Stop a shaking washing machine by finding the cause, then adjusting and locking its feet until it stands dead level.
WM-01Clear the space and check for transit boltsUnplug the machine and turn off the tap feeding its water hose. Pull the machine out enough to see all four feet and the back panel clearly. Check for any leftover transit (transport) bolts, usually orange or grey plastic caps or metal bolts — these hold the drum still for delivery and cause violent shaking if left in.
WM-02Check the floor itselfLay your spirit level on the floor where the machine stands, checking front-to-back and side-to-side. A sloping or springy floor will rock any machine no matter how well the feet are set — this is common on suspended timber floors. If the floor itself moves or slopes badly, sort that out first before touching the feet.
WM-03Loosen the foot locknutsEach foot has a locknut sitting hard against the machine's base. Loosen each locknut a few turns with a spanner, without unscrewing the foot fully. This frees the foot to turn so you can raise or lower that corner.
WM-04Adjust each foot to level the machineTilt the machine slightly and turn each foot by hand — clockwise raises that corner, anticlockwise lowers it. Put the spirit level on top of the machine, check front-to-back and side-to-side, and adjust one foot at a time. Recheck the level after each change, since adjusting one foot affects the others.
WM-05Lock the feet in placeOnce level, hold each foot steady with one spanner while tightening its locknut with another, so the foot can't turn anymore. Recheck the spirit level after locking each one, as tightening can shift the height slightly. All four feet should sit flat with no rocking when you press down on each corner.
WM-06Push back and test-runPush the machine back into position, reconnect the water and plug it in. Run a short spin-only cycle and watch closely, especially as it reaches full spin speed. If it still walks, bangs or rocks, stop it and repeat the levelling — a machine that isn't level will keep working its own feet loose.
WM-07Tidy up and finishCheck the hoses aren't kinked, trapped or stretched now the machine has moved. Wipe up any spilled water and make sure the machine sits square in its space. Keep the spanner and any removed transit bolts somewhere safe in case you need to move the machine again.
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