LG Washing Machine: excessive shaking

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine shaking excessively during operation? This common issue often results in loud banging noises and can cause the machine to move from its designated spot. The primary cause is typically an unbalanced load, leading to vibrations that disrupt the spin cycle. Learn how to identify and resolve this problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for LG Models

  • LG specifically warns that leaving shipping bolts in place causes severe vibration and potential damage

Possible Causes

Unbalanced laundry load

How to Identify: Shaking occurs sporadically when certain loads (e.g., single heavy items or mixed weights are run; machine often vibrates more at spin start.

Part: Drum / load distribution

DIY Solutions

Balance the laundry load

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Stop the washer mid-cycle
  2. Redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum
  3. Avoid mixing very heavy with very light items or overloading
⚠️ Safety First: Pause machine before opening door if locked

Level the washer

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Spirit level, Wrench
  1. Place spirit level on top to check level front-to-back and side-to-side
  2. Adjust the leveling feet until washer is level
  3. Tighten lock nuts on feet and recheck stability
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is unplugged for stability adjustments

Remove shipping bolts (new units)

Moderate 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: Wrench
  1. Locate shipping/transit bolts on rear of washer
  2. Loosen and remove bolts
  3. Insert caps into bolt holes
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off power before adjusting

Next step

Choose the next step for excessive shaking

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

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Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Braided Washer Inlet Hoses

A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Washer Drain Hose Holder

Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace shock absorbers/suspension rods

Estimated Cost: $50–$150 parts (variation by model)

Replace suspension springs

Estimated Cost: $30–$100 parts

Replace drum bearings or spider support

Estimated Cost: $100–$300 parts

When to Call a Professional

Persistent excessive shaking after balancing load and leveling
Loud unusual noises (rumbling, knocking) accompanying vibration
Visible internal component damage (broken shocks, springs, bearings)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Periodic leveling check: Vibration due to uneven surface
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check and balance loads before starting: Unbalanced vibration
    Frequency: Every wash
  • Inspect shock absorbers/springs during service: Wear‑related vibration
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine excessive shaking?
Excessive shaking is often caused by an unbalanced laundry load or improper leveling.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine excessive shaking myself?
To fix it, redistribute the load evenly, level the washer, and remove any shipping bolts.
How much does it cost to fix excessive shaking?
Professional repairs can cost between $30 to $300, depending on the parts needed.
When should I call a technician for excessive shaking?
Call a technician if DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if the problem persists.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Improper installation (shipping bolts not removed) (1 mentions)
  • Worn out shock absorbers or bearings (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Shaking LG Washing Machine
  2. LG WM3270C Washer Shakes With Small Load

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