# How to Fix Kenmore Error uL (Unbalanced Load)
## Explanation: What Kenmore Error “uL” Means
The Kenmore washing machine error code **”uL”** stands for **”Unbalanced Load.”**
Your machine has an internal sensor designed to detect excessive vibration. When it hits the spin cycle, the washer attempts to redistribute the clothes several times. If the load remains severely uneven—or if the machine cannot properly dampen the movement—the cycle stops, the “uL” code appears, and the wash often fills with water to reset the balance.
While the easiest solution is often just rearranging the clothes, the “uL” error frequently indicates a more serious **mechanical failure** related to the components that keep the drum stable.
—
## Step-by-Step Fix: Troubleshooting and Diagnosis
Use this guide to determine if the problem is a simple user error or a required repair.
### Phase 1: User Solutions (Check the Load)
Before assuming a mechanical failure, try these steps:
1. **Stop and Rearrange the Load:** If the machine is still running, hit **Pause/Cancel** (or unplug the unit for 30 seconds). Open the lid and physically redistribute the items. Heavy items like towels, sheets, or a single blanket tend to bunch up, causing the imbalance.
2. **Avoid Washing Single Heavy Items:** Never wash only one large, heavy item (like a rug or heavy comforter) by itself. The machine has nothing to offset its weight. If you must wash it, include two or three large towels to help absorb the spin forces.
3. **Check the Machine’s Leveling:** Ensure the washing machine is perfectly level on the floor. If it wobbles, adjust the leveling feet located at the bottom front of the unit. Use a bubble level to confirm.
If you have tried the above steps and the “uL” error persists, the issue is almost certainly mechanical.
### Phase 2: Mechanical Diagnosis (Inspect the Suspension)
The component most likely responsible for repeated “uL” errors is the **Suspension Rod Kit**. These rods support the entire wash basket and absorb the force of the spin cycle. Over time, the tension springs weaken or the plastic/rubber bushings wear out, causing the drum to bounce uncontrollably.
**Tools Needed:** Phillips head screwdriver, flashlight.
#### 1. Access the Suspension Rods
* **Top Loader:** Unplug the machine. Depending on your model (especially older models), you may need to pop off the end caps on the control panel and remove two screws to lift the control panel up. Then, remove the screws securing the main cabinet top or lift the entire machine shell off the chassis.
* **Front Loader:** Suspension systems vary widely, but they are generally accessed by removing the front panel or the rear access panel.
#### 2. Inspect the Rods and Springs
Locate the four (sometimes three) **Suspension Rods** that extend from the four corners of the wash tub down to the base of the washer.
* **Check the Bushings/Grommets:** Look for worn, shredded, or missing plastic/rubber pieces (bushings) where the rods connect to the drum. If they are heavily worn, they cannot dampen the movement.
* **Check the Springs:** The rods often contain tension springs. Pull up gently on each rod. They should feel firm and provide significant resistance as you pull up and push down. If one or more rods feel loose, floppy, or do not offer the same resistance as the others, the spring has lost its tension.
> **Crucial Insight:** If you find that one or two rods are clearly weaker than the rest, you must replace the **entire set**. Mixing old, weakened rods with new, stiff rods will simply cause a new imbalance and may damage the drum later.
#### 3. Final Test (Post-Replacement)
Once the new Suspension Rod Kit is installed, run an empty test cycle or a cycle with a small, balanced load. The machine should complete the full spin cycle without displaying the “uL” error.
—
Check the price for a replacement Suspension Rod Kit here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Kenmore+Suspension+Rod+Kit&tag=trivian-20