200–$320
New Fisher & Paykel top loader	$850–$1,700

The 50% rule: at under $60 for the full set and an hour of your time, suspension is one of the clearest “always repair” calls on any Fisher & Paykel top loader.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Fisher & Paykel WashSmart bang on the spin cycle?

Worn suspension rods. Press the empty bowl down and let go — if it bounces more than once, the dampers inside the rods are worn out and the bowl is free to crash into the cabinet at spin speed.

Can I replace just one suspension rod?

You can, but it rarely ends the banging — the other three are just as old. Kits come as a set of four and the price difference is small.

Is it dangerous to keep washing with worn suspension?

The machine won’t explode, but every banging spin hammers the tub, the drive components and your floor, and machines can walk far enough to strain hoses. It’s a cheap fix — do it early.

How do I find my model number?

On the model sticker under the lid or on the back panel — WashSmart models start with WA or WL. Enter it in the Part Finder for the exact-fit kit.

Do these parts ship same day?

Yes — order before 12pm Sydney time for same-day dispatch Australia-wide, flat $10.60 shipping.

Ready to fix it?

Run your model number through the Oz Appliance Spares Part Finder — model in, exact-fit part out.
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Order before 12pm Sydney time → ships same day from our Sydney Northern Beaches warehouse, Australia-wide.

Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.