Lg Washing Machine: excessive vibration

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing excessive vibration with your LG washing machine? You may notice it shaking, wobbling, or even 'walking' during cycles, especially on high spin speeds. This issue can stem from shipping bolts still in place, an unbalanced load, or the washer being improperly leveled. Addressing these causes can restore stability and reduce noise during operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG explicitly warns that failing to remove shipping bolts/retainers before first use can cause severe vibration and noise and may lead to permanent damage; LG also notes a shipping foam block/base support may remain and cause vibration.
  • LG dampers (shock absorbers) are a common repair for persistent vibration in front-load models; iFixit provides a damper replacement guide written for LG WM3050CW and notes it applies to most LG front-load washers.

Possible Causes

Shipping bolts/retainers (and/or shipping foam block) not removed after installation (front-load models)

How to Identify: Washer is newly installed or recently moved. Extreme shaking/noise from first use. Check rear panel for 4 shipping bolts; check underside/rear for shipping foam block/base support per LG instructions.

Part: Shipping bolts, retainers, shipping foam block/base support (transport packaging)

Washer not level / leveling feet not adjusted correctly / insufficiently rigid floor

How to Identify: Machine rocks when pushed at corners, or bubble level shows it is not level side-to-side/front-to-back. Vibration occurs even with balanced loads. Often worse on flexible wood floors; may improve if moved to more rigid surface.

Part: Leveling feet, cabinet leveling, floor structure

Unbalanced load (clumped items, single heavy item, tangling) or overloading preventing auto-balancing

How to Identify: Vibration occurs mainly with bulky items (blankets, towels or single heavy items; improves when load is redistributed or reduced. Often happens at transition to high-speed spin.

Part: Load distribution in drum/tub

Worn or failed shock absorbers/dampers (front-load) or suspension rods/dampers (top-load)

How to Identify: Washer increasingly vibrates over time even when level and with balanced loads; tub/drum bounces excessively when pushed down by hand; may bang during spin; visual signs of leaking, broken, or loose damper mounts.

Part: Shock absorbers / dampers (front load), suspension system

Counterbalance spring / suspension spring failure or detachment

How to Identify: Tub sits unevenly, tilts to one side, or appears lower than normal; loud banging even after leveling and load redistribution; visible spring damage or disconnection on inspection.

Part: Counterbalance spring(s), suspension springs

Bearing or spider arm (drum support) wear causing instability (more common in older front-load units)

How to Identify: Vibration accompanied by rumbling/grinding noise during spin, visible tub play, or water/oil leakage signs near bearing area; worsens progressively over months. Often persists regardless of leveling or load balance.

Part: Tub bearing, spider arm/drum support

DIY Solutions

Remove shipping bolts/retainers and confirm no shipping block is trapped (new install / recently moved)

Easy 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Wrench or socket set (size varies by model), Flashlight
  1. Unplug the washer.
  2. Move the washer forward to access the rear panel.
  3. Locate and remove all shipping bolts and retainers from the rear of the washer (typically 4 bolts).
  4. Install the hole caps provided in the accessory pack to plug the bolt holes.
  5. Inspect for any shipping foam block/base support that may be trapped beneath or behind the unit and remove it if present.
  6. Run a rinse-and-spin cycle with a small balanced load to confirm vibration is resolved.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not operate the washer with shipping bolts installed; LG warns it can cause severe vibration/noise and permanent damage.

Level the washer and lock the leveling feet

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Bubble level, Adjustable wrench (for lock nuts, if equipped)
  1. Place a bubble level on top of the washer (front-to-back and side-to-side).
  2. Adjust the leveling feet until the washer is perfectly level and does not rock when pressed on corners.
  3. If your model has lock nuts, tighten them to secure the feet after leveling.
  4. Re-test with a spin cycle. If vibration persists and the floor is flexible, consider reinforcing the floor or using a rigid base (see next solution).
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure the washer is stable before operating to prevent it from walking into walls/fixtures.

Correct unbalanced loads (redistribute and avoid single heavy items)

Easy 2-5 minutes (per incident)
  1. Pause/stop the washer when excessive shaking begins.
  2. Open the door/lid (after it unlocks) and redistribute items evenly around the drum.
  3. If overloaded, remove some items to allow the washer to balance the load.
  4. Avoid washing single heavy items alone; add a few similar-weight items to balance the load.
  5. Restart the cycle and monitor during spin.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not try to hold or restrain a walking washer during spin; stop the cycle and correct the load.

Stabilize the installation surface (rigid base for flexible floors)

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Plywood or rigid washer base platform, Level, Measuring tape
  1. Confirm the washer is level first.
  2. If installed on a flexible wood floor and vibration persists, place the washer on a rigid plywood platform sized to fully support all feet (or use a purpose-built anti-vibration base).
  3. Re-level the washer on the platform and verify no rocking.
  4. Run a spin cycle to confirm improvement.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure the platform cannot slide; it must be stable and fully support the washer.

Professional Repairs

Replace worn shock absorbers/dampers (front load) or suspension components (top load)

Estimated Cost: $120 - $350

Replace counterbalance/suspension spring(s)

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace tub bearing and/or spider arm (drum support) assembly

Estimated Cost: $400 - $900+

When to Call a Professional

Shipping bolts cannot be removed (LG notes service may be required if they cannot be removed).
Washer continues to violently shake after confirming shipping hardware removed, proper leveling, and balanced loads.
You observe excessive tub/drum bounce, tilted tub position, broken springs, or damaged shock absorbers/dampers.
Vibration is accompanied by grinding/rumbling noises, visible tub play, or water/oil leakage near the tub/bearing area.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Verify washer remains level and feet are firmly planted; re-check after moving the washer or after major vibration events.: Progressive vibration, walking, and cabinet/tub stress
    Frequency: Every 6 months or after relocation
  • Load laundry in mixed, balanced loads (avoid single heavy items) and do not overload; redistribute items if the washer begins to shake.: Out-of-balance spin events and excessive vibration
    Frequency: Every load
  • Inspect shock absorbers/dampers and suspension visually if vibration begins to worsen over time.: Severe vibration and secondary damage from worn suspension parts
    Frequency: Annually (or when symptoms worsen)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine excessive vibration?
Excessive vibration can be caused by unremoved shipping bolts, unbalanced loads, or improper leveling.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine excessive vibration myself?
Remove shipping bolts, level the washer, and redistribute unbalanced loads for a quick fix.
How much does it cost to fix excessive vibration?
Professional repairs can range from $120 to $900, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for excessive vibration?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if parts need replacement.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Loose counterweight screws (1 mentions)
  • Improper installation of shipping bolts (1 mentions)
  • Worn suspension springs (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Tighten loose counterweight screws

    Success rate: 20.0%

  2. Remove shipping bolts

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. LG Washing Machine Vibrates
  2. LG Washing Machine vibrating and shaking - WD14024D6
  3. Fairly new LG washing machine vibrating like mad

Community Discussions

vibrating excessively, knocking sound

One counterweight had nearly removed itself; screws were loose from the factory.

DIY View on Reddit →

vibrates badly, moves during spin cycle

Repair the washer for under $200 as new washers are of lower quality.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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