Excessive vibration in a washing machine is a common problem, manifested by strong shaking, “jumping” across the floor, knocking, grinding, and movement of the machine body during the spin cycle. Besides causing discomfort, this accelerates wear and tear on components, damages flooring, and can lead to leaks due to loose connections and washer won’t start.
In most cases, vibration can be eliminated without complex repairs: simply install the machine correctly, level it, review the load, and check simple mechanical components. Below are the main causes and specific steps to restore the machine to stable operation.
How to determine the source of vibration by the wash, spin, and drain cycles
To check, run a program with an empty drum (or with 1-2 towels), listen to the sounds, observe the movement of the machine body, and note at which point the vibration intensifies. If the machine “walks” on the floor, first rule out the underlying causes: uneven installation and a slippery base.
Diagnostics by Operation Stages
- Washing stage (slow rotation, reverse, water filling)
- If vibration is already present at low speeds, the problem is most often with the installation: uneven feet, a warped frame, a “wobbling” floor, or poor contact with the base.
- If you hear knocking sounds inside the drum when turning, there may be a foreign object between the drum and the tub or in the door seal.
- If the noise is muffled, with a “rocking” sound from the tub even during a gentle wash, the shock absorbers may be worn out or the counterweight fasteners may be loose (especially if the frame is noticeably “nodding”).
- Draining phase (buzzing/humming of the pump, water loss)
- If the shaking occurs specifically during draining and is accompanied by a loud buzzing/cracking sound, the filter or pump impeller may be clogged, or small objects may have gotten into the pump.
- If the vibration is transmitted through the hose, check that the drain hose is not taut, that it is not resting against the wall/housing, and that there is no resonance when the pump is running.
- If the draining is jerky and the machine “shakes,” there may be a partial blockage of the drain line (filter, pipe, hose) and the pump is under load.
- Spinning phase (acceleration, high (rpm)
- If the shaking begins during acceleration and then intensifies and then decreases, it is often caused by an imbalance: too few items, a large item “clumped,” overload, or the wrong type of laundry for the program.
- If the machine noticeably “jumps” and shifts during the spin cycle, in addition to an imbalance, it is likely due to worn shock absorbers/suspension springs or loose counterweights.
- If a metallic grinding/rattling sound is heard at high speeds, there may be problems with the bearings, the drum spider, or loose components; This is a reason to stop spinning and proceed with repairs.
When shaking
Most likely
What to do immediately
During washing
Uneven installation, foreign object, shock absorbers/counterweight
Align to level, check the cuff/drum, evaluate the tank “swinging”
During drain
Clogged filter/pump/hose, object in the impeller, hose resonance
Clean the filter, check the hose and noise Pumps
During the spin cycle
Load imbalance, suspension wear, bearings/spider
Rearrange the laundry, reduce/increase the load, stop if a grinding noise is heard
Summary: The source of shaking is easiest to determine by the phase in which it occurs. Vibration during the wash cycle most often indicates the installation and suspension of the drum, during the drain cycle, the pump and blockages, and during the spin cycle, an imbalance and wear of components operating under high loads.
If, after leveling and loading correctly, the machine continues to vibrate heavily, a grinding noise, a burning smell, or a leak appears, it is best to stop the spin cycle and seek professional diagnostics to avoid further damage.
