If your washer is shaking, vibrating too much, or moving during spin, stop the cycle and check the tub and load before continuing. The most likely cause is a damaged or missing washing machine damper, which absorbs tub movement and helps prevent an unbalanced washer. If the washer vibrates only while draining, inspect the drain pump for debris or a malfunction that may be throwing the machine off balance. Next, check the shock absorbers, suspension rods, and suspension springs for damage, wear, or separation after the washer was moved. Replace worn shock absorbers as a set when possible, and replace any broken rods or springs. On a top-load washer, a loose inner tub that moves when rotated by hand can indicate a worn or damaged transmission. Leveling the machine and redistributing the load may help with minor washer shaking, but damaged suspension parts require replacement. Enter your model number to find the exact damper, drain pump, shock absorber, suspension rod, suspension spring, or transmission for your specific washing machine. With the right part and basic tools, you can fix a washer moving during spin instead of replacing the appliance.
01 - Washing Machine Damper
A washing machine damper helps to absorb the movement of the washer tub as it spins. If the damper is broken or missing, the tub might become unbalanced, causing it to shake and vibrate during the spin cycle. Inspect the damper for any damage and replace if necessary.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
If the washer is vibrating or shaking only during the drain cycle, it's likely that the drain pump is partially obstructed or malfunctioning in some other way. You should inspect the pump for any debris lodged in the ports and replace the component if you suspect it is malfunctioning.
One or more of the shock absorbers might be broken or worn out. The shock absorbers dampen the vibration of the washer tub. If one or more of the shock absorbers are worn out, the washer will vibrate or shake. Sometimes, when a washer is moved to another location, the shock absorbers can separate. Check the shock absorbers to ensure that they are positioned correctly, and inspect them for damage and wear. If one or more of the shock absorbers are broken or worn out, we recommend replacing all of the shock absorbers as a preventative measure.
One or more of the suspension rods might be broken. The suspension rods help to dampen the movement of the washer tub. If one or more of the suspension rods are broken, the washer will vibrate or shake. To determine if the suspension rods are at fault, check the rods to determine if any of them are broken. If a suspension rod is broken, replace it.
One or more of the suspension springs might be broken. The suspension springs help to absorb the movement of the washer tub. If a suspension spring breaks, the tub might become unbalanced, causing it to shake and vibrate during operation. Inspect the suspension springs to determine if any of the springs are broken. If a suspension spring is broken, replace it.
If a top-load washer's inner tub is loose when you try and rotate it by hand, then it's likely the transmission could be worn out or damaged. Inspect the transmission and replace if necessary.
One or more of the counterbalance springs might be broken. The counterbalance springs help to absorb the movement of the washer tub. If a spring breaks, the tub might become unbalanced, causing it to shake and vibrate during operation. Inspect the counterbalance springs to determine if any of the springs are broken. If a counterbalance spring is broken, replace it. Additionally, check the frame where the counterbalance springs are attached. If the frame is rusted, replace it.