Why Is My Electrolux Washing Machine Vibrating So Much?
Check that all four transit bolts have been removed from the back of the machine — leaving even one in place causes severe vibration during spin, and removing them takes about 5 minutes.
Fault description
Excessive vibration during a wash cycle — particularly during the spin phase — is one of the most common complaints reported across Electrolux washing machines. The machine may rock back and forth, produce a loud banging noise, or even walk across the floor. While alarming, this symptom is very often caused by something straightforward that you can resolve yourself without any specialist tools.
The spin cycle is the most demanding phase of any wash program, and it places significant mechanical stress on the drum, suspension, and feet of the machine. When something is out of balance — whether that's the load inside the drum, the machine's position on the floor, or a worn mechanical component — that stress becomes visible as shaking or vibration.
Working through the checks below in order will help you identify the root cause quickly. Most cases are resolved at step one or two.
Causes
- Transit bolts not removed — Electrolux washing machines are shipped with metal transit bolts fitted to the rear panel to lock the drum in place during transport. If these are not removed before first use, the drum cannot move freely and the machine will vibrate violently on every spin cycle.
- Uneven or unstable floor surface — A machine sitting on an uneven floor, a soft surface like thick carpet, or a surface that flexes under load will rock during spin. Even a small amount of unevenness can amplify vibration significantly at high spin speeds.
- Adjustable feet not levelled correctly — All four feet need to be in firm, even contact with the floor. If one or more feet are not properly adjusted or have worked loose over time, the machine will tip and rock rather than sitting stable.
- Unbalanced laundry load — A single heavy item — such as a duvet, jeans, or a towel — can clump to one side of the drum during spin, creating an off-centre load. The machine's balance system will attempt to compensate, but severe imbalance causes heavy vibration and sometimes an automatic speed reduction.
- Worn or damaged drum bearings — Over time, the drum bearings that allow the inner drum to spin smoothly can wear out. This typically produces a loud rumbling or grinding noise alongside vibration, and tends to worsen gradually over several months.
- Faulty or broken suspension springs or shock absorbers — The drum is held in place by a set of springs and shock absorbers designed to dampen movement during spin. If one of these components breaks or loses its damping ability, the drum will move excessively and cause the whole machine to shake.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Remove the transit bolts
Look at the back panel of your Electrolux washing machine for three or four large plastic-capped bolts. These are the transit bolts and must be removed before the machine is used. Use a spanner to unscrew them, then keep them somewhere safe in case you need to move the machine in future. Once removed, the drum should swing freely when you push it by hand.
- 2
Level the machine using the adjustable feet
Place a spirit level on top of the machine and check it in both directions. Each foot can be screwed up or down by hand or with a spanner — turn anticlockwise to lower, clockwise to raise. Once all four feet are in firm contact with the floor and the machine is level, tighten the locking nut on each foot up against the base of the machine to stop them moving again.
- 3
Move the machine onto a hard, flat floor if possible
If your machine sits on thick carpet or a wooden floor that flexes, try repositioning it on a solid tile or concrete surface. If moving it is not practical, a purpose-made anti-vibration mat placed under all four feet can significantly reduce movement and noise by increasing grip and stability.
- 4
Redistribute or reduce the laundry load
Open the door and rearrange the laundry so items are spread evenly around the drum. Avoid washing a single large heavy item on its own — add a couple of towels to balance the load. As a general rule, the drum should be no more than three-quarters full, and items should not be packed in tightly.
- 5
Inspect the shock absorbers for visible damage
With the machine unplugged, remove the front or rear panel (depending on your model — check your user manual). Locate the two shock absorbers connecting the drum to the outer casing. Push and pull the drum by hand; it should move smoothly with resistance. If a shock absorber looks bent, leaking, or offers no resistance at all, it needs to be replaced.
- 6
Check the suspension springs
While the panel is off, look at the springs that hang the drum from the top of the cabinet. Each spring should be intact and hooked securely at both ends. A broken or detached spring will allow the drum to hang unevenly, causing severe vibration. Replacement springs are inexpensive and clip into place without specialist tools.
- 7
Listen for bearing noise during a short spin
Run a short spin-only cycle and listen carefully. A deep rumbling or grinding sound that gets louder as the spin speed increases points to worn drum bearings. This is distinct from the banging of an unbalanced load. If you suspect bearing wear, note the sound and contact a service technician, as bearing replacement requires significant disassembly.
When to call a service technician
If you have worked through all the steps above and the machine is still vibrating excessively, or if you can hear a persistent grinding or rumbling noise during spin that suggests worn drum bearings, it is time to call a service technician. Bearing replacement involves removing the drum from the machine and is not a practical DIY repair for most homeowners.
You should also seek professional help if you notice the drum is visibly dropping lower on one side when the machine is empty, if the machine has suffered a hard knock or been moved roughly, or if any of the internal components you inspect look cracked or severely corroded. Continuing to run the machine in this condition can cause further damage.
Prevention
The parts most commonly replaced when dealing with excessive vibration on Electrolux washing machines are the shock absorbers, the drum suspension springs, and the drum bearing kit (which typically includes the bearing, seal, and sometimes the rear drum half). Keeping an eye on these components during any routine inspection can help you catch wear before it becomes a serious problem.
To reduce the risk of vibration developing over time, always load the machine evenly, avoid consistently running very small or very large loads, and check the levelling feet every six months or so — they can work loose gradually through normal use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep using my Electrolux washing machine if it's vibrating badly?
It depends on the cause. If the vibration is due to an unbalanced load or unlevel feet, running the machine briefly while you investigate is unlikely to cause harm. However, if the vibration is caused by a broken shock absorber, damaged spring, or worn bearings, continued use can cause further internal damage and should be avoided until the fault is fixed.
My machine only vibrates on high spin speeds — is that normal?
Some increase in vibration at higher spin speeds is normal, but the machine should not shake violently or move across the floor. If reducing the spin speed in your program settings stops the problem, try levelling the machine and checking the load balance first. Persistent vibration even at moderate spin speeds points to a mechanical fault.
How do I know if my Electrolux washing machine still has transit bolts fitted?
Look at the back panel of the machine for three or four large bolts, usually covered with coloured plastic caps or plugs. Your user manual will show their exact location and how to remove them. If the machine is brand new or has recently been moved, this is the first thing to check.
Can an anti-vibration mat really make a difference?
Yes, particularly on hard floors where the machine can slide, or on slightly uneven surfaces. A good quality anti-vibration mat increases grip, absorbs some of the drum movement, and can noticeably reduce both vibration and noise. It is not a substitute for proper levelling, but it works well alongside it.
How long do washing machine shock absorbers typically last?
On a machine used regularly — say, five to seven cycles per week — shock absorbers typically last between five and ten years. Consistently overloading the machine or running it on an uneven surface can shorten their lifespan. If your machine is more than seven years old and vibration has gradually worsened, worn shock absorbers are a likely cause.