How to Stop Your Washing Machine From Shaking, Vibrating, or Moving

A washing machine shaking violently, walking across the floor, or making loud thudding noises can be really frustrating. It can damage your appliance, flooring, and even surrounding walls. Excessive vibrations, shaking and noise in your front-load or top-load washing machines are an indication of internal components’ failure. 

Troubleshooting the problems with your washing machine can help you prevent major future repair costs. Explore ways on how to stop a washing machine from shaking, vibrating and moving and save yourself inconvenience and major losses. 

Common Causes Of Washing Machine Shaking, Vibrating Or Moving

It’s true that washing machines are a great invention. Washing and drying piles of clothes with just pressing one button. However, they can quickly become a nuisance when they start making excessive noise. If you notice your washing machine vibrating unusually besides the usual tremors, strange noises or the washer moving during spin cycles across floors, it’s a sign of a problem. 

Some common problems can be:

Unbalanced Loads

Uneven distribution of clothes inside the drum or a load of heavy items like a blanket can cause the machine to struggle. An unbalanced washer loader pushes the weight on one side. Resulting in shaking of the drum from side to side. 

Overloading or Underloading

The loss of holding capacity due to overloading results in imbalance and a struggling drum. Similarly, underloading the washing machine can lead to the drum losing balance and hitting the walls. Both situations cause excessive shaking and noise. 

Improper Leveling 

Make sure that your washing machine is properly leveled on the floor on all four legs. A washer that is not stabilized will wobble and move across the floor. This imbalance can cause high shaking during the spin cycles. 

Faulty Shock Absorbers

Many washing machines have shock absorbers as their internal components. These absorbers play a crucial role in absorbing shocks and reducing vibrations. A damaged or faulty shock absorber increases the vibrations dramatically. 

Clogged Filters

Accumulation of debris in the filters can cause the washing machine to work harder. This debris gets into filters and results in the drain pump working harder due to improper water flow. This clogging can cause the machine to make noise or vibrate. 

Fixing A Shaking Or Vibrating Washer Yourself

Washing machine noise and vibration issues are usually due to the above-mentioned conditions and can be promptly fixed at home. Balancing the washer at a steady place, checking the filters, and balancing the load usually fix the noise and movement. 

However, if despite everything you try, the shaking and vibrating is still there, you need to get professional help. Before calling a professional, here are a few things you should consider

• Check the drum loads.
• Remove the shipping bolts.
• Stabilize the washing machine.
• Use anti-vibration pads.
• Check for any clogged objects.
• Notice if there’s any burning smell.
• The drum bearing feels loose.

How Do Experts Troubleshoot the Problem?

After performing the initial checks which include stabilizing the machine, removing the shipping bolts (if any), evaluating the balances, and checking the filters and flooring, here’s how our professionals perform the washing machine troubleshooting and fix them. 

Repairing Internal Components

If the shaking persists, technicians remove the worn-out shock absorbers or drum bearings and replace them with new ones. The tools are used for the specific model of the washing machine. This prevents the shaking and noise and further damage. 

Component Damages

Broken suspension springs, worn-out damper pads, loose counterweights, and damaged bell and suspension rods can all cause excessive vibrations and noise. Experts replace or install new components, which prevents the bouncing. 

Installation Errors

Any errors with the installation, such as not removing the shipping bolts and incorrect placements of secured parts, are another reason for washer malfunctions. Professionals ensure the correct placement and removal of these components.

Installation of Anti-Vibration Pads

Anti-vibration pads for washers absorb unnecessary vibration and shocks. Experts place anti-vibration pads and feet on the washers that act as cushions. These “cushions” absorb the vibrations during the spin cycles. 

Why Not DIY and Trust Professional Technicians for Repairs? 

It is true that DIY-ing can save you money; however, it comes with its own set of cons. Without the proper knowledge and expertise, you can risk the safety of your washers and dryers. DIYs are temporary fixes because you are not aware of the underlying cause. Without addressing the cause, the problems can continue happening. There’s also the risk of electric shocks, cuts or injuries without appropriate tools and expertise.

Professional technicians are able to troubleshoot the problems in no time. They have the training to diagnose the actual problems and fix them at the core. This prevents future repair costs and saves money in the long run. Furthermore, professionals employ the use of OEM parts that suit your machine model. In this way professional repairs can be time-saving, convenient and cost-effective.

How Our Repair Services Work

At Mr. Equity Appliance Repair, we proactively address your washing machine’s issues and fix them. A certified technician can help with:

Repairing of shock absorbers and belts.

Replacement of internal components.

• Washer drum imbalance.
• Motor and drum bearing inspection.
• Inspection of drainage pipes and filters.

Get Started With Us

Are you tired of the constant shaking and noises coming from your washing machine? Have you lost count of the times you’ve searched up how to stop a washing machine from shaking and still not gotten any satisfactory results? Contact us now to communicate your concerns directly or obtain a free quote. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why does my washing machine shake violently during spin cycles?

Common causes of vigorous shaking are typically an imbalanced drum load, overloading, underloading, or worn-out suspension components. 

How much is a washing machine repair?

A washing machine repair cost is influenced by the nature of the issue and the service required. Usually it ranges somewhere between $100 and $300.

Do front-loaders and top-load washers have different vibration causes?

Yes, front-load washer vibrations are often associated with shock absorber malfunctions. Whereas, top-load washers vibrate due to imbalance in tubs or suspension rods. 

How much is a call-out fee for a washing machine?

The call-out fee typically depends on the technician’s travel time and the time covered to diagnose the job.

How much does it cost to fix a leaking washing machine?

A leaking washing machine’s service charges depend on the cause of the leaks. Major leaks cost more than cheaper leaks, such as in hoses.