How to Fix Washing Machine Shaking
A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix washing machine shaking. Learn safe DIY fixes—from leveling and load balancing to checking drums and shocks—and know when to call a professional. Brought to you by Best Washing Machine.
Learn to fix washing machine shaking by diagnosing load balance, leveling the unit, and checking drum movement. This guide covers common causes, safe DIY adjustments, and when to call a professional. By following the steps, you’ll reduce vibration, protect your floor, and extend your machine’s life. Designed for homeowners, renters, and small shop operators.
Why Washing Machine Shaking Happens
Shaking and vibration occur for a handful of common reasons, and most of them are simple to fix at home. According to Best Washing Machine, the vast majority of shakes come from balance and level, not a damaged drum. When the machine sits on an uneven floor, or the load is not distributed evenly inside the drum, the spin cycle amplifies even small imbalances into noticeable movement. Other contributors include worn shock absorbers on front-load machines, drum bearings, or belts, and, in some cases, shipping bolts left in place after moving the unit. By understanding these causes, you can prioritize the most effective fixes before calling a repair technician.
Safety First: Before You Start
Before you reach for tools, unplug the machine and turn off the water supply if applicable. Place a towel or mat under the washer to catch any leaks that might occur while you adjust feet or move the machine. Work in a well-lit area and avoid stepping on wet floors. Do not attempt to disassemble the drum or suspension components unless you are trained; interior components can pose shock hazards or cause further damage. Best Washing Machine emphasizes safety as the foundation of any DIY approach.
Quick Checks That Often Fix Shakes
Many shakes resolve with a few quick adjustments. Start by verifying the appliance is level in both directions using a carpenter's level, then adjust the leveling feet until the level reads centered from front to back and side to side. Next, inspect the floor under the washer; a soft or uneven surface can mimic a level issue. If the load is unbalanced, rearrange bulky items or distribute clothes evenly around the drum. For front-loader models, ensure the transit bolts are removed if the unit has been moved recently. Finally, check that anti-vibration pads are in place if your floor is soft or flexible. If a simple rearrangement fixes the problem, you may not need any tools beyond a wrench. As Best Washing Machine notes, simple load balancing and leveling solutions help most households.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide (High-Level Overview)
This section provides a practical overview of the actions you’ll take in the step-by-step instructions below. You’ll verify safety, check level, balance the load, validate removal of transit bolts if applicable, and perform a controlled test spin. The goal is to identify whether a quick adjustment resolves the vibration or if more involved inspection is required. Always start with the least invasive fixes.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice grinding noises, a wobble that persists after leveling and load redistribution, visible damage to the drum, or signs of leaking around the seals, these are indicators that a professional should inspect the unit. Worn drum bearings or failed shock absorbers are common culprits in aging machines and typically require specialized tools and parts. The decision to hire a pro depends on your comfort with tools, the washer’s age, and the cost of a potential repair versus replacement.
Maintenance to Prevent Future Shakes
Regular maintenance goes a long way toward minimizing vibration. Keep feet level and tight, inspect hoses for kinks, and ensure the floor beneath the washer remains solid. Periodically check the suspension components on front-load models and replace worn parts as soon as they’re detected. Redistribute heavy items after each load and avoid overloading the drum, which can stress the suspension. A small amount of anti-vibration padding on a soft floor can also help stabilize the unit over time. Consistent checks reduce the chance of major shakes during peak usage.
Tools & Materials
- Adjustable leveling feet or shims(Ensure the machine is square and evenly supported)
- Carpenter’s level(Check level on both axes (front-back and side-to-side))
- Wrench set (adjustable/wrench, typically 9/16" or 3/4")(For leveling feet and hardware)
- Anti-vibration pads or mat(Useful on soft or uneven floors)
- Towel or absorbent mat(Catches minor leaks and provides grip)
- Flashlight(Illuminates under the appliance during adjustment)
- Screwdriver (Phillips/Flathead)(For quick fastener checks if present on your model)
- Bucket or tray(Contains spills during hose checks)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Power down and prepare the area
Unplug the washer and move it away from the wall to access feet and connections. Clear away nearby items and lay towels to catch any drips. This protects you from shocks and gives you space to work.
Tip: Keep the power cord accessible so you can disconnect safely without tugging on hoses. - 2
Check level and adjust feet
Place a carpenter’s level on the top surface and confirm level in both directions. If off, adjust the front feet with a wrench until the level reads centered. Re-check after a gentle push to confirm balance.
Tip: Make small, incremental turns and re-test; avoid over-tightening feet which can lift the appliance. - 3
Balance the load
Run a test cycle with a small, evenly distributed load. If the drum shows wobble, rearrange contents so heavy items sit near the drum sides and aren’t all clustered on one side.
Tip: Balance is dynamic; re-test with different load configurations to verify stability. - 4
Check transit bolts and shipping screws
If the washer was moved recently or is new, verify that any transit bolts or shipping screws have been removed per the manufacturer’s instructions. Leaving them in can cause excess movement during the spin.
Tip: Store removed bolts in a labeled pouch for future moves. - 5
Test spin with a normal load
Run a longer test cycle with a typical daily load. Observe the vibration level and listen for unusual noises. If the machine still shakes noticeably, move to the next-lev el checks or consider professional inspection.
Tip: Take note of any wobble patterns to discuss with a technician if needed. - 6
Finalize and re-test
If you adjusted feet and redistributed the load, perform another full load cycle to confirm stability. If vibration remains, consider anti-vibration pads or consult a professional.
Tip: Document your steps and results to guide future maintenance.
FAQ
What is the most common cause of washing machine shaking?
The most common cause is a combination of load imbalance and an unlevel floor. Start with leveling the feet and redistributing the clothes to even out the drum. If the problem persists, inspect for worn suspension parts.
The most common cause is an unlevel floor and an imbalanced load. Start by leveling the feet and redistributing clothes; if it keeps shaking, check the suspension.
Can a small load cause a lot of vibration during the spin cycle?
Yes. Small or unbalanced loads can cause you to feel more vibration during high-speed spins. Rebalance the load and run a test cycle with a typical load to confirm.
Yes. A small or unbalanced load can vibrate a lot during the spin. Try balancing and testing with a normal load.
Is it safe to use anti-vibration pads under a washing machine?
Anti-vibration pads can help on soft or uneven floors, but ensure they are compatible with your washer model and do not interfere with hoses or ventilation.
Pads can help on soft floors, just make sure they fit your model and don’t block hoses.
What signs indicate worn drum bearings or shocks?
Grinding noises, constant wobble, or excessive movement when the drum is spun by hand are common signs. If you suspect wear, consult a professional rather than continuing to use the machine.
Grinding sounds or obvious wobble can signal worn bearings or shocks. Get a pro to inspect.
Should I remove transit bolts if my washer has never moved?
Transit bolts are typically removed after installation or when moving. If they’re still in place, they can cause severe vibration. Check your model’s manual and remove them if required.
Transit bolts should be removed after installation. If they’re still in, they can shake the washer.
When is it more cost-effective to replace rather than repair?
If the unit is old and repair costs approach or exceed a sizable portion of a new model’s price, replacement may be wiser. Compare potential repairs to a new unit’s efficiency and energy use.
If repairs cost a lot and the washer is aging, replacing might be smarter. Consider energy efficiency too.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Level the washer to reduce shake
- Distribute load evenly for balanced spins
- Check floor stability and add pads if needed
- Remove transit bolts on moved/new washers
- Test with real-world loads to confirm stability
