Why Is My Amana Washer Shaking Violently (Troubleshooting Guide)

On this page

Quick answer
Confirm the symptom
Tools and prep
Step-by-step troubleshooting
Common causes table
Parts matching
When to call a pro
FAQ
Related guides

Quick answer

A violently shaking Amana washer is often due to an unbalanced load or faulty shock absorbers. Turn off the washer, redistribute the laundry evenly, and check for loose parts. If shaking continues, inspect the shock absorbers or call a professional.

Confirm the symptom

Washer shakes violently during spin cycle
Noise increases when the drum is unbalanced
Vibrations cause the washer to move across the floor

Tools and prep

Power off the washer
Screwdriver set
Flashlight
Owner’s manual
Work gloves
Level tool
Adjustable wrench

Step-by-step troubleshooting

Check Load Balance
Do: Open the washer lid and stop the cycle. Redistribute the laundry evenly in the drum.
Observe: Drum spins smoothly without shaking
Means: Load was uneven
Next: If shaking continues, proceed to Step 2
Inspect for Loose Parts
Do: Visually check the washer for loose bolts or components, especially around the drum and motor.
Observe: No loose or missing parts
Means: Loose hardware is causing vibration
Next: Tighten any loose parts and restart the washer
Level the Washer
Do: Use a level tool to check the washer’s feet. Adjust the feet to ensure the washer is level.
Observe: Washer sits flat on the floor with no wobbling
Means: Uneven floor or feet caused imbalance
Next: If still shaking, move to Step 4
Check Shock Absorbers
Do: Locate the shock absorbers (refer to the manual). Inspect for wear or damage.
Observe: Shock absorbers are intact and secure
Means: Faulty shock absorbers are causing vibration
Next: Replace damaged shock absorbers if needed
Examine Drum Bearings
Do: Listen for grinding noises and check for wobbling when manually rotating the drum.
Observe: Drum rotates smoothly without noise or wobble
Means: Worn drum bearings are causing shaking
Next: Replace drum bearings if damaged
Check for Overloading
Do: Verify that the washer is not overloaded beyond the recommended capacity.
Observe: Laundry volume is within the washer’s capacity
Means: Overloading caused imbalance
Next: Reduce load size and restart the washer

Common causes

Cause	Likelihood	Difficulty	Part often needed
Unbalanced Load Clothes clustered on one side during spin cycle	Common	Easy	None
Loose or Missing Bolts Vibrations from loose hardware amplify shaking	Sometimes	Easy	Bolts
Uneven Floor Washer sits on an uneven surface, causing wobbling	Sometimes	Easy	Leveling feet
Faulty Shock Absorbers Worn or broken shocks fail to dampen vibrations	Sometimes	Medium	Shock absorbers
Worn Drum Bearings Bearings degrade over time, causing wobbling	Rare	Hard	Drum bearings
Overloading Too much laundry disrupts balance	Common	Easy	None

Parts matching

If you need replacement parts for your Amana washer, match your model number to the correct components:

Shock absorbers – Look for model-specific replacements
Drum bearings – Ensure compatibility with your washer model
Leveling feet – Check for adjustable or fixed types
Bolts and hardware – Use OEM or equivalent quality parts

Always refer to your owner’s manual for part numbers and installation instructions.

When to call a professional

Shaking persists after checking all basic causes
You hear loud grinding or metal-on-metal noises
You suspect internal drum or motor damage
You are unsure about disassembling internal components

FAQ

Can an unbalanced load cause long-term damage?

Yes, repeated unbalanced loads can strain the motor and suspension system over time.

How often should I check the washer’s level?

Check the washer’s level every few months, especially after moving the appliance.

What tools do I need to replace shock absorbers?

You’ll typically need a screwdriver set, wrench, and possibly a spring compressor tool.

Is it safe to use the washer if it’s slightly unbalanced?

Short-term use is safe, but prolonged operation can lead to more serious issues.