A new front-load washer that shakes violently from its first spin may still have rear shipping bolts or packing installed. Continued operation can damage the suspension. Compare the rear panel with the manual's unpacking diagram and look for labeled transit bolts.
What this covers
- Washing machines · installation
What it does not cover
Differential
Likely causes of “How can I tell if washer shipping bolts were left installed?”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Rear shipping bolts and spacers were never removed
What separates it A new front-load washer shakes violently and bangs from its first spin, and the back panel still has bolts or foam blocks.
How to confirm Compare the rear panel with the manual's unpacking diagram and look for labeled transit bolts.
- 2
Packing material is still inside the drum or under the machine
What separates it A rattle or thump with foam pieces, cardboard or tape visible, and the machine walks across the floor.
How to confirm Look inside the drum and under the cabinet for packaging material.
- 3
The machine is unlevel or the feet are not adjusted
What separates it The machine rocks on the floor and the shaking eases when the feet are adjusted.
How to confirm Check the level and adjust the feet with the manual's instructions.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the shaking started on the first cycle.
- The number of bolts found at the rear compared with the manual.
- The installer's name and date, in case the fault is theirs to fix.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedObserve before changing anything
ReversibleCheck the installation record and compare the rear panel with the exact model’s unpacking diagram.
Isolate the failing boundary
ReversibleWith the washer off and empty, identify only the fasteners explicitly labeled as shipping hardware in the manual.
Apply the narrow correction
ReversibleHave the installer remove and retain all specified bolts, sleeves and blocks, then level the machine.
Verify the result and stop at the boundary
ReversibleStop using the washer until shipping hardware is removed; do not guess which rear bolts are structural.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop using the washer until shipping hardware is removed; do not guess which rear bolts are structural.
- !Have the installer or the maker's service remove and keep all specified bolts, sleeves and blocks.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What should I do with the bolts once they are removed?+
Keep them and the plugs or covers. If the washer is moved a long distance later, the shipping hardware should be refitted to protect the suspension.
How do I tell?+
Violent shaking on first use.
Where are they?+
Rear of the washer.
Remove them?+
Yes, per the manual.