Washing Machine Is Squeaking? Quick Troubleshooting Guide
Urgent troubleshooting guide for when your washing machine is squeaking. Learn common causes, quick checks, a diagnostic flow, step-by-step fixes, safety tips, and when to call a pro. Get back to quiet laundry days with confidence.
Most washing machine squeaks come from a loose belt, worn drum bearing, or loose components. Start with quick checks: unplug the unit, inspect the drive belt and pulleys for wear or looseness, and run a short test cycle without laundry to hear where the sound originates. If the noise persists, follow the diagnostic-flow steps below.
Common Causes of Squeaking
Facing a washing machine is squeaking can be alarming, but most noises come from a handful of common, addressable issues. The drive belt tension is a frequent culprit, especially on older top-loaders or machines with longer belts. A worn drum bearing on front-loaders can produce a creak as the drum rotates. Loose drum slides or misaligned pulleys can also create persistent squeaks. In addition, loose hardware or rubber bushings can squeak when the frame flexes during cycles. Sometimes a small foreign object like a coin or button can rattle in the drum and cause a brief squeak at the start of a cycle. By focusing on the primary areas—belt, bearing, pulleys, and mounts—you can often pinpoint the root cause without disassembling the entire machine. Remember to switch off and unplug the washer before any inspection.
Quick Fixes You Can Try Now
If you want immediate relief, start with the simplest checks first. Unplug the washer and remove the laundry to ensure safe access. Inspect the drive belt for cracks, fraying, or glazing; a loose belt will often slip and produce noise during the spin. Gently press on pulleys and the motor mount to check for any play—excess movement often signals a worn mount or misalignment. Check for foreign objects rattling in the drum, especially around the agitator on top-loaders. For front-load washers, inspect the drum area for loose screws or worn shock absorbers. If the machine is noisy only when empty or when loaded with heavy items, note the difference and proceed with the diagnostic flow.
Diagnostic Flow: Symptom to Solution
Use a logical, step-by-step approach to isolate the squeak. Start with the easiest checks and move toward more involved inspections:
- Identify when the noise occurs (during spin, fill, or agitate).
- Check belt tension and condition; replace if cracked or glazed.
- Inspect pulleys and motor mounts for looseness or wear.
- Examine drum bearings and slides for play or noise.
- Look for foreign objects in the drum or around the drum seal.
- Re-test the machine with no load, then with a light load to compare.
- If the noise persists after these steps, consider professional service to avoid damage.
When to stop and seek help: if you hear grinding, see leakage, or detect burning smells, stop immediately and contact a technician.
Step-by-Step: Fixes for the Most Common Cause (Loose Drive Belt)
- Safety first — unplug the machine and turn off the water supply. Remove the rear or access panel to reach the belt area.
- Check belt tension by pressing on the belt mid-span; it should have a slight give but not be loose. If it’s loose, loosen the fasteners and re-seat the belt, then retighten to factory specification.
- Inspect the belt for cracks, glazing, or fraying. If damaged, replace with the correct belt type for your model.
- While the cover is off, rotate the pulley by hand to ensure it spins smoothly without catching. If there’s roughness, the pulley or drum mount may be worn and require replacement.
- Reassemble, plug in, and run a test cycle with a small load to confirm noise improvement.
- If the squeak remains after belt replacement, move to inspecting drum bearings and mounts.
- For most users, belt replacement is a straightforward fix that can restore quiet operation without professional help.
Safety, Warnings, and Prevention
Always unplug the washer before any inspection or disassembly. Never work near live electrical components or with wet hands. Use approved replacement parts and consult your model’s manual for torque specs and belt type. Avoid oiling drum bearings or sealed bearings unless the manufacturer expressly approves it—lubricants can attract lint and worsen wear. Regular preventive checks, like inspecting belts and mounts every 1–2 years, help prevent squeaks before they start. Keep coins or small objects out of the drum to avoid rattling noises.
When to Call a Professional and What They’ll Do
If you cannot locate the source of the squeak after completing the diagnostic flow, or if the noise is accompanied by leaking, burning smells, or visible damage, it’s time to call a professional. A technician will safely access internal components, verify belt tension and pulley alignment, inspect drum bearings and shock absorbers, and determine whether parts need replacement. A pro can also diagnose issues like motor faults, transmission wear, or frame damage that require specialized tools or training. Budget for professional service by considering the typical cost in your region and the complexity of the required repair.
Maintenance and Preventive Tips to Keep It Quiet
Regular maintenance reduces squeaks and extends washer life. Clean the lint filter and drum seals to prevent foreign objects from causing noise. Periodically inspect the drive belt for wear and maintain proper tension. For front-loaders, inspect shock absorbers or springs for wear and replace as needed. Ensure the machine sits level to avoid uneven strain on mounts. Finally, balance loads and avoid overloading the washer, which can increase belt and bearing wear over time.
Steps
Estimated time: 30-45 minutes
- 1
Power down and unplug
Unplug the washer and switch off the water supply. Remove nearby objects and unplug from the outlet to ensure a safe working environment. This step prevents electric shock while you inspect moving parts.
Tip: Use a flashlight to clearly locate the belt and pulleys before touching any components. - 2
Access the belt area
Remove the back panel or access door according to your model’s manual to expose the drive belt and pulleys. Note the belt routing so you can reassemble it correctly after inspection.
Tip: Take a photo of the belt path before disassembly to avoid misrouting. - 3
Inspect the drive belt
Check the belt for cracks, glazing, fraying, or loss of tension. A visibly damaged belt or one that sits loose is a common source of squeaks during spin.
Tip: If the belt is worn, replace with the correct size from the manufacturer’s parts list. - 4
Check pulleys and motor mounts
Gently rotate the pulleys by hand to ensure smooth motion with no rough spots. Look for wobble or looseness in motor mounts, which can create squeaks from misalignment.
Tip: Tighten any loose mounting screws to factory spec, then recheck alignment. - 5
Test with no load
With the belt secured and components reassembled, run a short cycle with no laundry to listen for changes in the squeak. A gentler sound or its disappearance confirms the belt or mount fix worked.
Tip: Do not test for extended periods with no load; monitor for overheating signals. - 6
Assess drum bearings and slides
If the noise remains, carefully inspect the drum bearings and slides for play or wear. Worn bearings often produce a squeal that changes with the drum’s rotation speed.
Tip: Bearings replacement is typically a repair for experienced DIYers or professionals. - 7
Decision point
If the squeak is eliminated, reassemble and monitor during regular use. If not, escalate to a technician for a bearing or structural diagnosis.
Tip: Document symptoms and timings to share with the technician.
Diagnosis: Machine makes a squeaking sound during operation
Possible Causes
- highLoose or worn drive belt
- mediumWorn drum bearing (front-loaders)
- lowDamaged or loose drum mounts/pulleys or shock absorbers
Fixes
- easyTighten or replace drive belt; ensure correct belt type for model
- hardInspect and replace drum bearing if worn; check mounting hardware
- mediumTighten or replace drum mounts, pulleys, or shock absorbers as needed
FAQ
What is the most common cause of a squeaking washing machine?
The most frequent culprits are a loose or worn drive belt, a worn drum bearing, or loose mounts. These issues are addressable with inspection and replacement when necessary.
Most squeaks usually come from the belt, bearings, or mounts, which you can inspect and fix in most cases.
Can I fix a squeaking belt myself?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with basic tools and following your model’s instructions. Unplug the machine, replace the belt if worn, and ensure proper routing and tension.
Yes, belt replacement can be a DIY fix if you follow the manual closely.
Is a squeak always a serious problem?
Not always. A short-lived squeak can be harmless, but persistent or worsening noise often indicates wear that could lead to failure if ignored.
Not always serious, but persistent noise needs attention.
Should I lubricate drum bearings to stop squeaking?
In most cases, you should not lubricate sealed drum bearings. Check the manual for guidance; lubrication can trap dust and worsen wear.
Lubricating bearings is usually not recommended; check the manual first.
When should I call a professional?
If you cannot locate the source or the noise persists after basic checks, or if you notice leaks or burning smells, seek a technician.
Call a professional if you can't find the source or if there are leaks or burning smells.
Do repair costs vary a lot?
Yes. Costs depend on the source of the squeak, required parts, and labor; a professional will provide an estimate after diagnosis.
Costs vary by source and parts; get an estimate after diagnosis.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Identify the squeak source with a stepwise flow.
- Most common causes are belt, bearing, and mounts.
- Test with no load to confirm fixes before heavy use.
- Call a pro for noisy or suspicious grinding or leaks.
