LG Washing Machine: shaking

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine shaking excessively during the spin cycle? This can lead to loud noises and movement from its original position. Common causes include an unbalanced load or an unstable surface. Understanding these factors can help restore peace to your laundry routine.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for LG Models

  • LG front-load washers may have shipping bolts that must be removed post-installation to prevent vibration.
  • Some LG models use specific shock absorber and suspension rod designs that should be replaced as matched sets.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced load

How to Identify: Shaking mainly occurs during spin and changes when laundry distribution is adjusted; clothes clumped to one side.

Part: Drum / laundry load distribution

Machine placed on unstable or uneven floor surface

How to Identify: Floor is visibly uneven or soft (e.g., wooden subfloor and vibration is worse than expected.

Part: Floor support under machine

Bearing or internal mechanical wear

How to Identify: Grinding or growling noises accompany shaking; shaking persists after basic checks.

Part: Drum bearings / transmission

DIY Solutions

Balance laundry load

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Stop the washer mid-cycle.
  2. Redistribute clothes evenly around the drum avoiding clumping.
  3. Remove some items if overloaded and restart cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not open door mid-spin until machine stops fully.

Level the washer

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Level tool, Wrench for feet
  1. Place a level across the top of the washer.
  2. Adjust the leveling feet clockwise/counterclockwise until the machine is level both front-to-back and side-to-side.
  3. Tighten lock nuts on feet if present and recheck level.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug machine before adjusting feet to avoid tipping risk.

Remove shipping bolts (new install)

Moderate 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: Wrench (often provided)
  1. Locate rear shipping bolts.
  2. Turn bolts counterclockwise to remove each.
  3. Insert provided hole covers into bolt holes.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before tilting machine.

Next step

Choose the next step for 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.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Model number required

Model-compatible Washing Machine parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

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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 or suspension springs

Estimated Cost: $80–$200

Replace drum bearings or transmission components

Estimated Cost: $150–$400+

When to Call a Professional

Shaking persists after correcting load imbalance and leveling
Grinding, growling, or metal-on-metal noises accompany shaking
Water leakage or unusual movement risks damage
Visible damage to suspension components

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and adjust level: Unnecessary vibration and premature wear
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect suspension components: Vibration due to worn absorbers or springs
    Frequency: annually
  • Avoid overloading and uneven loads: Unbalanced load induced shaking
    Frequency: Every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine shaking?
The shaking is often due to an unbalanced load or the machine being on an uneven floor.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine shaking myself?
You can balance the load, level the washer, or remove shipping bolts if newly installed.
How much does it cost to fix shaking?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $400+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for shaking?
If the shaking persists after DIY solutions, or if internal parts may be worn, it's time to call a pro.

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

  • Unbalanced load due to uneven distribution of clothes
  • Worn or damaged shock absorbers or suspension springs
  • Improper installation or leveling of the washing machine

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Redistribute the load evenly inside the drum. Remove some items if necessary to balance the weight.

  2. Inspect and replace worn shock absorbers or suspension springs. This may involve removing the outer casing of the washer.

  3. Check and adjust the leveling feet of the washing machine to ensure it is sitting flat on the floor.

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. My front load washer is shaking. Should I replace with small...

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