Washer Shaking During Spin: Cause Finder

Is your washer banging, walking or rattling during the spin? Check the danger signs first, then answer a few questions to see the most likely causes and what to check, safely.

Find why your washer shakes

Step 1 of 2: safety check

1. First, check for danger signs

None of theseBurning smell, or the power cord or outlet feels unusually hotSmoke or sparksA lot of water on the floor, or water reaching electrical partsThe washer moves a long way or looks like it could tip over

Step 2: enter the symptoms and setup. You can change any answer above at any time.

2. Washer type

Front loadTop loadNot sure

3. Closest symptom

4. When is it worst?

As the spin starts to speed upWhile spinning at high speedThrough the whole spinWhen it keeps stopping, refilling or rinsing

5. What was in the load?

6. Floor under the washer

Solid and levelOn wood boards, a mat, a riser, or a soft floorSloped, slippery or wetNot sure

7. With the washer stopped, press down on opposite top corners

All four feet touch; it does not rockIt rocks, or one foot liftsDid not check

8. Was it recently installed or moved?

Not recently installed or movedNewly installedMoved for a move or cleaning

9. After stopping and spreading the load evenly, then running it again

Have not tried yetThe shaking got less or stoppedThe same shaking or noise came back

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Example

A front-load washer that was just installed and shakes hard on its first spin points to shipping bolts still in place, then leveling. A single heavy comforter that calms down after you spread it out points to an unbalanced load.

How it works

Step 1 is a safety check. A burning smell, smoke, water reaching electrical parts or a washer moving a long way means stop using it; the tool shows what to do instead of a diagnosis.

Step 2 scores seven causes from your answers: load balance, leveling, the floor, shipping bolts, things touching the washer, normal spin sounds and inside parts. It shows the top three with safe steps, when to call for service and a manufacturer source. If the shaking comes back after spreading the load evenly, service is recommended. It is a ranking, not a repair diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if the shipping bolts are still in?

On a front-load washer, push the drum with the door open. If it barely moves, the bolts may still be in. Check your manual for where they are.

Is some vibration normal?

Some vibration during a high-speed spin is expected, especially on a pedestal or riser. Shaking that moves the washer is not.

Can I hold the washer to stop it moving?

No. Never hold or push a running washer. Pause it only if you can reach the controls safely.

Sources and last updated

Samsung US, Samsung washing machine is shaking too much: shipping bolts, load balance, floor and leveling (checked 2026-10-27).
LG USA Support, Troubleshooting vibration issues: unlevel unit, unbalanced load, shipping bolts (checked 2026-10-27).
LG USA Support, Troubleshooting noises during the cycle: unbalanced laundry, foreign objects, not level (checked 2026-10-27).
The scoring and the normal-spin and inside-parts causes follow the Korean version of this tool, based on LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics Service Korea support pages (in Korean).

Last updated: 2026-10-27 · 한국어로 보기