Washer Vibrating or Shaking

One or more of the suspension rods might be broken. The suspension rods help to dampen the movement of the washer tub. If one or more of the suspension rods are broken, the washer will vibrate or shake. To determine if the suspension rods are at fault, check the rods to determine if any of them are broken. If a suspension rod is broken, replace it.

One or more of the suspension springs might be broken. The suspension springs help to absorb the movement of the washer tub. If a suspension spring breaks, the tub might become unbalanced, causing it to shake and vibrate during operation. Inspect the suspension springs to determine if any of the springs are broken. If a suspension spring is broken, replace it.

If a top-load washer's inner tub is loose when you try and rotate it by hand, then it's likely the transmission could be worn out or damaged. Inspect the transmission and replace if necessary.

One or more of the counterbalance springs might be broken. The counterbalance springs help to absorb the movement of the washer tub. If a spring breaks, the tub might become unbalanced, causing it to shake and vibrate during operation. Inspect the counterbalance springs to determine if any of the springs are broken. If a counterbalance spring is broken, replace it. Additionally, check the frame where the counterbalance springs are attached. If the frame is rusted, replace it.

Confirm that the washer feet are equally touching the floor and the unit does not wobble. Adjust the leveling legs as needed; a bubble level can be used to confirm the washer is level from front-to-back and side-to-side. If the appliance can't be leveled, service may be required.

Confirm that the washer feet are equally touching the floor and the unit does not wobble. Adjust the leveling legs as needed; a bubble level can be used to confirm the washer is level from front-to-back and side-to-side. If the appliance can't be leveled, service may be required.

The snubber ring dampens the vibration of the washer tub. If the snubber ring is cracked or worn out, the washer will vibrate or shake during operation. Inspect the snubber ring for damage. If the snubber ring is cracked or worn out, replace it.

The snubber pad dampens the vibration of the washer tub. If the snubber pad is worn out missing, or coated with a sticky substance (such as detergent, fabric softener, or transmission oil), the washer will vibrate or shake during operation. Inspect the snubber pad. If the snubber pad is worn out or missing, replace it.

Mixing heavy items (blankets, rugs) with lighter items (shirts, socks) can throw the tub off-balance when it spins, causing the appliance to vibrate and shake. Wash heavy items separately from light items and avoid overloading the tub by following manufacturer's recommended operating procedures.

The washing machine's inner tub rotates within the outer tub during the wash and spin cycles. If the inner tub is loose or noisy when you try to rotate it with your hand, it's possible the tub is damaged and will need to be replaced. Since this is not a common problem, you should first inspect the transmission and tub bearings to confirm those components are in good condition.

The balance ring may have lost its fluid. The balance ring sits on top of the inner tub and helps to counter the force of the spin cycle. The balance ring is filled with fluid. This fluid helps to dampen the vibration of the washer. If this fluid leaks out of the balance ring, the washer tub will vibrate and shake during operation. Check the balance to determine if is still filled with fluid. If the balance ring is emptied of fluid, replace it.

After a power surge or power outage, smooth washer operation could be temporarily affected. Proper operation can sometimes be restored through a power reset by either unplugging the appliance's power cord for a few seconds and then plugging it back in or switching off the circuit breaker for the washer then switching it back on.

The shock dampening device helps to absorb the movement of the washer tub as it spins. If the shock dampening device is broken, the tub might become unbalanced, causing it to shake and vibrate during the spin cycle. Inspect the shock dampening device to determine if is broken. If the shock dampening device is broken, replace it.

The rear drum has a bearing or bearings in it to keep the inner tub spinning smoothly. If the tub bearing system is defective the washer can develop a bad vibration. On some machines bearings are sold separately from the rear drum, however we recommend replacing both the outer drum and bearing as an assembly if the manufacturer offers the components together because removing and pressing in the new bearing can be exceptionally difficult. Be aware that replacing the outer tub and bearing is also not easy and can be very costly.

The hub or basket drive sits on top of the transmission and engages with the inner tub. If the inner tub is vibrating or shaking, the hub teeth may be stripped. Alternatively, the drive block which engages with the hub teeth may be stripped. Inspect both the hub and the drive block. If the hub teeth and drive block are not worn out, the clutch pads on the basket drive are likely worn out. If the clutch pads are worn out, you must replace the basket drive.

Check to see if the washer is level, and adjust the leveling legs if necessary. Always lock the legs in place after adjustment to keep them from getting loose.