Quick answer
Some movement is normal: a washer drum hangs on springs and shock absorbers so it can move during spin. A drum that is loose enough to knock the cabinet, sags at the front, or rumbles and grinds when you spin it by hand usually has worn drum bearings, failed shocks or springs, or on front-loaders a cracked spider arm. Unplug the washer, push the drum up and down and spin it by hand: wobble on its axis and rumbling point to bearings. HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
A washer drum is meant to move. It hangs on springs and shock absorbers or dampers so it can shift while spinning. When it moves too much, or in the wrong way, a part has worn.
Normal or Not
| What you notice | What it means |
|---|---|
| Drum moves a little when pushed | Normal |
| Drum knocks the cabinet during spin | Worn shocks, dampers or springs, or a severe unbalance |
| Drum sags at the front (front-loader) | Failed shocks or a broken spring |
| Wobbles on its own center | Bearings or a cracked spider arm |
| Roaring or rumbling at high spin | Drum bearings |
Check It by Hand
- 1Unplug the washer.
- 2Push the drum up and down. It should spring back smoothly, not drop or bang.
- 3Spin it by hand. Grinding or rumbling suggests bearings.
- 4Rock it on its axis, holding the top and bottom of the drum. Clunking play at the center points to the bearings or, on front-loaders, the spider arm on the back of the drum.
- 5Look for rust streaks or leaks behind the drum, a sign of a failed seal that has let water reach the bearings.
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
Repair or Replace
Shocks, dampers and springs are moderate repairs. Bearings on many front-loaders are pressed into the outer tub, which makes the job labor-heavy, and a cracked spider arm is similar. Compare the quote with the age of the washer. See washer shaking violently.
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. Bearings and a spider arm can run above that range. See washer repair.
The Call
Call when the drum knocks, sags or rumbles. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a washer drum to move?
YesIt is suspended on springs and shocks and moves a little. It should not knock the cabinet or wobble on its own center.
How do I know if my washer drum bearings are bad?
A loud rumbling or roaring during spin, grinding when you turn the drum by hand, and play when you rock the drum on its axis.
Is it worth fixing washer drum bearings?
On many front-loaders the bearing is pressed into the outer tub, so the repair is labor-heavy. Compare the quote with the washer's age and a new machine.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
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