Washing Machine Vibrating Excessively

Transit Bolts Not Removed

The most common cause in a newly installed machine. Transit bolts lock the drum during transport and must be removed before use. If left in place they cause severe vibration and banging during every spin cycle.

Machine Not Level

If the machine is not sitting level on all four feet, it will vibrate excessively during spin and may walk across the floor. The machine must be level both front to back and side to side.

Unbalanced Load

A load bunched to one side of the drum causes uneven spinning and strong vibrations. Particularly common with small loads, single heavy items, or items that have clumped together during the wash.

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 considerably.

Worn Drum Bearings

Worn drum bearings allow the drum to move off-centre during spin, causing increasingly severe vibration usually accompanied by a deep rumbling noise. This fault worsens over time and requires professional replacement.

Worn or Broken Shock Absorbers

The shock absorbers dampen drum movement during spin. If worn or broken, the drum moves excessively and vibrates against the cabinet. Requires professional diagnosis and replacement.

Check for Transit Bolts

Inspect the back of the machine for any transit bolts still fitted. Remove them all before running again. Keep them somewhere safe in case the machine needs to be moved in future.

Level the Machine

Use a spirit level on top of the machine. Adjust the levelling feet by turning clockwise to raise or anticlockwise to lower. Lock each foot once adjusted and confirm all four are in firm contact with the floor.

Redistribute the Load

Open the door and spread laundry evenly around the drum. Avoid washing single heavy items alone — add a couple of towels to help balance the load during spin.

Use an Anti-Vibration Mat

If the machine is on a hard floor or suspended wooden floor, placing an anti-vibration mat underneath can significantly reduce movement and noise during the spin cycle.