Your washing machine is supposed to make laundry easier, not sound like it’s about to take flight. But if you’ve noticed your washing machine off balance, you know just how disruptive it can be. If your washer is off balance, you may notice it rock back and forth, rattle loudly during spin cycles, and occasionally even "walk" forward on the floor of the laundry room. Aside from being annoying, a washer that shakes violently can actually shorten the lifespan of the machine and damage surrounding floors or cabinets.
Many people search phrases like “my washing machine is off balance” when they notice these issues, and for good reason. It’s one of the most common washing machine problems homeowners run into. Luckily, balance problems don’t always mean your washer is broken for good. Sometimes when you find your washer off balance, the fix is as simple as rearranging the load or adjusting the feet. Other times, you’ll need a more serious washing machine off balance repair.
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Shop WashersIn this guide, we’ll explain why your washer might be off balance, how to troubleshoot and fix it at home, and when to call in a professional to help. And if your washer has reached the end of its life, we’ll also point you toward the best washers so you can upgrade to something reliable.
Why Is My Washing Machine Off Balance?
So, what actually causes a washer off balance problem? Balance issues are usually related to how the laundry load is distributed inside the drum, the condition of the internal suspension system, or even the surface your washer is sitting on. Here are a few of the most common culprits:
- Uneven Loads: If you’ve ever washed a single large blanket, rug, or comforter, you’ve probably noticed the washing machine drum off balance almost immediately. These bulky items get waterlogged and heavy on one side, making the drum spin unevenly. When this happens, the washer tries to compensate but ends up shaking violently.
- Overloading the Washer: On the flip side, stuffing your washer to the brim is another fast way to end up with the washing machine tub off balance. Overloaded drums can’t spin correctly, putting extra strain on the motor and suspension.
- Uneven Flooring: Believe it or not, sometimes the issue isn’t the washer at all—it’s the floor underneath. If your laundry room floor is sloped or soft, the machine can rock during high-speed spin cycles, creating the impression of an imbalance.
- Worn Suspension Rods or Shock Absorbers: Inside your washer, suspension rods (top-loaders) or shock absorbers (front-loaders) stabilize the drum. Over time, these parts wear out. Once that happens, you’ll notice your washing machine always off balance, no matter what you do with the load.
- Damaged Bearings: Bearings allow the drum to spin smoothly. When the bearings wear down, the washer often produces a grinding noise and encounters balance issues. This issue is one of the more advanced problems to fix.
- Loose or Broken Counterweights: Many washers use heavy counterweights made of concrete or metal to balance the drum during spin cycles. If they crack or come loose, your washer will shake violently, and no amount of load balancing will fix it.
- Dryers vs. Washers: People sometimes ask if dryers can also go off balance. The answer is: not really. Dryers don’t use high-speed spin cycles to wring out water, so they don’t rely on suspension systems the way washers do. That’s why balance problems are almost exclusively a washer issue.
In short, having an off balance washer is common, but if ignored, it can escalate into expensive damage. Catching the cause early makes the fix easier.
→ Learn more: 6 Most Reliable Top Load Washing Machines
How to Fix a Washing Machine Off Balance
If you’re wondering how to fix a washing machine off balance, here’s a breakdown of simple steps and fixes you can try at home:
1. Redistribute the Load
First, stop the washer mid-cycle and open the lid or door; check if the clothes are bunched on one side. Second, rearrange the load evenly, then restart the spin. If you’re washing a single heavy item, try adding a few towels or smaller items to balance the weight.
Pro Tip:
Avoid mixing bulky items with lightweight clothes. Wash comforters or rugs separately, and always keep loads under the maximum capacity listed in your washer’s manual.
2. Check for Leveling Issues
Place a carpenter’s level on top of the washer. If it tilts in any direction, your machine isn’t level. Adjust the feet by turning them clockwise or counterclockwise until the washer sits evenly on the floor. Tighten the locknuts afterward to keep the legs in place.
Pro Tip:
For laundry rooms with sloped floors, consider a washer pedestal or anti-vibration pads to stabilize the machine.
3. Inspect Suspension Rods or Shock Absorbers
If your washing machine is always off balance, even with light loads, inspect the suspension rods (on a top-loader) or shocks (on a front-loader). Worn suspension systems allow the drum to bounce excessively. If you can push the drum down and it springs back loosely, the parts are likely worn and need replacement.
4. Examine Bearings
If your washer shakes and also makes a loud grinding or squealing noise, the bearings may be worn out. This is usually a tougher fix that involves taking apart the drum. While you can technically replace bearings yourself, it’s a job better left for a washing machine repair technician.
5. Secure Counterweights
Check if the washer’s counterweights are secure. If bolts are loose, tighten them. If you notice cracks, the counterweight may need to be replaced entirely.
Pro Tip:
Don’t ignore a cracked counterweight—it can quickly escalate into drum damage and costly repairs.
6. Consider the Age of the Machine
If your washer is more than a decade old, balance issues might be a sign it’s reaching the end of its usable life. In that case, it may be more cost-effective to replace the washer instead of attempting multiple costly repairs.
When to Go to a Professional for Washer Repair
Sometimes DIY fixes aren’t enough. If your washing machine tub is off balance after every load, and you’ve already leveled the machine and checked the load size, it may be time for professional service.
Here’s when you should call in the pros:
- Loud banging noises that shake the entire laundry room.
- Visible damage to the suspension rods, shocks, or drum.
- Leaking water combined with balance problems.
- The spin cycle emits a burning rubber smell.
- The imbalance persists even after making minor adjustments to the load.
At this point, trying to handle the repair yourself can do more harm than good. For safe and reliable service, schedule a visit with Orville’s washer repair services. Our experts can diagnose the root cause and recommend the best solution, whether it’s repair or replacement.
Explore New Washers at Orville’s
If you’re dealing with a washing machine off balance repair every other month, it might be time to stop throwing money at fixes and invest in a new washer. Today’s models are quieter, more efficient, and equipped with advanced balance control systems that prevent the drum from going wild.
Here at Orville’s, you’ll find a wide range of top-load and front-load washers, including ENERGY STAR® certified models that save on utilities while offering reliable cleaning power. Whether you need a compact washer for a small laundry room or a high-capacity unit for a big family, you can find the perfect fit. Browse the full washer catalog here.
Washing Machine Off Balance: FAQs
Start by stopping the machine and redistributing the load evenly. If that doesn’t solve the issue, check to make sure the washer is sitting level by adjusting its legs. For recurring problems, inspect the suspension rods, bearings, and counterweights—these often need replacement when the washer is off balance consistently.
First, confirm the floor is level and stable. Next, check the load size. Too many or too few items can throw the balance off. If it still shakes violently, worn shocks or suspension rods may be to blame, and professional repair is likely needed.
Yes, you can. The most common fix is leveling the washer’s legs and redistributing laundry inside the drum. Anti-vibration pads can also help stabilize the machine. But if the washing machine is always off balance, even after trying these fixes, the suspension or bearings might need professional replacement.
Common causes include uneven loads, overloading, worn suspension parts, loose counterweights, or damaged bearings. Even a sloped laundry room floor can make the washing machine drum off balance. Identifying the cause helps determine whether a DIY fix will work or if professional service is required.
If you’ve tried every washing machine off balance fix and nothing helps, it’s time to shop for a replacement. You can explore the latest washer models directly here at Orville’s. Our team can help you pick the right washer for your space, needs, and budget without the hassle of big-box retailers.
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For nearly 60 years, Orville's has been synonymous with excellence in the home appliance industry. With eight appliance showrooms and a 110,000-square-foot warehouse stocked with 25,000+ major home appliances, we offer the largest selection of kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances in Western New York.
Every Orville’s location showcases over a 1,000 different appliance models, with products from today’s best appliance brands. From outlet deals to scratch and dent, we always ensure our customers receive the best value with a Low Price Guarantee. A continuously refreshed catalog of in-stock appliances awaits, ready and available for the region’s fastest delivery and installation service. Experience the Orville's difference today. Visit one of our local appliance stores and discover why we're your trusted source for home appliances in Western New York.
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→ Learn more: GE Front Load Washer Review + Best Picks