Washing machine noisy and shaking on spin: causes and what to do
Strong vibration, banging and a machine that "walks" during the spin are most often down to the installation: the transit bolts were not removed, the machine is not level or it stands on an unsuitable floor. Bosch notes that a machine that is not level thumps especially hard at high speeds.
If the machine is installed correctly but a rumble, grinding or metallic knocking has appeared on the spin, the cause may be inside: a foreign object in the drum, or worn bearings and shock absorbers.
Likely causes
- the transit bolts were not removed (after purchase or a move);
- the machine is not level: the feet are not adjusted and not all of them touch the floor;
- an unsuitable floor — Bosch calls wooden floors particularly unsuitable;
- an unbalanced load: the laundry has bunched up or there is one heavy item;
- a foreign object in the drum or between the drum and the tub: coins, buttons, bra wires;
- the power cord or the drain hose knocking against the cabinet;
- worn drum bearings (a rumble that grows with speed), shock absorbers or tub springs.
Safe steps you can try
- If the machine is new or has been moved, look at the back: the transit bolts must be removed and the holes closed with the blanking plugs supplied.
- Put a spirit level on the top of the machine and adjust the feet until it is level, then tighten the lock nuts. All four feet must touch the floor.
- Check the floor: the best place is a corner of the room on a hard surface. For a wooden floor Bosch suggests a water-resistant board at least 30 mm thick screwed to the floor. On slippery floors LG suggests non-skid pads.
- Spread the laundry evenly and add a few towels to a single large item.
- Check the drum for foreign objects: turn it slowly by hand and listen. Coins and buttons often end up at the pump filter — clean it.
- Make sure the power cord and the drain hose do not touch the cabinet or the wall.
- Samsung advises leaving at least 10 cm to adjacent walls and not putting the machine on stands or plinths.
When to call a technician
Call a technician if the machine is level, the bolts are out and the load is normal but the noise stays: a rumble that grows with speed, grinding, metallic knocking, a drum that wobbles when you rock it by hand, or rust streaks down the back of the machine. These are signs of worn bearings and seal, shock absorbers or springs.
Do not put off a bearing repair: in time the tub can be damaged. A MasService technician will check the suspension, the bearings and the drum and name the price before the repair.
Error codes for this fault
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a washer to be noisy on spin?
An even motor and water sound at high speed is normal; LG also notes that the machine can be louder and vibrate more as the drum speeds up and slows down. Warning signs are knocking, grinding, a rumble that gets worse from wash to wash, and a machine that walks.
How do I know the bearings are worn?
Usually a rumble appears on the spin, the drum has play when you rock it up and down by hand, and rust streaks may show at the back. A technician will confirm it.
Will rubber pads under the feet help?
On a smooth floor they reduce sliding, but they do not replace a correct installation: first remove the transit bolts and level the machine.
Other faults
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