Excessive vibration or loud shaking during a spin cycle is often less daunting than it seems and can usually be resolved with a few systematic checks. Follow this step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix the issue.
* **Check & Remove Shipping Bolts**: To prevent internal damage during transit, your LG washer is secured with four shipping bolts at the rear. They must be removed before operation; failure to do so is the most common cause of severe vibration in new units. To check, open the door and push the tub forward. If it doesn’t move freely, the bolts are likely still in place. Remove them using the included wrench, turning counterclockwise. Save them for future transport, and insert the supplied caps into the holes. Also, carefully tilt the washer (with two people) to see if a foam shipping block is still trapped underneath.
* **Level the Washer**: Place a bubble level on top of the washer to check for balance both front-to-back and side-to-side. If the machine rocks diagonally when pressed, adjust the leveling feet. Using the provided wrench, loosen the locknut on a foot and raise or lower it until it is firmly planted. Once adjusted, securely tighten the locknut against the washer cabinet to prevent it from vibrating loose during cycles.
* **Balance the Laundry Load**: The single most common cause of shaking is an uneven distribution of laundry. Avoid mixing very heavy items (like bulky blankets) with very light ones (like t-shirts) within the same load, as they can throw the drum off balance. For large items like duvets, use the dedicated cycle and consider adding a few towels to help balance the load. Pause the cycle, manually redistribute the clothes around the tub, and restart.
* **Clean the Drain Pump Filter**: A clogged filter can restrict draining, leading to excess water left in the drum, which can cause imbalance and vibration. Locate the small access panel at the front bottom of the washer. Place a shallow pan and some towels on the floor to catch any residual water. Open the panel, remove the filter cap, and clear it of any debris like lint, coins, or hairpins.
* **Check for Loose Hoses**: During a spin cycle, the washer’s movement can cause loose inlet or drain hoses to strike the unit's sides or back panel, creating a rhythmic thumping noise. Push the washer out slightly and ensure all hoses are securely connected and properly tucked away from the machine's body.
* **Use Anti-Vibration Accessories**: If your laundry room has a smooth, hard floor like tile, the washer can sometimes "walk" despite being level. Place anti-vibration pads (either from LG or a universal brand) under each of the four feet. These dense rubber pads cushion the machine and provide extra grip, which is highly effective at reducing movement and noise on these surfaces.
* **Call for Professional Help**: If all the above steps have been followed but the washer still shakes violently, the internal suspension system may be worn out. A technician may need to replace faulty **shock absorbers** or **suspension rods**. Also, if you encounter an error code like **UE** or **LE**, consult your manual for specific guidance.
### ???? Quick Reference Guide
| Issue / Symptom | Most Likely Cause(s) |
| :--- | :--- |
| New washer shakes extremely on first use | **✗ Shipping bolts and/or foam block still installed** |
| Washer vibrates and "walks" across the floor | **✗ Unevenly distributed load** |
| | **✗ Washer not level on the floor** |
| | **✗ Laundry overloaded or bulky items unbalanced** |
| Intermittent vibration during mid-cycle | **✗ Load becomes tangled and uneven** |
| Violent shaking and loud banging during spin | **✗ Worn or broken shock absorbers/dampers** |
| | **✗ Damaged suspension rod or spring** |
| "UE" error code displayed on panel | **✗ "Unbalanced Error" due to an uneven load** |
By following these steps, you should be able to solve most issues. If the vibration persists, don't hesitate to contact LG support for professional assistance.