Walking all over floor

All front-load washing machines have shock absorbers that are used to dampen the tub movement in the spin cycle. The shock absorbers or struts are attached to the base frame and to the outer tub and you will need to remove the front panel or the rear panel to access them. When shock absorbers weaken or become damaged, unbalanced loads will cause the washer to shake or move and the machine will often make a loud banging sound during the spin cycle. If the symptom is not corrected, it can lead to damage of other components. Inspect the shocks for signs of broken attachments, leaked fluids or a weakened dampening action and replace both shocks if worn. Remove power from the appliance before attempting this repair.

UPDATE

ctioning. The spin cycle during wash and rinse can throw a washer's load out of balance and cause the machine to walk across the room. This usually happens because the machine has too many heavy things causing an imbalance in the load or because the washer wasn't level to begin with. With some common household tools, you can level the washer's feet to keep it in one place as it washes.

Check the washer's load. If you put too many things into the washer, it's easy for the load to get out of balance. When the load is out of balance, the tub doesn't cycle in a perfect circle; instead, it cycles following the weight of the load, which can cause the washer to walk across the room. Avoid putting a large comforter in with other things to keep the load from getting out of balance. Redistribute the load to balance the tub.

Unplug the washer if you've determined it wasn't the load size that caused the washer to walk across the room.

Place the level on the washer's top in the middle so that it runs from side to side. Check the level and look at the bubble to ensure it is between the two marks that indicates level. If the bubble goes to left, the right side of the washer is set too high. If the level goes to the right, the left side is too high. Make note of the setting.

Remove and reset the level so that it runs from front to back in the middle on the top of the washer. Check the bubble for level. If the bubble sits toward the back, the front is too high, if the level runs to the front, the back is too high.

Pull the washer out from the wall to adjust the back feet. Release the locking nut that holds the foot in place by using the pliers to turn it counterclockwise. Once loose, place the pliers on the foot and turn it counterclockwise to lower the washer and clockwise to raise it. Repeat this on both back feet of the washer. Recheck the level of the back feet by placing the level side to side on the washer's top closest to the back feet. Readjust the back feet as necessary. Tighten the locking nuts once the feet are level.

Adjust the front feet in the same manner as you adjusted the back feet. Recheck the level after each adjustment and repeat adjustments until the washing machine is level.

Push the washing machine back into place and check the level in both directions one more time. Plug the machine back in. After you are satisfied that the machine is level at the front, back and from side to side, insert a new load to run it through a wash cycle to ensure the washer no longer walks across the room.

• Carpenter's level
• Tongue-and-groove pliers or adjustable wrench
• Block of wood

• Adjust the feet so that approximately 1/2 inch of threads show before leveling it. If you start with the feet adjusted all the way out, you don't have room for adjustments. Start with the lowest adjustment possible and work up from there.
• Some washers come equipped with self-leveling back feet to make it easy to level the washer. Simply tip the washer forward and set it back down to readjust self-leveling back feet.
• Use a block of wood to hold the washer up as you level the feet.

• Get help to move the washer if it is too heavy for you to move yourself. Avoid straining your back.