What is actually happening
A drum full of wet washing weighs a great deal and spins at speed, so the machine relies on suspension springs and shock absorbers to keep that force contained. Once those are worn, or the load will not balance, the drum swings far enough to hit the casing and the whole machine moves. On a newly delivered machine the answer is almost always the transit bolts.
The usual causes
- Transit bolts never removed after delivery — the machine is bolted solid and cannot absorb anything
- Worn shock absorbers or a broken suspension spring
- Feet not adjusted, so the machine rocks on an uneven floor
- A load the machine cannot balance, such as a single heavy towel or a duvet
- Worn drum bearings letting the drum move out of true
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- If it was delivered recently, check the transit bolts were taken out of the back — this is the most common cause by far on a new machine
- Push down on each corner in turn: any rocking means the feet need adjusting and the lock nuts tightening
- Try a spin with a mixed load rather than one heavy item
Still shaking and moving?
If the checks above have not sorted it, it needs looking at properly. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my washing machine shaking and moving?
The machine walks across the floor or bangs violently during the spin. A drum full of wet washing weighs a great deal and spins at speed, so the machine relies on suspension springs and shock absorbers to keep that force contained. Once those are worn, or the load will not balance, the drum swings far enough to hit the casing and the whole machine moves. On a newly delivered machine the answer is almost always the transit bolts.
Can I fix a washing machine shaking and moving myself?
If it was delivered recently, check the transit bolts were taken out of the back — this is the most common cause by far on a new machine. Push down on each corner in turn: any rocking means the feet need adjusting and the lock nuts tightening. Try a spin with a mixed load rather than one heavy item. Those checks fix it more often than not. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair a washing machine shaking and moving?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other washing machine faults
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine tripping the electrics