One wet bath mat can turn a normal spin into a cabinet-shaking argument with the floor. An unstable foot creates a similar show even with an ordinary load.
Level and load checks are useful. An empty drum that bangs after both have been corrected points toward suspension or bearing work rather than another adjustment.
Before you touch it
Checks that can change the diagnosis
- Pause and inspect the load distribution.
- Rock opposite corners to find an unstable foot.
- Check front-to-back and side-to-side level.
- For a new front loader, compare the rear panel with the shipping-hardware instructions.
Try this in order
The safe troubleshooting sequence
Wait for the drum
Pause the cycle and do not open the machine until movement and any lock have stopped.
Redistribute the load
Untangle items and remove part of an overloaded drum. Follow the manual before adding items around one bulky piece.
Check all four feet
Turn the washer off and rock opposite corners. Every foot should contact a firm floor.
Level the cabinet
Place the level in both directions. Adjust only the feet described by the maker, then tighten their locknuts.
Check new-install hardware
Remove shipping bolts only in the model-specific sequence. Keep them for a future move.
Run a light test
Use a small balanced load and supervise the next Rinse or Spin cycle.
How you know the simple fix worked
The cabinet should remain planted during a balanced spin. Some movement is normal, but walking, scraping or hard impacts are not.
Technician territory
Stop the job when you see any of these
- An empty washer still bangs
- The drum appears off-center
- Grinding or scraping
- A flexing floor, stacked machine or unclear shipping-bolt setup
The claim can change the repair decision
Maintenance, a warrantyWritten warrantyA written promise supplied with the appliance sale. Federal law treats it as part of the product bargain rather than a separate paid plan. and a service contractService contractA separately purchased agreement that pays for stated maintenance or repair during a fixed period. Sales pages often call it an extended warranty. are different things.
Installation and floor problems are often excluded from repair plans. A suspension failure may be covered, which makes a video of the level machine running an ordinary load useful evidence. Federal warranty protections do not make every DIY mistake covered, and a paid service contract may require authorization before a part is replaced.
Common questions
The short answers
Can I level a washer while it is running?
No. Turn it off before adjusting the feet, and keep hands away from a moving machine.
Should a newly installed front loader still have shipping bolts?
No during normal use, but removal differs by model. Follow the installation guide and keep the hardware for transport.
Instructions checked against primary sources
Official guidance used for this fix
- LGOfficial washer vibration troubleshooting
- LGFront-loader noise during spin
- Federal Trade CommissionWarranty restrictions and damage caused by independent repair
Guide reviewed August 2026. Model construction varies. The owner manual and recall notices for the exact model take priority over a general guide.