A Speed Queen TR7 that shakes or walks during the spin is usually carrying an unbalanced load or is not level, and Speed Queen's guide lists both: open the lid and redistribute the load, and make sure the washer is level, because uneven leveling can cause vibration. A washer that has just been delivered or moved must also have its shipping brace and shipping plug handled correctly, and a newly installed washer that was in storage can knock until the belt settles.
Differential
Likely causes of “Speed Queen TR7 top-load washer shakes, walks or bangs during spin”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
An unbalanced load
What separates it A thump or heavy sway during the final spin, sometimes with the Wash and Spin lights flashing twice
How to confirm Open the lid, spread the heavy items around the tub and add a lighter item, then run Spin Only
- 2
A washer that is not level
What separates it The cabinet rocks when pushed at a corner and walks during spin
How to confirm Rock the corners and adjust the feet until the washer sits firmly
- 3
Shipping brace or plug still in place
What separates it Violent shaking from the first cycle on a new or moved washer
How to confirm Look for the brace over the agitator in the lid opening and the plug in the base opening
- 4
A belt that has not settled
What separates it A knock on a newly installed washer that was in storage
How to confirm Run four to five cycles; the guide says operation is not affected
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the shaking is only in the final spin or in agitation too
- Whether the washer rocks when you push each corner
- Whether the washer was just delivered, stored or moved
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedPause and rebalance
ReversiblePress Start/Pause, wait for the lid to unlock, and spread the load evenly with heavy items opposite each other.
Level the washer
ReversiblePush each corner in turn and adjust the feet until the cabinet no longer moves. Uneven leveling is a listed cause of vibration.
Check for shipping parts
ReversibleOpen the lid and look for the shipping brace over the agitator, and check the base opening for the shipping plug.
Run a Spin Only cycle
ReversibleRun a Spin Only cycle, and test after each fix, so that you know which fix worked.
Let a new belt settle
ReversibleOn a newly installed washer that was in storage, run four to five cycles before deciding the knock is a fault.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Parts for this problem on the TR7 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- suspension spring- tall tub (blue), part number 37575, at $8.48; foot- rubber, part number 34318, at $5.48.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the TC5 classic-clean top-load washer, TR3 top-load washer, TR5 top-load washer, FF7 front-load washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the tub strikes the cabinet or a loud bang repeats, stop and call Speed Queen service
- !If the shaking continues after the load is balanced and the washer is level, call service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
A dealer listing giving the TR7's capacity and cabinet size.
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 Speed Queen TR7 shake during spin?+
An unbalanced load or a washer that is not level are the causes the guide lists.
What is the shipping brace on a TR7?+
A brace fitted in the lid opening over the agitator, with a plastic shipping plug at the base, that protects the washer in transit.
Should I reinstall the brace when I move the washer?+
Yes. The guide says to install the brace and the plug any time the washer is moved, with the plug pushed into both openings.
Why does a new TR7 knock?+
The guide says the belt may have settled in storage; run four to five cycles and operation will not be affected.
Is a load that is too small a cause?+
Yes. The guide says a load that is too small can leave the wash load too wet; add items to make a fuller load.
Can I leave the washer shaking?+
No. Stop it and rebalance, because repeated hard spins can damage the washer.