What to Do If Your Washer Shakes Violently During Spin Cycle

[Norgon]

The Problem

When I bought my washing machine, I expected smooth and quiet performance. But one day during a spin cycle, it began to shake so violently that it almost “walked” across the laundry room. The noise was loud, and I was worried something had broken inside. At first, I thought the drum was damaged. But after checking the manuals, I found out that excessive vibration is a common issue, usually linked to installation, loading, or balance problems — not necessarily a broken machine.

Common Reasons Why a Washer Shakes Excessively

Unbalanced load – Too many heavy items on one side of the drum.

Washer not level – If the machine isn’t sitting evenly on the floor, it wobbles.

Transit bolts left in place – New machines shipped with bolts to secure the drum must be removed.

Worn shock absorbers or dampers – With time, these parts may weaken.

Floor instability – A weak or uneven floor amplifies vibrations.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Check the Load Balance

The manuals recommend redistributing clothes evenly inside the drum. I removed a few heavy towels, restarted the cycle, and the shaking immediately decreased.

2. Level the Washer

According to the manuals, all four feet of the washer should rest flat on the floor. I adjusted the leveling legs with a wrench, and the machine stopped rocking.

3. Remove Transit Bolts

The manuals explain that if the washer is new, shipping bolts at the back must be removed. A friend of mine had this exact problem — once the bolts were taken out, the shaking disappeared.

4. Inspect Shock Absorbers

The manuals note that if the washer still shakes after adjustments, the dampers or springs may be worn. These parts can usually be replaced without changing the whole machine.

5. Strengthen the Floor Surface

If the floor is weak or uneven, the manuals suggest placing the washer on a reinforced platform or anti-vibration pads. I used pads under mine, and the noise dropped significantly.

My Experience

At first, I thought my washing machine was broken beyond repair. But by following the manuals — redistributing clothes, leveling the washer, and adding anti-vibration pads — I solved the issue without spending much. Now I always check that heavy items are balanced inside the drum before starting a cycle.

FAQ

Why does my washer shake so much when spinning?
– Most often because of unbalanced loads, uneven floors, or transit bolts left in place.

Can I fix this at home?
– Yes, by following the manuals: balance the load, adjust the legs, and check for transit bolts.

When should I call a technician?
– If shaking continues after all adjustments, shock absorbers or springs may need replacement.