How to Fix a Washing Machine That Vibrates Excessively During Spin

Excessive vibration during the spin cycle is one of the most common washing machine complaints. It can be noisy, disruptive, and — if left unaddressed — damages the machine's drum bearings, motor mounts and suspension springs over time. The good news is that most cases are caused by simple, fixable issues.

Step 1: Check if the Machine Is Level

This is the most common cause of excessive vibration and the first thing to check. All four feet must be making solid contact with the floor and the machine should not rock when pushed from corner to corner.

How to fix:

1. Use a spirit level on top of the machine, checking front-to-back and left-to-right
2. Adjust the levelling feet — turn clockwise to lower, anti-clockwise to raise. Most machines have a lock nut that must be loosened first
3. All four feet must be firm — no rocking. Some front loaders have self-adjusting rear feet
4. Once level, tighten all lock nuts

Step 2: Check the Floor

Floorboards, timber subfloors and old tiles can flex and amplify vibration significantly more than solid concrete. If your machine is on a flexible floor, consider:

• An anti-vibration mat under the machine
• A rubber-padded washing machine tray
• Bracing the floor from underneath (a more involved but permanent solution)

Step 3: Check the Load

Unbalanced loads cause the drum to spin unevenly, creating vibration.

• Large, heavy items — towels, duvets, jeans — bunch together and throw the drum off balance
• Wash heavy items with smaller items to distribute weight, or wash them on a hand-wash/delicate spin speed
• Do not overload. Clothes should be able to move freely in the drum
• Do not underload. A single heavy item in the drum with nothing to balance it creates severe imbalance

Step 4: Check Transport Bolts (New Machine)

New washing machines are shipped with transport bolts at the rear to lock the drum during transit. If these are not removed before the first use, the machine will vibrate violently and can damage itself permanently.

Fix: Check the rear of the machine for 3 to 5 bolts that were not there when you bought an older machine. Remove them before first use — keep them for when you need to move the machine again.

Step 5: Check Drum Bearings

If the vibration is accompanied by a grinding or rumbling noise from the drum, the drum bearings may have worn out. Worn bearings cause the drum to wobble and produce increasing noise over time.

Fix: Bearing replacement is a major repair. Get a technician to diagnose and quote. For older machines, the repair cost may exceed the machine's value.

Step 6: Check the Suspension Springs and Shock Absorbers

Washing machines use springs and dampers to absorb drum movement during spin. When these wear out, vibration increases significantly.

Fix: Suspension springs and dampers can be replaced by a technician. For front loaders, this requires removing the front panel. Reasonable repair for a machine that is otherwise in good condition.

For advice on washing machine repairs or replacement, contact Oceania Appliances at 0493 300 490 or visit oceaniaappliances.com.au. Free delivery across Sydney.