The quick answer
A washing machine that is loud or vibrates violently during the spin cycle is almost always reacting to imbalance — either the load inside is unevenly spread, the machine is not level on the floor, or (on a new machine) the transit bolts are still fitted. A deep grinding or rumbling noise, on the other hand, usually points to worn drum bearings, which is a bigger repair.
Common causes
- Unbalanced load: a single heavy item like a towel or sheet bunches to one side and throws the drum off balance.
- Machine not level: if one foot is higher than the others, the machine rocks and bangs.
- Transit bolts still in place: new machines ship with bolts that lock the drum — they must be removed before first use.
- Slippery or uneven floor: the machine “walks” across smooth tiles.
- Worn drum bearings: a loud rumble or grinding that gets worse over time.
- Loose counterweight: a knocking sound from a concrete or plastic balance weight that has worked loose.
Step-by-step fix
- Check the transit bolts. On a new machine, look at the back panel — remove any large bolts and fit the supplied plastic hole caps.
- Redistribute the load. Pause the cycle, open the door and spread the laundry evenly. Avoid washing one bulky item alone.
- Level the machine. Use a spirit level on top. Adjust the screw feet up or down until it sits flat and does not rock, then tighten the lock nuts.
- Add grip. On slippery floors, place anti-vibration pads under each foot.
- Test spin. Run a fast spin with a balanced load and listen — knocking and walking should be gone.
How to prevent it
- Wash mixed loads rather than single heavy items.
- Don’t overload — leave a hand’s width at the top of the drum.
- Re-check the levelling feet a couple of times a year.
- Fit anti-vibration pads from the start on tiled or wooden floors.
If your machine refuses to spin at all rather than spinning loudly, see why a washing machine won’t spin. For a machine that physically moves, read how to stop a washing machine walking across the floor.
When to call a technician
If you hear a metallic grinding or rumbling during spin even with a balanced, level machine, the drum bearings are likely worn. Bearing replacement is a major job that often costs as much as a budget machine, so on an older unit it may be more economical to replace it. A shock absorber or suspension spring failure also needs professional repair.