Washer Moves Around When Running On Spin Cycle – How To Stop?

My washing machine moves around when trying to wash clothes. I have a new front load washing machine made by Samsung. When the washer gets to the spin cycle, the machine is moving around on the floor and making a banging sound. The washer shakes and vibrates so badly that I have to shut it off. I cannot wash my clothes. I am guessing something is out of balance. Could it be the floor or the washer? What can I do to stop the washer from shaking and moving?

Washer Moves Around When Running On Spin CycleWasher Moves Around When Running On Spin Cycle

New Washing Machine Moving And Shaking?

If you have a new washing machine, the most probable reason the washer is moving around or shaking is the leveling legs are not adjusted properly. Level the legs at the bottom of the washer to keep the washer level and stop the “washer moving around”. If the washer is level, the washer may just be overloaded causing an imbalance.

You may need to do some simple troubleshooting to find the issue if the washer is level. These tips will show you what to check to fix the problem yourself. Parts and components may need to be removed and replaced. Remember to always unplug the appliance before working on it.

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How To Stop A Washing Machine That Moves Around?

Most common reason a washer moves around
Washing machine is not level – A shaking/vibrating washer is most commonly caused by the washer not being level. If the washer is slightly tilted to one side, the washer can shake and move around when running the spin cycle. There may be missing or damaged leveling legs.

How To Level A Washing Machine?

Put a level on top of the washer to identify if the washer is properly leveled. If the washer is not level, simply raise or lower the leveling legs on the bottom of the washer to level it properly. You can also hold the top of the washer and gently rock it back and forth. This will give you an idea of where the washer is out of balance. You can then raise or lower the leveling legs to secure the washer in a level position. Be sure the leveling legs still have the rubber on the bottom and is intact to reduce vibration. Some legs have rubber and others have a plastic material. If this material is damaged or missing, the washer will be more likely to vibrate or move around. Adjust or replace the leveling legs as needed.


How to Prevent a Washing Machines Shaking and Noisy Spinning

What Else Causes A Washer To Move Around?

1. Washer leveling legs are missing or damaged
2. The floor the washer sits on is not level
3. Washing machine is overloaded and causing an imbalance
4. Shock absorber is missing or faulty (Front loaders)
5. Suspension springs is missing or not working properly (Top loaders)
6. Tub dampening strap is missing or broken (Top loaders)
7. Snubber ring/Damper pad is worn out

Washing machine damper locationsCheck shocks and or dampers for damage
Front Load Washer Shocks/Dampers Location

How To Stop A Washer From Moving Around?

1. Washer Leveling Legs Missing Or Damaged
When the washer leveling legs are missing or damaged, they will need to be replaced. Check at the bottom of the washer for the legs. If they are damaged in any way (not threading up or down) replace them. Inspect the rubber padding under the leveling legs to see if the rubber is worn out or missing. If the rubber or legs are missing, replace the legs to allow the washer to be properly leveled.

2. Floor Not Level
The washer needs a level floor to run properly. Lay a level on the floor to see if the floor is causing the shaking. If the floor is not level, move the washer to a different area where the floor is level.

3. Washer Overloaded
Do not overload the washer with clothing. When the washer has excess clothing in a wash cycle, the clothing can offset the washer and cause an imbalance. This imbalance can cause the washer to shake violently or move around.

4. Shock Absorber/Springs Damaged Or Missing
If the shock absorbers or springs are missing or damaged, wash loads will not be balanced. This causes the washer to shake and move around. Remove the washer panel and check to see if the shock absorber or springs are damaged or missing. If found to be damaged or missing, replace all of the shocks/springs.

Having trouble with your washing machine moving around? Have tips to fix a washer that shakes? Please leave your comment below and we will get back to you or post your suggestion for others.

6 thoughts on “Washer Moves Around When Running On Spin Cycle – How To Stop?”

  1. I have a front load Maytag 23×23″ washer which is about 20 years old washes really well. It is placed on a plastic tray to avoid water leaking to the lower level apartment. Recently when spinning, it slides all over the floor. On the phone, the repairman says when the load is not full sometimes the machine moves when spinning. Partially it could be caused by the tray which is slippery. Wondering if there is any suggestions from you. Thank you.

  2. HI
    I have a Kenmore washer that is 8 years old. Recently I have noticed that it vibrates/rocks almost uncontrollably on any spin cycle. The washer is on a pedestal, the pedestal was the one compatible with the washer.
    The washer seems to be level and the loads are balanced. Can you suggest a fix, or does the washer need to be replaced?
    Thank you for your help with this. M Anderson

  3. I have a LG wm2277hw, and replaced shocks and leveled. Its still shaking on spin cycle. Have you figured out whats happening?

  4. I replaced my shock absorbers and leveled my LG washer and it still vibrates and makes noise on the spin cycle what is the next thing I should do? Do I need to replace the suspension spring?

  5. ALLEN VETTER - DIY Repair Assistant

    T. Johnson,
    If your brand new washer dances around when running, it is not balanced, adjust the legs and be sure you do not overload it.
    Be sure it is on level ground.
    -RR

  6. Just bought a new Maytag washer and it shakes and vibrates so bad when I wash jeans and towels and it’s barely half-full? Is this normal? It shook the legs clear off. It works fine as long as I don’t wash jeans and towels. Thanks

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