Why Is My LG Washing Machine Vibrating So Much?
Check that all four levelling feet are firmly in contact with the floor and tighten the locking nuts — a machine that is even slightly uneven will vibrate badly at spin speed (takes about 5 minutes).
Fault description
Excessive vibration in an LG washing machine is one of the most common complaints owners report, and in the vast majority of cases it has a straightforward mechanical cause rather than an internal fault. You may notice the machine rocking, 'walking' across the floor, producing a loud thumping noise, or shaking so severely that items fall off nearby surfaces — most noticeably during the spin cycle when drum speed is at its highest.
The washing machine's drum, motor, and suspension system are all designed to absorb movement, but they can only do so when the machine is correctly set up and the load inside is balanced. When something disrupts that balance — whether it's an uneven floor, a worn shock absorber, or a single heavy item tangled on one side of the drum — the vibration that would normally be dampened gets transferred directly to the cabinet and the floor.
Working through the checks below in order will resolve the problem for most households without needing any specialist tools or replacement parts.
Causes
- Machine not level — If one or more of the four adjustable feet are not making firm, even contact with the floor, the machine will rock during the spin cycle and amplify vibration dramatically. This is the single most common cause and the first thing to check.
- Unbalanced or overloaded drum — A single heavy item like a duvet or a pair of jeans can clump to one side of the drum, creating an off-centre load that causes severe shaking at high spin speeds. Overloading the drum has a similar effect, as the laundry cannot redistribute itself properly.
- Transit bolts not removed — LG washing machines are shipped with transit bolts fitted at the rear to lock the drum in place during transport. If these were never removed during installation, the machine will vibrate violently on every wash. Check the rear panel for any remaining bolts or plastic spacers.
- Worn or failed shock absorbers — The drum is held in place by shock absorbers (also called dampers) that cushion its movement during the spin cycle. Over time these wear out and lose their ability to dampen vibration, causing the drum to knock against the cabinet.
- Worn drum bearings — Drum bearings allow the drum to spin smoothly on its shaft. When they begin to fail, you will typically hear a loud rumbling or grinding noise alongside the vibration, and the drum may feel rough when turned by hand.
- Unsuitable flooring or surface — A machine placed on a thick rubber mat, an uneven wooden floor, or a raised platform can vibrate more than one sitting on solid, level concrete or tile. The surface itself can amplify rather than absorb movement.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Remove any remaining transit bolts
Look at the back of the machine for three or four large bolts, usually with coloured plastic spacers, running through the rear panel. If they are still fitted, unscrew them by hand or with a spanner and keep them somewhere safe. The machine cannot operate correctly with these in place, and removing them takes only a couple of minutes.
- 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 in or out by hand or with a spanner to raise or lower that corner. Once all four feet sit flat on the floor and the bubble is centred, tighten the locking nut on each foot up against the base of the machine to stop them moving again.
- 3
Redistribute or reduce the load
Open the door and check whether the laundry has clumped together on one side. Spread items evenly around the drum and remove any single very heavy items — wash these separately or add smaller items to balance the load. Never fill the drum more than three-quarters full.
- 4
Run a short spin cycle and observe
After completing steps 1–3, run a short spin-only cycle and watch the machine from a safe distance. If the vibration has reduced significantly, the issue was postural or load-related. If it continues, move on to the next steps.
- 5
Check the floor surface
If the machine sits on a wooden suspended floor, try placing a solid anti-vibration mat (a dense rubber pad, not a foam one) under all four feet. This can significantly reduce transmitted vibration. Avoid placing the machine on any surface that flexes noticeably when you press on it.
- 6
Inspect the shock absorbers
With the machine unplugged, remove the back or front panel (refer to your model's service diagram) to access the shock absorbers connecting the drum to the cabinet frame. Push and pull the drum gently — it should move smoothly with firm resistance. If a damper feels loose, leaks oil, or offers no resistance at all, it needs replacing.
- 7
Check the drum bearings
With the machine unplugged, open the door and try rotating the drum slowly by hand. A healthy drum turns smoothly and quietly. A rumbling, grinding, or rough sensation when turning indicates worn bearings. Also check for any side-to-side play in the drum shaft, which is another sign of bearing failure.
When to call a service technician
If the vibration is accompanied by a loud grinding or rumbling noise that gets worse over time, the drum bearings are likely failing. Bearing replacement on an LG washing machine requires significant disassembly and specialist tools, and attempting it without experience can cause further damage — this is a job for a service technician.
You should also call a service technician if you have replaced the shock absorbers and the machine still vibrates excessively, or if you notice the drum has visible side-to-side movement when pushed by hand. These symptoms suggest structural wear that goes beyond straightforward DIY repair.
Prevention
The parts most commonly replaced when dealing with excessive vibration on LG washing machines are the shock absorbers (dampers), the drum bearings, and the anti-vibration feet or foot locking nuts. Shock absorbers typically last five to ten years depending on usage, and replacing them in pairs is recommended so both sides wear evenly. Drum bearings last longer but will eventually need attention on any high-use machine.
To find the correct parts for your specific LG model, use the spare parts search below — enter your full model number (found on the label inside the door frame) to see compatible components.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for an LG washing machine to vibrate a little during the spin cycle?
A small amount of movement is normal, particularly at high spin speeds. However, the machine should not rock noticeably, move across the floor, or produce loud banging sounds. If it does any of these things, there is an underlying issue worth investigating.
My LG washing machine only vibrates on certain cycles — why?
Vibration that only occurs at high spin speeds is usually caused by an unbalanced load or levelling issue, since these problems are amplified as the drum spins faster. If it happens consistently regardless of load, worn shock absorbers or bearings are more likely to blame.
Can I use an anti-vibration mat to fix the problem?
An anti-vibration mat can reduce the noise and movement transmitted to the floor, but it will not fix the underlying cause. If the machine is unlevel or has worn internal components, a mat will only mask the symptom. Always address the root cause first.
How do I know if my LG washing machine still has transit bolts fitted?
Look at the back panel of the machine for three or four large bolts, usually 10–17mm in diameter, with coloured plastic spacers or caps around them. They are typically positioned in a row across the upper half of the rear panel. Your machine's installation guide will show their exact location.
How long do shock absorbers last on an LG washing machine?
On average, shock absorbers last between five and ten years, though this depends heavily on how often the machine is used and whether it is regularly overloaded. If your machine is more than seven years old and has started vibrating more than it used to, the dampers are a sensible first replacement to consider.