How to Replace a Washer Leveling Foot

Step 1: Confirm the leveling foot is the problem

1. Unplug the washer.
2. Pull it forward enough to see all four feet and the floor under them.
3. Press down on opposite front corners, then opposite rear corners, and feel for rocking.
4. Look for a foot that is bent, stripped, missing its rubber pad, missing entirely, or adjusted much shorter than the others.
5. Check the floor for debris, a soft mat, or a damaged floor surface that could mimic a bad foot.

If it works: You found one leveling foot that is clearly damaged, missing, or unable to hold adjustment, and the floor itself is not the main cause of the wobble.

If it doesn’t: If all four feet look intact and the washer still shakes badly, level the machine first and check for an overloaded or unbalanced load before replacing parts.

Step 2: Set up the washer so you can reach the bad foot safely

1. Turn off the water supply valves if you need extra room to move the washer.
2. Carefully pull the washer out far enough to work without stretching or kinking the hoses.
3. Tip the washer just enough to take weight off the bad foot. Have a helper steady it if the machine feels awkward or heavy.
4. Slide a wood block or sturdy shim under the frame edge to hold a small gap while you work. Do not rely on the hoses or power cord for support.

Step 3: Remove the old leveling foot

1. If there is a lock nut above the foot, loosen it with an adjustable wrench.
2. Turn the old foot counterclockwise to unthread it from the washer base.
3. If the foot is stuck, apply steady pressure with pliers on the foot stem or base and keep turning without twisting the cabinet.
4. Once removed, inspect the threaded hole for dirt, rust flakes, or damaged threads and wipe it clean.

Step 4: Install the new washer leveling foot

1. Compare the new foot to the old one so the stem length and thread style appear to match.
2. Thread the new foot into the washer base by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
3. Turn it in until it seats securely and leaves enough adjustment range to level the washer.
4. If your washer uses a lock nut, run the nut up toward the base but do not fully tighten it yet.

Step 5: Lower and level the washer

1. Remove the support block and carefully set the washer back down on all four feet.
2. Place a bubble level across the top of the washer from left to right, then front to back.
3. Adjust the new foot and any other adjustable foot as needed until the washer sits solidly without rocking.
4. When the washer is level and stable, tighten the lock nut against the base if your washer uses one.
5. Push the washer back into place carefully, leaving the hoses and cord untwisted.

If it doesn’t: If the washer still rocks, recheck that each foot is touching the floor firmly and that the floor surface is not the real issue.

Step 6: Test the repair in real use

1. Plug the washer back in and restore water if you turned it off.
2. Run a short rinse and spin cycle with the drum empty first.
3. Listen and watch for walking, rocking, or a corner lifting during spin.
4. Then wash a small balanced load and check again after the cycle that the foot stayed tight and the washer stayed in place.

If it works: The washer stays level, does not rock in normal use, and the new leveling foot holds its adjustment.

If it doesn’t: If the washer still shakes hard during spin, look for a load-balance issue, shipping hardware left in place, or another worn support part.