Washing Machine Vibrating Excessively
If your washing machine is vibrating excessively, it can cause damage to the machine itself, surrounding units and your floor. In most cases excessive vibration can be resolved at home without the need for an engineer.
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Why Is My Washing Machine Vibrating Excessively?
Some vibration during the spin cycle is normal, but if your washing machine is shaking violently, moving across the floor or making a loud banging noise during spin, there is an underlying cause that needs to be addressed. Most cases of excessive vibration are caused by simple installation or loading issues that can be resolved without an engineer.
Common Causes
Transit bolts not removed
The most common cause in a newly installed machine. Transit bolts are fitted to lock the drum during transport and must be removed before the machine is used. If left in place they cause severe vibration and banging during every spin cycle. Check the back of the machine for any bolts that are still fitted.
Machine not level
If the machine is not sitting level on the floor, it will vibrate excessively during the spin cycle and may walk across the floor. All four feet must be in firm contact with the floor and the machine should be level both front to back and side to side.
Unbalanced load
A load that is bunched to one side of the drum causes the drum to spin unevenly, generating strong vibrations. This is particularly common with small loads, single heavy items or items that have clumped together during the wash.
Machine on an uneven or weak floor surface
If the machine is on a wooden floor, suspended floor or uneven surface, vibrations are amplified significantly. An anti-vibration mat placed under the machine can help reduce this.
Worn drum bearings
Worn drum bearings allow the drum to move off-centre during spin, causing increasingly severe vibration. This is usually accompanied by a deep rumbling noise and tends to worsen over time.
Worn or broken shock absorbers
The shock absorbers dampen the movement of the drum during spin. If they are worn or broken, the drum moves excessively and vibrates against the cabinet.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Check for transit bolts
Inspect the back of the machine for any transit bolts that may still be fitted. Remove them all before running the machine again. Keep them in a safe place in case the machine needs to be moved in future.
Level the machine
Use a spirit level on top of the machine to check it is level. Adjust the levelling feet at the base by turning them clockwise to raise or anticlockwise to lower. Lock each foot in position once adjusted. Check that all four feet are in firm contact with the floor.
Redistribute the load
Open the door and spread the laundry evenly around the drum. Avoid washing single heavy items alone — add a couple of towels to help balance the load.
Use an anti-vibration mat
If the machine is on a hard floor or a suspended wooden floor, placing an anti-vibration mat under the machine can significantly reduce movement and noise.
When To Contact A Professional
If excessive vibration persists after checking the transit bolts, levelling the machine and balancing the load, the shock absorbers or drum bearings are likely worn and will need to be inspected and replaced by a qualified engineer. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
Related Washing Machine Fault Guides
Washing Machine Making Loud Noise
Washing Machine Stopping Mid-Cycle
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