Why is Washing Machine Making Loud Noise? Urgent Troubleshooting Guide
Urgent, step-by-step troubleshooting for a loud washing machine. Learn common causes, quick fixes, and when to call a pro. Best Washing Machine offers proven guidance for homeowners.
Usually the loudest washer issues come from an unbalanced load or objects rattling in the drum. Start with redistributing clothes, removing loose items, and leveling the unit. If noise persists after a safe reset, inspect the drum and suspension for wear, and test with an empty cycle. For persistent grinding or banging, contact a professional. This guide follows Best Washing Machine guidance for urgent, practical fixes.
why is washing machine making loud noise
If you hear banging, thumping, screeching, or clattering, you’re not imagining the racket. The question why is washing machine making loud noise is one of the most common service inquiries homeowners face. The good news: in many cases the culprit is simple, harmless, and fixable without tools or a service call. The Best Washing Machine team found that the majority of loud noises are caused by load imbalance, stray coins or buttons in the drum, or worn drum components. Understanding the typical sounds can help you diagnose safely and avoid unnecessary repairs. In this guide you’ll learn fast checks, what to listen for, and when to escalate to a professional. We’ll also cover preventative steps to keep your washer quiet over the long haul.
Common Causes and Quick Tests
- Unbalanced load: When laundry piles on one side, the drum bangs against the outer tub. Fix by pausing the cycle, redistributing clothes evenly, and re-running a shorter wash with a lighter load.
- Objects in drum: Coins, buttons, hair ties, or small accessories can rattle. Stop the cycle, unplug, reach into the tub, and remove any foreign items before washing again.
- Worn drum bearings or shock absorbers: Over time these components wear, causing thumps or grinding. If you hear loud, deep thuds during agitation, this is a likely sign and requires professional inspection.
- Loose drive belt or pulley (front- or top-load): A slipping belt can squeal as the drum turns. Listen for a high-pitched squeak and inspect the belt tension from the back panel.
- Clogged pump or drain hose: A blocked pump can create whining noises during draining. Check the filter screen and clear obstructions.
- Cabinet and feet not level: If the machine rocks, it will produce thuds. Use a spirit level and adjust feet until stable.
- Foreign objects in the pump or drainage path: Small items can bounce around. Remove the front panel and inspect the pump area.
Step-by-Step Safe Fixes You Can Try Today
- Power down and safety check: Unplug the washer, turn off the water supply, and remove all laundry. Verify there are no obvious culprits like coins, keys, or pieces of fabric caught in the drum seal. A quick manual check reduces the risk of injury when you test.
- Level the machine: Place a spirit level on the top surface and adjust the leveling feet until the bubblecenters. An unlevel machine will always shout back with thumps during spin.
- Redistribute load and inspect drum for objects: Pause, redistribute the load evenly, and run a short wash with a small, balanced load. Look for anything stuck to the drum or seal edges.
- Run an empty test cycle: With no laundry, run a short cycle to listen for noises. If you hear rattling only with items inside, the problem is likely load-related, not mechanical.
- Inspect visible components: If you’re comfortable, unplug again and check the drive belt and pulley for wear or looseness. Do not force parts; replace only when you confirm wear signs or the belt is loose.
- Decide on professional help: If the noise persists after these checks, schedule a service call. Replacing drum bearings, worn shocks, or a failed motor mount is not a DIY fix for most homeowners.
When to Call a Technician and What They'll Do
If you hear grinding, clock-ticking sounds, or a loud rumble during agitation, it’s time to call a professional. A tech will inspect the drum bearings, drive belt, suspension system, shocks, and motor mounts. They’ll also test for electrical faults and drain pump obstructions. Early professional diagnosis can prevent secondary damage, especially with front-loading machines where bearings are a common wear point.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Noise
- Regularly level and balance your washer. Uneven floors or misaligned feet are common noise culprits.
- Don’t overload the drum. Leave room for clothes to move during agitation and spin.
- Clean the lint filter and pump screen weekly to prevent clogs that cause whine sounds on drain.
- Inspect door seals and tub bearings annually, and replace worn parts promptly to avoid escalating noise.
- Use anti-vibration pads or mats if your washer sits on a hard surface or unstable cabinet.
Troubleshooting Flowchart and Quick Recap
This section outlines a simple flow: detect noise type -> determine if load-related -> perform quick redistribution -> test with empty cycle -> inspect obvious components -> escalate to professional if the sound persists. By following this flow, you’ll systematically rule out common causes and avoid unnecessary service calls. Remember: safety first, especially when accessing internal panels or belts.
Steps
Estimated time: 30-60 minutes
- 1
Power down and safety check
Unplug the washer, shut off water, and remove all laundry. Inspect the drum opening for obvious objects like coins or keys. This reduces risk before you handle components.
Tip: Always unplug before touching internal parts. - 2
Level the washer
Place a spirit level on the top and adjust each foot until the level reads centered. A level machine minimizes vibrations during spin.
Tip: Re-check after loading a test cycle. - 3
Redistribute the load
Pauses the cycle and move items to balance weight across the drum. Overloaded or lopsided loads are a top cause of banging.
Tip: Small loads can still become unbalanced if clumped. - 4
Run an empty test cycle
With no laundry, run a short cycle to identify noise sources. Listen carefully for rhythm and tone changes when the drum spins.
Tip: If it’s quiet with no load, the issue is likely load-related. - 5
Inspect visible parts
Carefully expose the back or bottom panel to check drive belt tension and motor mounts for wear or looseness. Do not force any part.
Tip: Only perform belt checks if you’re comfortable working around moving parts. - 6
Call a professional if needed
If the sound persists after safe checks, a technician can diagnose bearings, shocks, or motor issues and perform necessary replacements.
Tip: Obtain a clear service estimate before work begins.
Diagnosis: Machine makes loud banging noises during wash cycle
Possible Causes
- highUnbalanced load
- mediumObjects in drum (coins, buttons)
- lowWorn drum bearings or shock absorbers
- lowLoose drive belt or pulley
- lowClogged pump or drain hose
- lowCabinet feet not level
Fixes
- easyPause, redistribute load and re-run
- easyRemove foreign objects from drum and seal
- easyInspect belt/pulley for wear and tighten/replace
- mediumClean pump screen and check drain path
- easyLevel the machine and secure cabinet feet
- hardSchedule professional inspection for bearings/shocks
FAQ
What is the most common cause of loud washing machine noise?
Unbalanced loads and foreign objects in the drum are the most frequent culprits. Redistribute, inspect for objects, and test again.
Unbalanced loads and objects in the drum are usually the culprits. Redistribute and check for items, then test again.
Is it safe to operate a washer that sounds like it’s grinding?
No. Grinding noises can indicate worn bearings or motor issues. Stop use and get a professional diagnosis to prevent further damage.
Grinding sounds mean stop using it and call a pro for diagnosis.
Should I lubricate the drum bearings myself?
Most modern washers do not require user lubrication. Bearing issues usually require bearing replacement by a technician.
Lubrication isn’t typically part of home maintenance; bearings usually need a pro.
How long do front-loading washer bearings last?
Bearing life varies by model and use. If you notice persistent noise after maintenance, plan for bearing inspection or replacement with a pro.
Bearing life depends on use; if noises persist, get a professional check.
When should I replace my washer due to noise?
If noise persists after all safe DIY steps and major components show wear, replacement may be more cost-effective than continued repairs.
If noises keep coming back after fixes, replacing the machine may be the best option.
Can a drain pump cause loud noises?
Yes, a blocked or failing drain pump can cause unusual noises. Clear the filter and inspect the pump, calling a pro if the noise continues.
Drain pump issues can make noise; clear it or get a pro if it keeps happening.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Start with safe power-down and load redistribution
- Check for foreign objects and level the unit
- Test with an empty cycle to isolate the problem
- Call a professional if noise persists or you hear grinding
