Most likely causes
- Uneven load. A single heavy blanket or a few towels balled up on one side.
- Washer not level. One foot off the floor makes the whole machine rock.
- Worn shock absorbers or dampers (front-loaders).
- Worn suspension rods or springs (top-loaders).
- Shipping bolts still installed on a newly delivered front-loader.
Try this before you book
- Redistribute the load and run a spin with only a few towels.
- Put a level across the top. Adjust the front feet and tighten the lock nuts.
- Push down on each corner. A corner that bounces or sinks points to worn suspension.
- On a new front-loader, check the back panel for shipping bolts.
What the repair usually involves
- Leveling and adjustment
- Shock absorbers or dampers
- Suspension rods or springs
- Drum bearing replacement (loud roar, not just shaking)
Fix it or replace it?
Shocks and suspension parts are worth replacing on most washers. A loud roaring or grinding sound along with the shaking is different. That usually means drum bearings, a labor-heavy repair that's worth comparing to replacement on a washer over 10 years old.
From John's notes: Second-floor laundry rooms, common in newer Frisco and Plano builds, amplify every bit of vibration. Anti-vibration pads help, but they won't hide a worn shock for long.
Washer dancing across the room? Book a washer repair with TrueFix Appliance Repair Dallas.