Our front load washer vibrates so much durning the spin cycle it actually knocks the dryer off the top of it. It will also vibrate across the floor unless 2 people are holding it down. We have tried the spin cycle with nothing in the washer and it is just fine, we added 2 dry towels and it is fine but as soon as the same 2 towels were wet the uncontrolable vibration continued. What could be wrong? It is level.

Here are a few quick facts on washing machine vibration.

1. All washing machines and dryer vibrate. Dryers usually have less vibration than washers because the load is only wet clothes (as opposed to a drum of water and clothes). Front loading washing machines cause high frequency vertical oscillation while top loading washers usually have horizontal oscillation.
2. Almost all front loading washing machines are not recommended for use on standard joist-construction floors (most common floor type, compared to a concrete slab sub-floor). Manufactures like GE, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Bosch and more, all recommend installing a pad like Silent Feet under the washing machine to absorb the vibration.
3. The only alternative to using Silent Feet pads to prevent structural damage is costly upgrading of the sub-floor. This usually involves adding a second layer of plywood sub-floor and adding sister boards to the rafters that support the floor. But even this won't reduce the amount of vibration noise that you hear. Sub-floor upgrades can cost thousands of dollars.
4. Vibration can also cause appliance "walking" (unwanted movement) usually during the spin cycle. Simply installing a pad designed to prevent walking can solve this problem and mean that you'll never have to reposition your washer after every load again. Both Original Silent Feet and Anti-Walk Silent Feet prevent walking, however for washers that move a lot or stacked units it is recommended that you install Anti-Walk Silent Feet for the best results.

You were not specific in either type or model. I hope the above information helps. Also, the size of the loads plays a great part in how a machine functions. have a nice day
You wer

Hi,
When my washer did that, I found that the shocks that hold the tub were bad...

Check out this tip I wrote about the noise and vibration that front loadwashers can make..

Washer Problems Washer noise when spinning
heatman101

dear sir/mam
please check the floor level of your washer by using the spirit level,if there is difference please adjust the level by screwing the legs of the washer,then vibration will be stopped.

Check the Vibration damper rods to be sure that...
1. They are there and mount is solid.
2. If they are broken in 1/2.
3. The plastic knuckle mounts are not missing/broken.
4. There is oil in the shock absorber/spring section of the rods.

Also - there are suspension springs on the bottom of the tub that could be broken and/or missing.

Replace/repair as necessary.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.

Front loaders have to be situated on solid flooring such as a basement or they will vibrate.
http://tclaundryrepair.com/

THERE ARE SHOCK ABSORBERS IN THIS UNIT,SOUNDS LIKE ONE OF THEM IS BROKEN.HOPE THIS HELPS

half loads will vibrate more than full load
check transit bolts are removed
if vibration persists, then fault is probably shock absorbers worn

is it level ? i had to level mine then i had a nut that come off had to put that back on on i am all set

IF THE FLOOR IS NOT ABSOLUTELY STABLE, IT WILL MAGNIFY A SMALL VIBRATION INTO A LARGE ONE. PUT SOMETHING ON THE DRYER IF IT SETS NEXT TO THE WASHER, AND TURN ON THE WASHER INTO SPIN. IF THE ITEM ON THE DRYER SHAKES, THE FLOOR IS MOVING.
IF THE WASHER IS ON CARPET, REMOVE THE CARPET OR CUT HOLES IN IT WHERE THE FEET ARE SO IT IS NOT SETTING ON THE CARPET. THE CARPET AND PAD WILL BE TOO SOFT FOR THE WASHER TO SET STABLE.
ALSO, PICK UP ON THE REAR OF THE WASHER TO RESET THE AUTO LEVELING REAR LEGS. YOU SHOULD HEAR THEM MOVE AND RESET WHEN YOU SET THE WASHER BACK DOWN.

tilt the machine back and check that the blue clips that secure the suspension legs to the base are in place and both the legs are secured top and bottom.