Not only can a noisy shaking, rocking, or vibrating washing machine be annoying, but it can also harm the floor and the washer itself. Knowing why your washer is vibrating is the first step to safely and successfully repairing it, regardless of whether you have a front-loading or top-loading washer.

We at Just Call Appliance Repair offer professional washer repair services in Charlotte and the neighboring cities of Huntersville, Concord, and Matthews. This guide will help you determine the problem, try safe do-it-yourself solutions, and determine whether to contact our qualified professionals if your washer hums, rattles violently, or “walks” across the floor.

Why is My Washer Vibrating?

Several issues can make a washer vibrate excessively. Some are simple to fix at home, while others require professional attention. Below are the most common causes.

Unbalanced Load

Washer vibration often happens because the clothes inside are unevenly distributed. A single heavy item, such as a comforter or a set of towels, can throw the drum off balance.

Signs of an unbalanced load:

• The washer rocks or tilts during the spin cycle
• Loud thumping or banging noises from one side
• Clothes are still wet after the cycle

How to fix it:

• Open the washer and redistribute the clothes evenly
• Avoid washing a single bulky item by itself
• Run a smaller load if the drum is not full

Washer Not Level

A washer sitting on an uneven floor can vibrate and even “walk.” All washers have adjustable feet that can be used to level the machine.

Signs your washer is not level:

• The washer rocks or shifts when you push it slightly
• The vibration is worse on one side than the other

How to fix it:

• Use a spirit level to check the washer
• Adjust the feet until the machine is perfectly level
• Lock the feet if your model has locking nuts

Worn Shock Absorbers or Suspension Rods

Shock absorbers (front-load washers) or suspension rods (top-load washers) keep the drum stable during the spin cycle. Over time, these components wear out or break, causing violent shaking.

Symptoms:

• Loud banging or rocking even with balanced loads
• Drum tilts when pushed by hand
• Washer stops mid-cycle or will not spin at all

DIY check:

• Unplug the washer and inspect the shocks or suspension rods
• If they are broken or compressed, they need replacement
• Consider anti-vibration pads to reduce minor movement

Worn Drum Bearings

Drum bearings support the spinning drum. When they wear out, the drum wobbles, causing loud noise and vibration. This is common in older front-load washers.

Signs of worn bearings:

• Loud rumbling or grinding during spin
• Drum moves excessively when pushed
• Water leaks from the front of the washer

Solution:

• Replacing drum bearings is complex and usually requires a professional
• Call a certified technician before damage spreads to the tub or motor

Foreign Objects in the Drum

Coins, buttons, or small items can get trapped between the drum and the tub, causing vibration and noise.

Signs:

• Loud banging or rattling during spin
• Items appear in the drum after the cycle

Fix:

• Check the drum and remove any foreign objects
• Inspect the drain pump and filter for small debris

Shipping Bolts Not Removed

If you recently bought a new washer, the shipping bolts may still be in place, restricting drum movement and causing vibration.

Signs:

• Washer vibrates immediately on first use
• Odd metal-on-metal noise

Fix:

• Refer to your washer’s installation guide to remove shipping bolts
• Run an empty spin cycle to confirm the vibration is gone

Brand-Specific Notes and Error Codes

• LG Front-Load Washers: Vibration due to unbalanced loads, feet not level. Common codes: UE (Unbalanced Load), OE (Drain Issue).
• Samsung Front-Load Washers: Shock absorbers wear out over time. Common codes: UE (Unbalanced Load), 4E/4C (Water Drain Error).
• Whirlpool Top-Load Washers: Suspension rods can wear. Common codes: F01 (Motor Issue), F20 (Drain Problem).
• GE Front-Load Washers: Worn bearings cause loud vibration. Common codes: LE (Door Lock), F3 (Water Sensor Error).
• Maytag Washers: Similar to Whirlpool, unbalanced loads trigger vibration. Common codes: UB (Unbalanced Load).

DIY Steps to Reduce Washer Vibration Before Calling a Technician

• Level your washer using a spirit level and adjust the feet
• Redistribute laundry evenly inside the drum
• Remove any foreign objects or debris from the drum and filter
• Remove shipping bolts on new washers
• Inspect shock absorbers or suspension rods for visible wear
• Place anti-vibration pads under the washer if minor shaking persists

When to Call a Professional Washer Repair Service

If the vibration persists despite DIY fixes, it’s time to call a professional. Our certified technicians can quickly diagnose:

• Worn drum bearings
• Broken shock absorbers or suspension rods
• Motor or pulley issues
• Drain pump or internal component damage

Just Call Appliance Repair offers fast, same-day washer repair in Charlotte, Concord, Matthews, and Huntersville. If your washer vibrates excessively, won’t spin, or shakes your laundry room floor, our experts can get it running quietly and safely again.

Call us now to schedule a service and protect your washer and home.