Why Your Washing Machine Is Shaking Violently
- Expo Appliance
- Feb 7
- 3 min read
A Homeowner’s Guide to Causes, Risks, and When to Call for Repair
A washing machine that shakes violently is more than just annoying noise. Excessive vibration can damage the appliance, your flooring, nearby walls, and even internal components if left unresolved. While some movement is normal, especially during high-speed spin cycles, aggressive shaking, banging, or “walking” across the floor is a sign that something is wrong.
Below is a breakdown of the most common causes and what homeowners should know before the problem gets worse.
Common Causes of a Washing Machine Shaking Violently
1. Unbalanced Loads
The most common and easiest issue to fix is an unbalanced load.
Large items like comforters, towels, or rugs can bunch up on one side of the drum. When the washer spins, the weight distribution becomes uneven, causing the machine to wobble or slam.
What you can try:
Pause the cycle and redistribute clothing evenly
Wash bulky items with additional balancing items
Avoid overloading or underloading the drum
If shaking only happens occasionally, this is likely the cause.
2. Worn Suspension Rods (Top Load Washers)
Top load washers rely on suspension rods to stabilize the tub during agitation and spin cycles. Over time, these rods wear out or lose tension.
Signs of worn suspension:
Tub sits lower than normal
Washer bangs loudly during spin
Machine shakes even with small loads
When suspension rods fail, the tub cannot stabilize itself, leading to violent movement. Replacement is typically required to restore proper balance.
3. Failed Shock Absorbers (Front Load Washers)
Front load washers use shock absorbers instead of suspension rods. These dampen tub movement during high-speed spins.
When shocks wear out, the tub moves excessively inside the cabinet.
Common symptoms:
Loud thumping during spin
Visible tub bouncing
Washer moves across the floor
Ignoring failed shocks can lead to additional damage to the outer tub or frame.
4. Worn or Broken Counterweights
Many front load washers have heavy concrete or metal counterweights that balance the drum.
If these crack, loosen, or break, the machine loses its stabilizing mass.
Warning signs:
Extremely loud banging
Grinding or knocking noises
Visible internal shifting
This issue requires professional repair due to the weight and safety risks involved.
5. Uneven or Weak Flooring
Sometimes the washer is not the problem.
If the appliance sits on an uneven surface, weak subfloor, or flexible platform, vibration increases dramatically during spin cycles.
Check for:
Washer rocking when pushed
Soft or sagging floors
Installations on pedestals or platforms
Leveling the feet or reinforcing the floor can significantly reduce shaking.
6. Shipping Bolts Left Installed
This happens more often than homeowners expect, especially after a recent installation.
Front load washers ship with transport bolts that lock the drum in place. If not removed, the washer cannot self-balance.
Symptoms include:
Severe vibration from first use
Loud mechanical banging
Little to no tub movement inside
Running a washer with shipping bolts installed can cause permanent damage if not corrected quickly.
7. Worn Tub Bearings
Tub bearings allow the drum to spin smoothly. When they wear out, friction and instability increase.
Associated signs:
Roaring or grinding noise
Rust or water marks near the rear tub
Increasing vibration over time
Bearing failures are major repairs and often require full tub disassembly.
Is It Dangerous to Keep Using a Shaking Washer?
Yes, it can be.
Violent shaking can lead to:
Water line damage or leaks
Drain hose detachment
Electrical wire strain
Floor and wall damage
Premature component failure
In extreme cases, washers can move far enough to pull loose from plumbing connections.
If shaking is severe, it is best to stop using the machine until it is inspected.
When to Call for Professional Repair
You should schedule service if:
The washer shakes on every load
Movement is getting worse
Loud banging or grinding is present
The machine walks across the floor
You see internal tub instability
A trained technician can quickly determine whether the issue is load related, mechanical, or structural.
Final Thoughts
A violently shaking washing machine is never normal. While simple load balancing can sometimes solve the issue, persistent vibration usually points to worn suspension components, failed shocks, or structural problems that require repair.
Addressing the issue early can prevent more expensive damage and extend the life of your washer.
If your machine is shaking excessively, having it professionally diagnosed is the safest and most cost-effective next step.
