Why Washers Shake During the Spin Cycle
The spin cycle of a washing machine removes the excess water from the clothes by rotating the drum at very high speeds. This rapid rotation generates an incredible amount of force, and if the load inside the drum is balanced, there will be no problems. However, if the weight inside the drum is uneven, the force becomes unbalanced, leading to one of the most common washer vibration causes that homeowners often experience.
Washers are sensitive during the spin cycle, which is because the spin cycle speed is much higher than other cycles, like the wash or rinse cycle. Smaller imbalances in the load can lead to major drum movements. The majority of washing machine spin cycle problems are caused by the washing machine’s spin cycle stabilizing components not controlling the forces sufficiently.
Some common reasons washing machines shake as they spin include:
- Clothes clumping on one side of the drum
- Heavy items like towels or blankets
- Worn suspension or shock parts
- Slightly uneven flooring
Washers can shake, bang, or move when the drum is not centered. For a smoother operation, it is important to have a proper balance, as well as strong internal support.
Common Causes of Violent Washer Shaking
Minor shaking issues are a normal part of the spinning process, but if they occur regularly, it could indicate a more serious issue. Here are some of the most common causes of violent washer shaking that may be causing your washer to shake excessively.
Unbalanced or Oversized Loads
Because of weight shifting to one side of the drum, uneven loads can cause the washer to struggle to stay centered, leading to excessive movement and noise while spinning at high speeds. Shifting weight can occur while washing a large blanket and mixing big items with smaller items, such as washing towels and sheets.
Washer Not Level
If the washer is not properly levelled, the spinning speed will cause the machine to tilt even more. An uneven washer leg can also be one of the causes of the washer shaking during the spinning cycle. The leveling leg height can be adjusted to fix this.
Worn Shock Absorbers or Suspension Rods
Front-load models have shock absorbers, and top-load models have suspension rods, which keep the drum steady. When these parts become weak, the drum can swing more freely, resulting in the washing machine vibrating excessively even if the load is balanced.
Damaged Drum Bearings
Drum bearings od washer help keep the drums spinning smoothly. When drum bearings fail, you may hear a grinding noise, or you may feel the drum shaking. This type of wear and tear on the washer requires an expert to fix it to avoid causing more damage to the drum and the machine itself.
Loose or Broken Counterweights
Counterweights function to evenly balance the drum when it is spinning. If the counterweight gets cracked or loose, it can cause the washer to shake, and can create a lot of banging noises while it is running.
Weak or Uneven Flooring
The flooring in some houses may be weak or slightly uneven, which can increase the washer vibration. This condition may be especially true for older buildings or upper floors, as the normal movements may be increased, causing the washer to appear unstable during the spinning cycle.
Is a Shaking Washer Dangerous?
Most homeowners wonder, is a shaking washer dangerous? Usually, it is not dangerous right away. A little bit of movement, especially with larger loads, during the spin cycle, is normal. However, if shaking is excessive, you should not ignore it.
From a practical perspective on washer vibration safety, ongoing shaking can loosen water hoses, strain the connection to the drain, and pull on the wiring. This can create wear on the parts, leaks, and damage to the flooring and walls around the washer.
Early action rather than worry pays off; if simple fixes do not decrease the shaking, it may be worth having the washer checked by a professional technician, as it can prevent expensive repairs and can also help keep the laundry area safe and stable.
What You Can Safely Check Yourself
Prior to scheduling a service appointment, there are a few simple and safe steps that can be taken to help fix a shaking washer. The following steps are part of basic washing machine troubleshooting and can be done without opening the machine and without needing tools.
Redistribute The Laundry Evenly
Just pause the spin cycle and rearrange some of the heavier or bulkier items that are causing the washer to become unbalanced on the drum. Towels, blankets, or rugs should not be on the same side.
Confirm the washer is level
Put a level tool on the machine to see if it tilts forward, backward, or sideways. If it does, the vibration could get worse when the machine spins at high speeds.
Inspect and adjust the leveling feet
Make sure all four feet are adjusted and securely resting on the floor. You can level or adjust the feet so the washer feels solid and does not wobble.
Run an empty spin cycle
If the shaking continues when there are no clothes in the washer, the problem might be internal, requiring a professional service like Universal Appliance Repair.
When Shaking Means You Need Professional Repair
If you’ve already adjusted the load and leveled the machine, but it’s still shaking violently, it may be time to search for washer repair near me. Your machine may be internally damaged and internally worn parts can’t be fixed without being safely accessed by tools.
Some indicators that you will need to call professionals include:
- Loud banging or knocking sounds during spin
- The washer moving or “walking” across the floor
- Grinding noise coming from inside the drum
- Visible drum movement when you push it by hand
- Water leaking after a heavy spin cycle
These issues may be tied to suspension rods, shock absorbers, bearings, or counterweights. As a result, DIY repair attempts can be futile or even worsen the situation. The best option will be to schedule a Washer repair service to ensure the issue can be correctly identified and safely fixed.
Does This Affect Certain Washer Brands More Than Others?
Homeowners often wonder about which washer brands are more problematic and have shaking problems. Most of the time, a specific manufacturer doesn’t cause problems. While some individuals associate extreme vibrations with washer brand problems, our technicians frequently observe similar issues across many popular brands and models.
All washers, both top-load and front-load, have stabilizing systems that are meant to control drum movement. With that said, no design can truly avoid the possibility of imbalances, heavy loads, or normal wear and tear over time. Installation can also affect washers, as those on uneven or flexible floors can shake regardless of brand.
When customers call in service requests, vibration during spinning is one of the most common washer issues. Over time, suspension components, shocks, and bearings can wear out in any unit. When it comes to washing machines, brand name typically isn’t the most important factor. Proper use, balanced loads, and regular maintenance are the key factors to consider.
Repair vs Replacement: Is It Worth Fixing?
The frustration of having a washer that is shaking violently during a spin cycle can cause many people to consider buying a new washer. However, this can be avoided by taking the time to analyze the situation. Your decision on washer repair vs replaces should depend on the age, overall condition, and reliability of the washer.
When Repair Makes Financial Sense
Most of the time, the repair is more practical when the washer is under 8 to 10 years old. Suspension rods and shock absorber issues are common and relatively affordable to fix. Most times, the washing machine repair cost is a lot less than the cost of buying and installing a new one. A single repair can prolong the life of a machine for several more years.
When Replacement May Be the Better Option
If your washer breaks down a lot, has substantial bearing damage, or has high estimated repair costs, eventually it will be more cost-effective to replace it than to repair it. Considering repair costs compared to the worth and age of the washer will guide you to the right decision.
How to Prevent Washer Shaking in the Future
To prevent heavy spinning on your washer, all you have to do is build some good habits. Learning how to prevent washer vibration doesn’t need technical knowledge, just effort and care.
Avoid Overloading the Drum
Shaking is often caused by washing too many clothes together, increasing the likelihood of damage to the suspension components and resulting in an unbalanced drum. Washing large items separately is also essential to prevent an overfilled drum.
Balance Heavy Items Properly
Try to spread the weight evenly when washing towels, blankets, or comforters. If one side of the drum feels heavier, the washer may shake more during spin. Adding a few smaller items can help with even weight distribution.
Check Leveling Periodically
Washers are spinning appliances, which is why they can slightly shift over time. Every few months, check that all four feet are touching the floor and that the unit is level. Sometimes, small adjustments are enough to correct the issues.
Follow Basic Maintenance Habits
Following washing machine maintenance tips, such as drum cleaning, hose checks, and listening for any weird sounds, can help spot the issues at an early stage and prolong the lifespan of your washer.
Call Universal Appliance Repair for Washer Problems
When your washer is shaking, banging, or moving during the spinning cycle, it needs professional assistance to avoid further damage to your machine. Even if the washer still runs, ongoing vibration may strain internal parts and lead to larger repairs over time.
Universal Appliance Repair offers washer repair services in Southern California that homeowners trust for honest advice and dependable service. Our skilled repair technicians look at the suspension, drum, and internal parts, and other systems carefully, which can cause problems. We do our best to bring your washer back to a good working condition without unnecessary parts being replaced.
If the problem persists after all DIY fixes, scheduling a professional washing machine repair service is the right next step. Timely repairs can save your washer and help it last longer. To begin, contact a washer repair expertto schedule an appointment. Our washer repair experts help you get your shaky washer back to normal in no time.
