A washer that shakes, bangs or walks across the floor is usually unlevel, overloaded or still has its shipping bolts. These are quick to check and fix.
Call (539) 281-3311All troubleshooting guidesQuick checks you can do safely
- On a new or moved washer, make sure the shipping bolts at the back are removed.
- Level the washer. Adjust the feet and tighten the lock nuts so all four feet touch the floor and the machine does not rock.
- Do not overload the drum, and do not wash a single heavy item like a rug alone.
- Spread the load evenly and add similar items to balance a heavy one.
- Check that the floor is solid. A soft or bouncy floor makes shaking worse.
What usually causes it
- An unlevel washer or a leg that has dropped.
- Shipping bolts left in place.
- An unbalanced or overloaded drum.
- Worn suspension rods, springs or shock absorbers.
- Worn drum bearings, which usually add a rumbling or grinding noise.
When to call
- The washer still shakes after leveling and balancing the load.
- You hear a loud grinding or rumbling noise during the spin.
- The drum looks tilted or wobbly when you push it by hand.
- The washer moves a lot or damages the floor.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my washing machine shake so much on spin?
The most common causes are an unlevel washer, an unbalanced load or shipping bolts left in. Worn suspension parts are the next suspect.
How do I level a washing machine?
Use a level on top of the washer and adjust each foot until it reads level, then tighten the lock nuts so the feet do not move.
Can a worn bearing make a washer shake?
Yes. A worn drum bearing usually causes a rumbling or grinding noise along with shaking during the spin.
Is it worth repairing a shaking washer?
Suspension parts are usually worth replacing. Bearings on an older washer may not be. See our repair or replace guide.
Related guides
- Washer repair in Broken Arrow
- Washer will not spin
- Repair or replace: how to decide
- All troubleshooting guides
Washer still shaking?
Call and tell us what the washer does and what you hear. We will tell you what to expect before anyone comes out.
Call (539) 281-3311Written by the ElectricAppliance team, 2351 W Vancouver St, Broken Arrow, OK. Last updated 2026-10-29. This page is general information, not a quote. Prices and timing depend on the appliance, the part and the fault, so call for a diagnosis.