From time to time, we receive calls to assess shaking or vibration in newer front load washers. Generally, the manufacturers of these modern systems have worked out vibration issues but occasionally (rarely on newer, mostly older) we do come across broken springs or shocks. Sometimes even faulty bearings are the culprit, but again, that tends to be only on a very well used machine or a washer that hasn’t been fed the recommended He (High Efficiency) soaps. But more often the problem relates to improper loading, incorrect set-up or even the floor that the unit sits on.

First question to ask is whether or not the machine was unpacked properly. Believe it or not, we come across this more often than one would think. Read the installation guide carefully as there can be hidden fasteners and shipping bolts that may not be obvious right away. It’s amazing how much rocking and rolling a washer can do when it still has the shipping foam and bolts in place.

If that is not an issue, has it been leveled properly? Make sure the machine is firm to the floor and the lock nuts are tight. If the lock nuts are not tight, the legs can loosen over time and cause shaking months after the install.

Next important question is about the floor. Some machines will not do well on a floor with substandard support. Generally, your tub is suspended by springs and stabilized by shock absorbers. This system will allow the tub to shake and vibrate within the outer cabinet, but not transfer that energy to the cabinet itself. However, in order for this to work, and according to the laws of physics, the cabinet MUST be on a solid floor. Otherwise, the energy will be transferred from the inner tub to the outer framework of the washer. On a concrete floor, there should be no shaking. Move that same washer to a wooden floor that is not properly supported and it can walk all over the laundry space.

Test your floor this way. Place a glass of water a few feet away from the washer and give it a go. If the water forms choppy ripples on a properly set up washer, your floor is shaking with the transfer of energy from the tub and there will be nothing that can be done to the washer to remedy that. Generally, shaking problems don’t occur in the basement on a cement floor.

Finally, if all else is OK, check the load. Tiny loads and mismatched loads can cause the tub to go off balance. A front load washer is designed for larger loads.

Now, if all these things seem normal or not a problem, there may still be a problem with the washer itself. And that is where we come in.