Is it normal for washing machine drum to wobble?

Author: Enola Kulas  |  Last update: Sunday, December 14, 2025

A small amount of washing machine shaking is normal, particularly during the spin cycle. However, your washer shouldn't “walk” across the floor and you shouldn't hear thumping, banging or loud vibration. If a washer is installed and used properly, excessive shaking is unusual and there may be a simple fix.

Should a washing machine drum be wobbly?

A wobbly washing machine isn't just a noisy nuisance, it actually affects the performance of your wash. If you've recently installed a new washing machine, you may find that it's not completely flush with your floor. This wobble can cause a lot of unwanted noise during a wash, especially during the spin cycle. A wobbl.

How to fix a wobbly drum in a washing machine?

Fix an unbalanced drum on a washing machine by redistributing the laundry evenly inside the drum. Check that the machine is on a level surface and adjust the feet if necessary. Look for any worn suspension springs or shock absorbers to replace them.

Can I still use my washing machine if the drum is loose?

As long as the drum rotates and spins, you can use, putting up with the noise, vibration and increased energy consumption. You need to get the machine repaired sooner or later or replace it and get a new machine.

What causes a washing machine drum to wobble?

Unbalanced loads and uneven footing are the main culprits, but unaddressed shaking can also damage your machine over time. Let's get your washer back to spinning smoothly and quietly. Easy DIY Fixes: Balance the Load: Uneven loads are often the culprit behind a shaking washer.

Front-Load Washer Vibrating — Front-Load Washing Machine Troubleshooting

How to tell if a washing machine has loose or worn out drum bearings?

The main indicator of worn bearings is if your washing machine drum is making a grinding noise while turning. You can test this by placing your hand inside the tub, giving it a spin for yourself and listening out for any grinding noises.

Why is my washer drum loose banging around?

Experiencing a loose washer drum that's making a racket during your wash cycle is certainly not ideal. This issue could be a result of several factors such as worn out suspension springs, a faulty shock absorber, or loose drum bearings.

Can a washing machine drum become unbalanced?

1. Overloading or Underloading the Machine. Balancing your laundry load is crucial for a steady washer. While overloading can strain and unbalance the drum, underloading can cause items to cluster on one side during the spin, creating a lopsided situation.

How do you stabilize a washing machine drum for moving?

Preventing a washing machine's drum from excessive motion during your move will protect the suspension from breaking. You can do this by securing the drum with shipping bolts or transit bolts. These metal rods are inserted into special slots in the rear of the washer to secure the drum.

How much does it cost to fix a loose washing machine drum?

Washing machine drum replacement cost falls between $350 and $550. Replacing the inner drum of a washer is one of the more costly repairs. Drums only require replacement if the tub has become damaged or has a manufacturer defect.

Should washing machine drum spin freely?

If the drum rotates VERY freely without any resistance, then it is likely that the belt has become detached,or the belt has snapped.

Is it worth replacing drum bearings on a washing machine?

Often, the problem associated with a noisy washing machine relates to faulty or broken drum bearings. These bearings are vital to the operation of your washer because they can introduce savings on energy use, better cleaning performance, prevent damage spreading to other parts of your washer and more.

Why is my washing machine drum so loose?

The most common causes of a loose drum

Some of the most common causes of a loose washing machine drum include the following: Faulty bearings: These are often the biggest culprit. The quickest way you can diagnose this issue is to switch off your washing machine at its power source and then spin the drum gently by hand.

How much should a washing machine wobble?

A small amount of washing machine shaking is normal, particularly during the spin cycle. However, your washer shouldn't “walk” across the floor and you shouldn't hear thumping, banging or loud vibration. If a washer is installed and used properly, excessive shaking is unusual and there may be a simple fix.

Should a washing machine drum move forwards and backwards?

If you can move the washing machine drum around quite a bit with your hand, this is known as 'excessive play' and also indicates worn drum bearings, or a worn drum shaft. However, if it only moves at one particular point then it's more likely to be a broken or corroded drum spider – see image below.

Is it normal for washing machine drum to move?

It's normal for your machine to shake during laundry cycles. But not to the point where it moves out from under the worktop or away from its usual spot. If you notice it moving across the room – like in a horror film – you should act quickly.

Why is my washing machine drum shaking a lot?

If you notice shaking, try to load fewer clothes and ensure items are evenly dispersed throughout the basket to equalize weight inside the washer. You can also try adding other items to help equalize weight inside the basket to help stop the shaking.

How do I know if my washing machine drum is damaged?

If it sounds like something is trying to break out of your washing machine, it needs immediate attention. Loud noises, particularly combined with machine movement, usually indicate an imbalanced load or a problem with the position of the washer drum.

How do you rebalance a washing machine drum?

Open the door and evenly distribute the load, avoiding heavy items on one side. If your machine has an adjustable weight balance, use it. If not, manually adjust the load. Start a spin cycle and observe for any wobbling or excessive vibration.

How long should a washing machine last?

Average washing machine lifespan

Well, this figure obviously varies depending on lots of different factors - including brand, model, how you use it, and how well you maintain it. But generally, if you look after your washing machine properly you should it expect it to last anywhere between 7 and 12 years.

How do I fix my washing machine from shaking violently?

By redistributing the weight of the load, cleaning the filter and drain pump, not overloading the machine, and ensuring that the machine is level and installed correctly, you can prevent your washing machine from shaking or vibrating and enjoy a smooth and efficient laundry experience.

How much does it cost to replace a drum bearing on a washing machine?

Washing Machine Bearings Replacement Cost

Expect to pay between $150 and $230 to replace drum bearings, including the cost of labor. Bearings last about 10 years. Call a washer repair contractor near you if it starts making unusual sounds.

Can I still use my washing machine if the bearings have gone?

While it might seem alright to use your washing machine with worn-out bearings for a short while, it's generally not advised due to several risks: More wear and tear: Faulty bearings can make the drum wobble excessively, putting extra strain on other parts like the basket, shaft, outer drum, and even the motor.

Why is my washer drum banging when spinning?

The most common reason your washer makes banging sounds during the spin cycle is that an unbalanced load has thrown it out of whack. When you put your dirty clothes in your machine, make sure to distribute them evenly in the drum. Heavy items mixed with lighter ones can cause it to spin unevenly.

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