Fixing a Shaking Washing Machine

mediumHome Repair1-2 hours7 steps

Safety Warnings

Unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet before performing any inspections or repairs to prevent electric shock.
Use caution when moving the machine, as internal concrete counterweights make the unit extremely heavy.

Bubble Level — Standard torpedo level

Wrench — 1/2-inch

Rubber Anti-Vibration Pads — Heavy-duty industrial grade(4)

Leveling Feet — Standard manufacturer replacement(As needed)

Ensure the machine is unplugged and the area around the unit is clear.

Tip: Check if the machine is placed on a hard, flat surface to minimize movement.

Check the load distribution inside the drum to ensure clothes are not clumped on one side.

Tip: Extreme overloading of front-loading washers can push fabrics toward the gap between the door and drum, causing imbalance.

Place a bubble level on the top of the machine to check for tilt in both directions.

Tip: Even a slight tilt can lead to significant shaking during the high-speed spin cycle.

Adjust the leveling feet at the bottom of the machine using a wrench until the unit is perfectly level.

Tip: Tighten the lock nuts on the feet to ensure they do not shift during operation.

Install rubber anti-vibration pads under each foot of the machine.

Tip: These pads help dampen the vibration transmitted to the floor.

Inspect the machine's concrete counterweights (typically around 25 kg / 55 lb in front-loaders) to ensure they are securely fastened and not loose.

Tip: Loose counterweights can lead to excessive shaking and noise.

Test the machine by running a cycle with a medium-sized, balanced load.

Tip: Listen for any unusual noises that might indicate a deeper mechanical issue with the drum suspension.

Front-loaders are generally less prone to imbalance than top-loaders because of their design.
Avoid overloading the drum, as this can jam the motion of the inner drum and cause violent shaking.

Synthesized from 5 verified sources:

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)View →

Gutenberg: Simple Plumbing Repairs (FB 1460)View →

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)View →

USDA Farmers' Bulletin (Gutenberg)View →