TL;DR: washing machine shaking or vibrating
- Most common causes: an unbalanced load, a machine that is not level, or worn shock absorbers.
- Try first: avoid overloading the washer, distribute clothes evenly, and make sure the machine is properly levelled.
- Error codes: an LG UE or a Samsung DC is tied to an unbalanced load. Redistributing the load clears DC about 80% of the time.
- Still shaking? Worn shock absorbers and other mechanical parts need a technician. Call 647-834-4646.
If your washing machine is shaking or vibrating excessively during operation, it can be alarming and potentially damaging to the appliance and your home. Excessive washer vibration is a common problem that usually stems from a few straightforward causes. Identifying these issues early can help prevent further damage and ensure your washing machine runs smoothly.
Unbalanced load
One of the most frequent reasons for a washing machine shaking is an unbalanced load. When clothes inside the drum are unevenly distributed, the washer becomes unbalanced during the spin cycle. This causes the machine to rock or vibrate violently as it struggles to maintain stability. To avoid this, try to distribute laundry evenly and avoid washing a single heavy item by itself, like a large blanket or towel.
Washer not level
Another common cause is that the washing machine is not level. If the appliance is installed on an uneven floor or the levelling feet are improperly adjusted, it can cause shaking and excessive vibration. Using a level tool to check the machine’s position and adjusting the feet accordingly helps stabilize it. A washer that rocks when you push a corner is not level.
Worn shock absorbers
Worn-out or damaged shock absorbers (also called dampers) are another reason for excessive shaking. Shock absorbers reduce the movement of the drum during cycles, especially spinning. Over time, these components can wear out, break, or become loose, resulting in more noticeable vibrations. Replacing worn shock absorbers usually requires a professional technician.
Springs, motor coupling and drive belt
Additionally, loose or damaged suspension springs, a faulty motor coupling, or issues with the drive belt can contribute to shaking problems. These mechanical issues need careful inspection and repair.
On a recently delivered or moved washer, shipping bolts left in the back lock the drum’s suspension. They must be removed before first use.
Error codes tied to an unbalanced load: LG UE, Samsung DC
LG UE (or uE): Unbalanced Error
UE (shown as UE or uE) is the Unbalanced Error. The washer detects that the drum load is off-balance during the spin phase. Before it spins fast, the control board checks that the laundry is evenly distributed. If the load is bunched to one side, too small, or too large, or if the machine is sitting unlevel, the drum would shake violently at high speed, so the board stops, adds water, and tries to redistribute the load. If it can’t, it flashes UE and refuses to complete the spin.
UE vs uE: uppercase vs lowercase. On many LG washers, lowercase uE appears first: it’s the washer’s warning that it noticed a slight imbalance and is adding water to redistribute the load on its own. If it succeeds, the cycle continues and you never see anything else. Uppercase UE appears when those automatic re-balancing attempts have failed and the washer needs you to step in.
Violent shaking, banging, or the washer “walking” across the floor points to an imbalance.
Samsung DC (or dC)
As your Samsung washer ramps up to spin speed, vibration sensors on the drum suspension read wobble. If the drum is off-axis enough to risk damaging the bearings or shock absorbers, the cycle pauses and your panel shows DC.
If your Samsung washing machine says DC mid-cycle, the sensor caught wobble outside the safe threshold and stopped the spin to protect itself. Wet clothes shift as water adds weight, so a load that looked fine going in can drift off-centre after the first agitation. Redistributing the load clears DC about 80% of the time.
Causes of an unbalanced-load code, most common first
- Load too small, too large, or bunched to one side. This is by far the most common cause. A single heavy item (a bath mat, one pair of jeans, a comforter, a shower curtain) or a tangled clump throws the drum off-centre. Bedsheets, drawstring shorts, and king-size duvet covers wrap together and refuse to redistribute. Too few items can’t distribute evenly; an overstuffed drum can’t move at all.
- Washer not level. If the machine sits on an uneven floor or its feet aren’t adjusted, the drum tilts and the balance check fails even with a normal load. Even half an inch of tilt makes water in the drum slosh off-axis.
- Bulky or non-absorbent items spinning unevenly. Waterproof items (mattress protectors, rain jackets), single large towels, or items that trap air balloon out and refuse to settle, so the drum can never balance them. Washing them with a few smaller items usually fixes it.
- Shipping bolts left in (new installs). On a recently delivered or moved washer, shipping bolts left in the back lock the drum’s suspension. They must be removed before first use.
- Worn suspension rods or shock absorbers. Over years of service, the rods or dampers that let the drum float and settle wear out. The drum then swings too far and the balance check fails on loads that used to be fine. This is a parts-and-labour repair.
- Failed balance or vibration sensor. This is rare. If the sensor misreads, the board can throw the code even when the load and levelling are perfect.
Washer still shaking after the basics? Call 647-834-4646 for same-day washer repair across the GTA.
How to fix a UE or DC code (unbalanced load)
Safety first. If the washer is mid-cycle with water in the drum, pause it and let it drain before reaching in. Don’t try to force the lid or door open during a spin. Wait for the drum to stop completely.
- Pause and redistribute the load. Pause the cycle, open the door (wait for the drum to stop), and rearrange the laundry so it’s spread evenly around the drum. Break up any clump, unwind tangled sheets, and add a towel or two if you’re washing a single bulky item. Close up and resume the spin.
- Right-size the load. If the drum was nearly empty or packed tight, adjust it. One large item alone almost always trips the code, so pair it with a few smaller items so the drum can balance. Don’t exceed the line marked in the drum. Washing a duvet, comforter, bath mat, or shower curtain alone? Add one or two regular towels to balance the load, or use the dedicated Bedding or Bulky cycle, which uses a slower spin designed for unbalanced single items.
- Level the washer. Push down on each corner. If it rocks, it’s not level. Place a bubble level on the top front edge, then the side edge. Both should read level. If either is off, adjust the front feet (clockwise to raise, counter-clockwise to lower), then lock each foot’s nut up against the chassis so it can’t shift during spin.
- Confirm shipping bolts are out. On a new or recently moved washer, check the back panel for shipping bolts. If they’re still in, remove them.
- Run a spin-only test and verify. Select a Spin-only cycle with a balanced load and watch it reach full speed. If it spins smoothly and the code doesn’t return, you’re done. If it shakes hard, “walks,” or throws the code again with a properly balanced and level machine, the suspension or balance sensor is the suspect. That’s tech time.
Resetting an LG or Samsung washer after fixing the imbalance
- Soft reset (clears a one-off code). Press Power to cancel the active cycle or turn the washer off. Wait a moment, press Power again, select your cycle, and press Start. Do this after redistributing the load.
- Hard reset (forces a control board reboot). If the code persists, unplug the washer from the wall, or flip the laundry-circuit breaker off, for several minutes, then plug it back in.
If the code returns immediately after a reset on a level machine with a balanced load, the suspension or balance sensor is the issue. If it still appears after a full power cycle with a balanced, level load, the fault is hardware (vibration sensor, suspension rods, or control board) and DIY ends here.
Preventing washer vibration
To minimize excessive vibration, avoid overloading the washer, distribute clothes evenly, and ensure the machine is properly levelled.
- Balance every load. Spread laundry evenly, and never spin a single bulky item alone. Pair a comforter or bath mat with a few smaller pieces.
- Keep the washer level. Re-check the levelling feet after moving the machine or if it ever starts to shake, and tighten the lock nuts so the feet can’t drift.
- Sort loads by weight, not just colour. One pair of jeans plus eight T-shirts is far more balanced than four pairs of jeans alone.
- Wash duvets and comforters on the Bedding cycle, alone or with one or two towels for balance.
- Don’t overfill. Don’t exceed the line marked in the drum.
When to call a washer repair pro
If shaking persists despite these measures, it’s best to call a washing machine repair technician. They can diagnose and replace faulty parts like shock absorbers or springs to restore smooth operation. Call in particular if:
- The code returns on a level machine with a properly balanced load, or the washer shakes hard and “walks” even when level. That points to a worn suspension rod or shock absorber.
- The drum swings or bangs against the cabinet during spin. This is the classic worn-damper signature.
- The code appears even with the drum empty or a single small item. This may be a faulty balance sensor.
- DC reappears straight away when you start any cycle, even with a small, balanced, level load.
- You hear loud knocking or grinding during spin attempts. Worn suspension rods or a failed shock absorber.
- The drum visibly wobbles when pushed by hand (machine off and empty).
- You’re not comfortable levelling the machine or removing shipping bolts. That’s what same-day service is for.
Every repair carries a written 90-day warranty on parts and labour. Same-day GTA service: 647-834-4646. For other fault codes, browse our error codes hub, or see our DIY washing machine repair guide for checks you can make first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my washing machine shaking or vibrating excessively?
Excessive washer vibration is a common problem that usually stems from a few straightforward causes: an unbalanced load, a machine that is not level, or worn shock absorbers. Loose or damaged suspension springs, a faulty motor coupling, or issues with the drive belt can also contribute.
How do I stop my washing machine from shaking?
Avoid overloading the washer, distribute clothes evenly, and make sure the machine is properly levelled. Push down on each corner; if it rocks, it is not level, so adjust the front feet. If the shaking persists despite these measures, call a washing machine repair technician.
Why does my washer shake when I wash one heavy item?
Heavy single items such as bath mats, duvets, comforters and jeans concentrate mass on one side of the drum with nothing to counterbalance. Add one or two regular towels for balance, or use the dedicated Bedding cycle, which uses a slower spin designed for unbalanced single items.
What does UE mean on an LG washing machine?
UE stands for Unbalanced Error. It means the washer detected an off-balance load during the spin phase and couldn’t redistribute it on its own, so the control board stopped to avoid violent shaking. The most common cause is a load that’s too small, too large, or bunched to one side, or a washer that isn’t level. Less common causes are worn suspension rods or shock absorbers, leftover shipping bolts, or a faulty balance sensor.
What’s the difference between uE and UE on an LG washer?
They point to the same problem at different stages. Lowercase uE usually appears first: it’s the washer telling you it noticed a slight imbalance and is adding water to redistribute the load automatically. If that works, the cycle continues. Uppercase UE appears when those automatic attempts have failed and the washer needs you to rebalance the load or level the machine.
How do I fix the UE code on my LG washer?
Pause the cycle, open the door once the drum stops, and redistribute the laundry so it’s spread evenly. Break up any clump and pair a single bulky item with smaller pieces. Then check the washer is level by pushing on each corner and adjusting the feet if it rocks, and confirm any shipping bolts are removed on a new install. Run a Spin-only test. If UE returns on a level machine with a balanced load, the suspension or balance sensor needs a technician.
How do I fix the DC code on my Samsung washing machine?
Stop the cycle, open the door once it unlocks, redistribute or remove heavy items, level the washer, and restart. Redistributing the load clears DC about 80% of the time.
Why is DC flashing on my Samsung washer mid-cycle?
Mid-cycle DC flashing means the drum was balanced at the start, but wet clothes shifted during the wash. Pause, redistribute, restart.
My Samsung washer says DC but I’ve redistributed the load. What now?
Check three things: that the washer is level (bubble level on the top edge), that the rear shipping bolts were removed during install, and that no single item is concentrated against one side of the drum. If all three pass and DC persists, suspect a worn suspension rod or vibration sensor.
Can an unbalanced-load error damage the machine if I keep using it?
Yes. Repeatedly forcing a spin past an unbalanced-load code stresses the drum bearings, shock absorbers, and suspension rods. Always clear the imbalance before re-running.
When should I call a washer repair technician for shaking or an unbalanced-load code?
Call when the code returns on a level machine with a properly balanced load; when the drum swings or bangs against the cabinet or the washer ‘walks’ even when level; when the code appears with the drum empty or a single small item (possibly a faulty balance sensor); when you hear loud knocking or grinding during spin; or when you’re not comfortable levelling the machine or removing shipping bolts. Same-day GTA service: 647-834-4646.
Washing machine still shaking?
We come out same-day across the GTA, York Region and Simcoe County. Every repair has a written 90-day warranty on parts and labour. Call 647-834-4646 or book online.
What our customers say
Rating
Zack was very friendly
Great experience – kind and quick turnaround 🙂
Great and efficient service—highly recommended.
Fixed my KitchenAid oven very fast. Great guys both Zack and George. If anything breaks in my kitchen I will call them back.
They fixed my oven in just 2 mins very fast service and nice people.
Thank you super service dryer was repaired today
Highly recommend Appliance Forever!
I’ve had this company several times for my fridge repairs, and I’m always happy with their service! They’re quick, efficient, and always take the time to lay down a tarp and leave the area clean and tidy. It’s clear they take pride in their work and respect your home. Highly recommend them!
Zack from Appliance Forever has great knowledge of the appliances. He serviced my dishwasher had it up and running in 30 mins. So happy to have my dishwasher working. Great service
Zack from Appliance Forever was great. He showed up on time, worked quickly, and had both my fridge and stove range fixed in no time. Super efficient and easy to work with. I’d definitely call him again. Thanks, Zack!
Excellent service from start to finish. The repair was done quickly and at a good price, and the technician was very professional and respectful. Highly recommend this company!
George and Zack are reliable and great. They come and don’t leave until the problem is fixed. Great service.
We’re professional and very helpful.
Bradford super professional and affordable price appliance repair and installation
Vlad was my tech he spotted the problem right away and fixed it very quickly very highy recommend Vlad for repairs
