What to Do If Your Washing Machine Is Shaking: A Practical Troubleshooting Guide

What to do if washing machine shakes: quick reality check

If you’re wondering what to do if washing machine is shaking, start with the easiest fixes: ensure the load is balanced and the machine sits level on a solid floor. The vast majority of shakes disappear after simple adjustments rather than costly repairs. Safety first: unplug before handling any checks.

Common causes of shaking in modern washers

Washing machines shake for a few common reasons. The most frequent: an unbalanced load, especially with bulky towels or blankets; machine feet not sitting level on the floor; overloading or dragging items that cause the drum to travel off-center during spin. Less common but possible: worn shock absorbers or suspension springs, damaged drum bearings, or a very uneven floor. New machines can shake if transit bolts were not removed during installation. Correcting these issues often resolves the problem without professional help.

Safety first: quick checks you can perform now

Before you start disassembling anything, unplug the washer and turn off the water supply. Check the area around the machine for loose objects, cords, or pets that could interfere during operation. Make sure the washer is on a hard, flat surface and that nothing heavy sits on top. If you have a front-load washer, verify the door is securely closed so the unit can spin without interruptions. These basic checks often prevent further vibration and reduce the risk of injury or water leakage.

How to level a washing machine in 6 steps

1. Place a bubble level on the top surface and identify which feet are low. 2) Use the adjustable feet to raise the low corner and tilt the machine slightly until the level shows true. 3) Tighten the lock nuts under the cabinet to lock the feet in place. 4) Check again with the level front-to-back and side-to-side. 5) Repeat adjustments as needed until the machine sits solidly. 6) Run a short cycle with a small, evenly distributed load to verify stability.

Redistribute the load and test balance

Unbalanced laundry can cause the drum to shift during spin. Stop the cycle, open the door or lid (if safe to do so), and rearrange items so they’re evenly distributed. Break up large clusters and mix heavy items with lighter ones. Restart with a smaller, balanced load and observe whether the vibration persists. If you frequently wash bulky items, consider splitting them into two loads to maintain balance during spins.

Signs you need professional service

If you’ve addressed the basics and the washer still shakes hard, internal components may be worn. Worn shock absorbers, damaged suspension springs, drum bearings, or a bent frame can cause persistent vibration. A professional technician should inspect these parts and test for play in the drum and suspension. Do not attempt to replace internal parts unless you have appropriate tools and training, as improper installation can cause further damage.

Maintenance tips to prevent future vibration

Regularly inspect feet for looseness, ensure the machine is level, and clean the area around the legs to avoid movement. Avoid overloading the drum, and distribute heavy items evenly each cycle. If you notice floor flex or bounce, consider reinforcing the floor or relocating the washer to a sturdier surface. Scheduling periodic inspections by a technician can catch wear before it becomes a problem.

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diagnosticFlow":{"symptom":"Machine shakes or vibrates excessively during agitation or spin cycles","causes":[{"cause":"Unbalanced load","likelihood":"high"},{"cause":"Unlevel machine feet","likelihood":"high"},{"cause":"Overloaded drum","likelihood":"medium"},{"cause":"Worn shock absorbers or springs","likelihood":"low"},{"cause":"Floor instability or uneven flooring","likelihood":"medium"}],"fixes":[{"fix":"Stop cycle and redistribute clothes evenly; run a short test to confirm balance","difficulty":"easy"},{"fix":"Adjust levelers and re-check with a level; ensure the machine sits solidly on the floor","difficulty":"easy"},{"fix":"Remove excess weight or items; avoid overloading in future","difficulty":"easy"},{"fix":"Inspect shocks/struts for wear; replace by a technician if you hear banging or see oil leaks","difficulty":"hard"}]},

stepByStep":{"steps":[{

number":1,

title":"Power down and prepare the area","description":"Before touching any components, unplug the washer and pull it slightly away from the wall to access the feet. Clear nearby objects and keep pets and children away. Use a flashlight if lighting is poor to inspect the feet and underside.",

tip":"Safety first: never work on live water or power connections."},{

number":2,

title":"Check for an unbalanced load","description":"Stop the cycle and pause; open the door or lid and redistribute laundry so items are spread evenly around the drum. Break up clumped items and avoid placing a single heavy object in one corner.",

tip":"Even distribution matters more for bulky towels and blankets."},{

number":3,

title":"Level the machine feet","description":"Place a level on the top surface and adjust each foot until the bubble centers both front-to-back and side-to-side. Tighten the lock nuts to secure you position.",

tip":"A level machine reduces future vibrations during spins."},{"number":4,"title":"Check for transit bolts or shipping components","description":"If this is a recently moved or installed unit, transit bolts should be removed per the manual. If they are still in place, vibration will persist and should be addressed.","tip":"Consult the manual for bolt removal steps and safety precautions."},{"number":5,"title":"Test with a small balanced load","description":"Run a short cycle with a small, even load to confirm if the vibration has reduced. If the washer still shakes, move to checking internal components.","tip":"Keep testing with small loads to isolate the issue."},{"number":6,"title":"Inspect suspension components","description":"If vibration continues, access may require removing panels to inspect shock absorbers or springs for wear or damage. Replace worn parts or consult a professional.","tip":"Do not attempt internal part replacement without proper tools."},{"number":7,"title":"Call a technician if needed","description":"Persistent shaking after checks often signals wear in internal parts or structural issues that require professional service.","tip":"Warranties may cover diagnostics if applied within coverage terms."],"estimatedTime":"45-90 minutes"},

tipsList":{"tips":[{

type":"warning","text":"Do not run the washer if you notice leaks or exposed wiring."},{

type":"pro_tip","text":"Use anti-vibration pads on hard floors if the unit must stay on a concrete surface."},{"type":"note","text":"Regularly check feet tightness every 6-12 months to maintain balance."}]},

keyTakeaways":["Balance clothes before spinning","Level the feet for stability","Test with small loads to confirm balance","Replace worn shocks or springs if needed"],

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question":"Why does my washing machine shake during spin mode?","questionShort":"Why shake during spin?","answer":"Shaking during spin is usually caused by an unbalanced load or feet that aren’t level. It can also indicate an overloaded drum or worn suspension parts. Correcting balance and leveling the machine frequently fixes the issue.","voiceAnswer":"Shaking during spin is usually due to an unbalanced load or unlevel feet. Check balance and level first; upgrading suspension may be needed if the problem persists.","priority":"high"},{"question":"How can I level my washing machine myself?","questionShort":"Level machine self","answer":"Place a bubble level on the top, rotate the feet to raise or lower each corner, and recheck until the level shows a true reading on both axes. Tighten locking nuts to maintain the position.","voiceAnswer":"Use a level on top and adjust feet until it’s perfectly level. Lock the feet in place to prevent shifting during cycles.","priority":"high"},{"question":"Is it safe to use anti-vibration pads?","questionShort":"Vibration pads safe?","answer":"Yes, anti-vibration pads can reduce movement on hard floors and help with stabilizing the unit. Ensure pads are rated to support your washer’s weight and don’t interfere with ventilation.","voiceAnswer":"Pads can help stabilize the machine on hard floors, but ensure they don’t block any ventilation or drainage","priority":"medium"},{"question":"When should I call a technician?","questionShort":"When to call tech","answer":"If the shake persists after leveling and load redistribution, or you hear grinding, banging, or see fluid leaks, a technician should inspect the suspension, bearings, and frame.","voiceAnswer":"Call a professional if basic fixes don’t stop the shaking or you hear unusual noises.","priority":"high"},{"question":"Can floor type affect shaking?","questionShort":"Floor affects shaking","answer":"Yes. Soft or uneven floors can amplify vibration. Consider moving the washer to a more stable spot or adding a rigid support surface.","voiceAnswer":"A rigid, flat surface helps reduce vibration more than soft or uneven flooring.","priority":"low"},{"question":"Will a shaking washer damage my clothes?","questionShort":"Damage to clothes?","answer":"If the washer is shaking excessively, it can lead to item wear due to impact against the drum. Balancing and proper loads minimize risk.","voiceAnswer":"Excessive shaking can cause wear on clothes; fix balance to protect fabrics.","priority":"low"}]},,

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