washing machine

Why Your Washing Machine Shakes or Moves—and Safe Leveling Checks

Shaking can come from an uneven load, shipping bolts left in place, or an unstable floor. Try these safe checks, and know when to stop and call a qualified technician.

Why a washer shakes or moves

A bulky item, such as a bath mat or comforter, can bunch up on one side of the drum. An overfilled load can also become uneven, causing strong shaking or knocking during the spin cycle; some machines may display an error such as “uB” or “dc.”

A machine that was recently installed or moved may still have shipping bolts or braces fitted. If the washer is not firmly supported on all four feet, it may rock or walk as spin speed increases. A weak or springy floor can amplify vibration; a hard, solid surface generally reduces it.

Prepare safely

Before checking the rear of the washer, inspecting shipping hardware, or reaching underneath, pause the cycle and unplug the machine or switch off its circuit breaker.

Make sure the floor is clean, dry, and free of grease or debris so the feet can grip it. Do not tilt or lift the washer on your own: it is heavy and can slip, crush hands, or cause serious injury.

Check for shipping bolts on a front-loader

With the door open, gently push the inner drum. It should give and spring back slightly. If it feels completely rigid, as if you were pushing against a solid wall, shipping bolts or spacers may still be installed.

If they are present, remove all rear shipping bolts using the manufacturer-provided wrench or a socket, and fit the plastic port covers. Keep the bolts for a future move. If you are unsure how to identify or remove them, check the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a qualified technician.

Check stability and level

Do a diagonal rock test: press down on opposite corners, then repeat on the other diagonal. The washer should not wobble, tilt, or rock; all four feet should rest firmly on the floor.

Place a spirit level across the top from side to side, then from front to back. The bubble should be centered between the guide lines in both directions.

If a foot needs adjustment, turn it clockwise or counterclockwise until the washer is level and stable. Keep the feet as short as possible; extending them too far can increase cabinet flex and vibration.
When the washer is level and stable, firmly tighten the lock nut on each adjustable foot against the washer base with an open-end wrench.

Check the load—and know when to call

If shaking happens only with particular loads or cycles, pause the cycle and spread the wet laundry evenly around the drum. An empty spin cycle can help check whether the vibration is related to the load.

Stop troubleshooting and contact a qualified appliance technician if shaking continues after the washer is level, shipping bolts are removed, and the load is balanced. Also call if the drum keeps bouncing after a gentle push, has loose side-to-side play, scrapes the door boot or cabinet, or makes a roaring or grinding sound. Suspension, bearing, drum-support, balance-ring, or counterweight problems—and any work requiring removal of structural panels—are not owner checks.

Frequently asked questions

Is some shaking during a spin cycle normal?

An uneven or bulky load can cause pronounced shaking or knocking. If the washer keeps moving after the load is balanced and the machine is level, stop troubleshooting and contact a qualified technician.

How can I tell whether a front-loader’s shipping bolts are still fitted?

With the door open, gently push the inner drum. It should give slightly. If it feels completely rigid, shipping bolts or spacers may still be in place; check the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a qualified technician.

When should I stop checking the washer myself?

Stop if shaking persists despite safe leveling, removed shipping bolts, and a balanced load, or if the drum bounces continuously, has loose play, scrapes, or makes roaring or grinding noises. Contact a qualified appliance technician; do not open structural panels.