Miele's answer for a W1 that shakes during the spin is one line: the four feet are not resting evenly on the floor, so level the machine. The manual expands: the washing machine must stand perfectly level on all four feet for safe and proper operation, incorrect installation may increase electric and water use and make the machine move, and the two shipping struts must be removed before use or the machine and adjacent cabinetry can be damaged. Soft floors make it worse: a concrete floor is best, a wooden joist floor needs a 2 ft x 2 ft plywood base, and the machine should not stand on soft floor coverings.
Differential
Likely causes of “Miele W1 WXF980 washer shakes, walks or bangs during spin”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Feet not resting evenly
What separates it There is shaking in the spin because the feet are not resting evenly
How to confirm Level with a spirit level and tighten all four counter nuts
- 2
Shipping struts still fitted
What separates it There is violent vibration from the start because the shipping struts are still fitted
How to confirm Remove them with the wrench supplied and cover the holes
- 3
A soft or flexing floor
What separates it There is vibration on a wooden floor or carpet because the floor is soft or flexing
How to confirm Use a plywood base on joists; avoid soft floor coverings
- 4
An unbalanced load
What separates it The machine slows the spin because the load is unbalanced
How to confirm Wash large and small items together, so that the load balances
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the machine rocks when pushed
- Whether the shipping struts were removed
- What kind of floor the washer stands on
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck the struts
ReversibleCheck the struts, and confirm that the left and right shipping struts were removed and their holes covered.
Level the machine
ReversibleLevel the machine, by placing a spirit level on top, adjusting the four feet and tightening the counter nuts firmly.
Check the floor
ReversiblePrefer concrete; on joists use a 2 ft x 2 ft plywood base anchored to the joists.
Balance the load
ReversibleBalance the load, by mixing large and small items in the drum, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Test a spin
ReversibleTest a spin, by running a spin program, and watching the machine, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Shipping struts
- Miele's installation section shows how to remove the shipping struts: pull off the covers, release the top and bottom catches with a screwdriver, turn each strut 90 degrees with the wrench supplied and withdraw it, then cover the holes. Keep the struts and refit them by reversing the process if the machine is moved. Moving the machine without them can damage it.
- Installing under a counter
- The washer with its lid intact can be pushed under a worktop if space allows, and the manual says never to remove the lid, because live parts are exposed. Cabinet installation needs a raised plinth or a floor-mounting kit so the machine cannot fall or slip in the spin.
- Miele parts for this problem, part numbers and prices
- For a machine that shakes Miele's own shop lists the foot M10x34 mm, part number 304595, at $30.00, the foot M10x46 mm, part number 233801, at $36.00 and the shipping strut, part number 9175102, at $42.00 or 7595394 at $22.00 (prices change). Keep the struts if you move the machine.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the W1 WXR960 washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the machine moves across the floor after levelling and strut removal, contact Miele Technical Service
- !If the drum bangs the housing, stop the machine and call service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Miele's own manual lookup for the US, where the WXF and WXR W1 instructions are listed by model.
Miele's own US spare-parts shop, prices and part numbers; prices change.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my Miele W1 shake?+
The four feet are not resting evenly on the floor.
How do I remove shipping struts?+
Pull off the covers, release the catches, turn each strut 90 degrees with the wrench supplied and withdraw it.
Where do I keep the struts?+
On the back of the washer, for use if the machine is moved.
What is the best floor?+
The best floor is concrete, since it does not flex.
Can I install it on carpet?+
Not on soft floor coverings; vibration increases.
Should I install it in a corner?+
If possible; it is usually the most stable part of the floor.