Frigidaire lists four reasons an FFFW5000 or FFTW4120 vibrates: the washer is not resting firmly on the floor (move it and adjust the leveling legs), the shipping bolts and foam block (front-loader) or the foam shipping support (top-loader) were not removed at installation, the wash load is unevenly distributed in the drum (stop and rearrange it), or a heavy load is producing a thump that is usually normal but means an out-of-balance washer if it continues. A load that is too small can also spin unevenly, so add 1 or 2 similar items.
Differential
Likely causes of “Frigidaire FFFW5000 front-load washer shakes, walks or bangs during spin”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Washer not resting firmly on the floor
What separates it The washer rocks and vibrates during the spin because it is not resting firmly on the floor
How to confirm Adjust the leveling legs so all four rest firmly
- 2
Shipping bolts and foam block left in place
What separates it There is violent vibration from the first use because the shipping bolts and the foam block were left in place
How to confirm Remove the shipping bolts and the foam block, as the installation instructions describe
- 3
Load unevenly distributed
What separates it There is thumping and shaking because the load is unevenly distributed
How to confirm Stop the washer, rearrange the load, and restart the cycle
- 4
A load that is too small
What separates it The spinning is uneven because the load is too small
How to confirm Add one or two similar items, to give the small load some balance
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the shipping parts were removed after delivery
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedStop and rearrange
ReversibleStop and rearrange, by stopping the washer, waiting for the drum to stop, and rearranging the load.
Level the washer
ReversibleLevel the washer, by moving it so that it rests firmly on the floor, and adjusting the leveling legs.
Check shipping parts
ReversibleCheck the shipping parts, and confirm that the shipping bolts and the foam block are removed, with a foam support on the top loader.
Add balance items
ReversibleAdd balance items, by adding one or two similar items to a small load, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Test with a spin
ReversibleTest with a spin, by running a rinse and spin, to check whether the shaking has stopped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Installation items that cause vibration
- Two installation items cause many complaints: shipping bolts and the foam block on the front-loader (foam shipping support on the top-loader), and leveling. Frigidaire's guide points to the installation instructions for removing them and for adjusting the leveling legs so the washer rests firmly on the floor.
- Loading and what a thump means
- Frigidaire's loading advice for the FFFW5000 is to sort loads that can be washed together, put delicate and small items such as bras, hosiery and baby socks in a mesh bag, and not overload the drum. A thumping sound with a heavy load is usually normal, but if it keeps up the washer is probably out of balance and should be stopped and its load redistributed before the spin is restarted.
- Parts for this problem on the FFFW5000 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- shock absorber kit, part number 5304491700, at $78.94; suspension spring, part number 134957000, at $68.21; bolt, carriage, 1/4-20 x 2.60, part number 131793303, at $11.20; leveling leg, part number 134639100, at $25.95.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the FFTW4120 top-load washer, FLCE7522 laundry-center washer, FLXE52 laundry-center washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the drum strikes the cabinet or a loud bang repeats, stop and call Frigidaire service
- !If the vibration continues after levelling and balancing, call service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
The published manual page that ties the FFTW4120SW top-loader to Frigidaire's use and care guide A07504301.
Frigidaire's own owner-support article titles for these three codes.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my FFFW5000 vibrate?+
It is not resting firmly on the floor, shipping items remain, or the load is unevenly distributed.
Are shipping bolts included on the front-loader?+
Yes; the guide refers to shipping bolts and a foam block to remove during installation.
Is a thumping sound normal?+
With heavy loads it is usually normal; if it continues the washer is probably out of balance.
How do I level it?+
Adjust the leveling legs so it rests firmly on the floor.
What if a single item is being washed?+
On the top-loader add 1 or 2 towels to balance a single heavy item.
Does this apply to the top-load FFTW4120?+
Yes; its guide lists the same causes with a foam shipping support.