A washing machine that emits loud noises and shakes violently during the spin cycle can be unsettling, but in many cases, the issue is straightforward to resolve. The problem is typically caused by a combination of installation oversights, how the laundry is loaded, or normal wear and tear on internal components. By following a systematic approach to diagnosis and repair, you can often restore quiet, stable operation without the need for a service call.
### Step 1: Check the Installation and Shipping Bolts
One of the most common and easily overlooked causes of a violently shaking washing machine, especially in a new machine, is the **transit bolts**. These are shipping bolts located on the back of the appliance that secure the drum during transport to prevent damage. If they are not removed before use, the drum will be rigidly fixed to the cabinet, causing the entire machine to vibrate excessively and make loud noises during high-speed spins. Refer to your user manual to locate and remove these bolts, and keep them in a safe place for future moves.
### Step 2: Ensure the Machine is Perfectly Level
An unlevel washing machine is a primary source of vibration. For the machine to operate smoothly, it must be stable on a firm, level floor. You should check if the machine rocks when you press diagonally on its top corners. If it does, it needs to be leveled.
To level the machine, use the adjustable feet, usually found at the front. You can use a spirit level to check the balance and a spanner to adjust the feet up or down. It is crucial that all four feet are in firm contact with the floor. If the machine is on a slippery surface like tiles, consider using a non-slip sheet to prevent it from "walking". For uneven floors, you can use subsidiary materials like leveling feet to support the legs, but be careful not to over-extend the feet beyond about 10mm, as this can itself cause severe vibrations.
### Step 3: Evaluate the Laundry Load
How you load your washing machine has a significant impact on its balance during the spin cycle. An unbalanced load is a very common cause of shaking. This occurs when laundry is not evenly distributed around the drum, forcing the machine to work harder and vibrate to compensate.
To prevent this, you should follow a few simple rules. First, avoid washing a single, heavy, water-absorbent item, like a bath mat or a duvet, as it will become heavy and lopsided. If you must wash large items, mix them with other items to balance the load. Similarly, overloading the machine can cause problems, as the clothes won't have enough room to tumble and distribute themselves evenly. You should also underload the machine; a single item can be just as problematic as an overloaded drum. Before loading, shake out items, fasten zippers and hooks, and place small or delicate items like underwired bras in a laundry bag to prevent them from getting caught or causing noise. Also, ensure that no fabric is caught between the door and the drum, as this can lead to issues.
### Step 4: Look for Loose Items and Parts
Sometimes, the source of the noise is not a balance issue but a foreign object or a loose component. Small items like coins, buttons, or keys can become trapped in the drain filter, causing a rattling or knocking sound. You can access and clean the drain filter by following the instructions in your user manual. Another common culprit is a stray underwire from a bra that has slipped through the holes in the drum.
Loose hoses connected to the back of the machine can also vibrate against the cabinet during a spin cycle, creating a knocking sound. Simply checking and securing these hoses can eliminate this noise. Ensure there is also a small gap (at least 20mm) between the machine and the wall or surrounding cupboards to prevent them from being hit by the machine during operation.
### Step 5: Inspect and Replace Worn Internal Components
If you have checked all the above and the problem persists, the issue may be with the machine's internal suspension system. Over time and with heavy use, the components designed to absorb the drum's movement can wear out. The most common parts to fail are the **shock absorbers** and the **suspension springs**.
- **Shock Absorbers**: These dampen the movement of the outer tub. If they become worn, they can no longer effectively control the drum's motion, leading to excessive rattling, "walking," or a noticeable reduction in spin speed. Replacing them can restore quiet operation and protect other internal components from damage.
- **Suspension Springs**: These support the weight of the outer tub from the top of the chassis. If a spring is stretched, bent, or broken, the tub will hang unevenly, causing violent vibrations and noise during spinning. A repair guide can help you check and replace these parts if you are comfortable with a DIY repair. However, it is often recommended to have a professional service engineer perform this work.
By methodically working through these steps—from the simple fixes like checking the load and leveling, to the more involved task of inspecting internal parts—you can effectively diagnose and solve the problem of a noisy, shaking washing machine.