Maytag Washer Shaking Violently? How to Stop It

Quick Answer

The most common cause of a shaking Maytag washer is the machine being out of level. Each corner has an adjustable leveling foot that screws in or out.

The most common cause of a shaking Maytag washer is the machine being out of level. Each corner has an adjustable leveling foot that screws in or out. All four feet must be in firm contact with the floor. Front-load washers also have shipping bolts on the back panel (usually 4 bolts, sometimes 2) that must be removed before first use - leaving them in causes severe shaking. Worn suspension rods (top-load) or worn shock absorbers (front-load) are the hardware causes that develop over time.

MaytagWasherSeverity: low

Time to Fix

15–90 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

—

Tools Needed

None

Wrong code?

Not seeing SYMPTOM on your display?

Select what your appliance is actually doing and we'll take you to the right guide.

noise from shaking/vibration

SYMPTOM

shaking causing spin abort

SYMPTOM

overload causing shaking

F0 E2

What Does the SYMPTOM Code Mean?

Maytag washer shaking during spin is caused by an imbalance between the drum's rotational force and the stabilization provided by the leveling feet, suspension rods, or shock absorbers. The most severe shaking occurs when the drum is out of balance relative to the support frame, which amplifies vibration as spin speed increases.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Washer not level on floor (most common)40%

Shipping bolts still installed on front-load washer back panel24%

Unbalanced laundry load bunched to one side14%

Worn shock absorbers (front-load)12%

Worn suspension rods (top-load, W10780048)10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Washer walking across the floor during spin
Loud thumping during spin cycle
Cycle pausing mid-spin (imbalance detection)
Display showing Ld or imbalance error

Can you reset a Maytag washer to clear the SYMPTOM code?

After leveling or removing shipping bolts, run a Spin Only cycle with a small balanced load to verify the shaking is resolved before running full loads.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Check Leveling

With the washer empty, push one corner diagonally with two fingers. The machine should rock slightly but not tip significantly. Check all four corners. To adjust: tip the washer back slightly, turn the front leveling feet in or out (clockwise raises, counterclockwise lowers), then tip forward to repeat for rear feet. Use a level on top of the machine to confirm.

Check for Shipping Bolts on New Front-Load Washers

Redistribute the Load

Check Suspension Rods (Top-Load Models)

Check Shock Absorbers (Front-Load Models)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Maytag washer shake only during spin?

Shaking during spin is normal at low speeds but should smooth out as the drum reaches high spin speed. If shaking intensifies at high speed or the machine walks across the floor, the cause is almost always leveling, load imbalance, or worn suspension components. The drum is moving off-center because something is not holding it in balance.

How do I level a Maytag washer?

Tip the front of the washer back slightly to access the front leveling feet. Turn each foot to adjust height - clockwise to raise that corner, counterclockwise to lower it. Place a bubble level on top of the machine and adjust until it reads level in both directions. Lock the feet by tightening the lock nut against the base. Rear feet on many models self-adjust when the front is properly leveled.

What are shipping bolts and where are they?

Shipping bolts are large bolts inserted through the back panel of a front-load washer to lock the drum rigid during transport. There are typically 3-4 bolts, sometimes covered by plastic caps, visible on the back of the machine. They should be removed before first use using a 14mm or 17mm wrench. Most washer manufacturers include a reminder sticker on the back panel, but these are often missed.

Can a shaking washer damage the floor?

Yes. A walking washer can dent vinyl flooring, scratch hardwood, and chip tile. In extreme cases a severely vibrating machine can also crack the internal tub, loosen drain hose connections, and accelerate wear on the drum bearings. Address the shaking before it causes secondary damage.

Related Maytag Washer Error Codes

Code: SYMPTOMMaytag Washer Making Loud Noise Code: SYMPTOMMaytag Washer Won't Spin Code: F0 E2Maytag F0 E2: Overloaded Drum

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Maytag shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience SYMPTOM Errors

This repair applies to most Maytag washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

MVWC415EW, MVWC465HW, MVWB835DW, MVWB765FW, MVWX655DW, MVWB965HC, MHW7000XW, MHW5500FW, MHW6000XW

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026