How to Fix Washing Machine Making Noise When Spinning

A washing machine is one of the most essential household appliances you could have. Without washing, machine laundry can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task.

However if your washing machine begins to make weird noises when it’s spinning and struggling clean your clothes, you may have a problem. 

Some of the effective ways to fix the noise from your washer when it’s in spin mode are; to replace worn-out bearings, balance your load,  remove objects stuck in the washer and tighten loose drum screws.

Causes of Washing Machine Noise While Spinning

Loose Drum Screws

The reason why your washing machine makes a loud noise while spinning may be due to Loose screws in the drum. A Loose drum can induce a repetitive banging noise in the course of spinning. 

Worn-Out Tub Bearings

The tub bearings are crucial components in the washing machine that facilitate the smooth spinning of the washing machine drum. In the course of spinning the washing machine tub rides these bearings that allow free movement without any resistance. However, if the bearing is worn-out out the washer will make a loud noise when spinning. One way to detect if the noise is caused by a worn-out bearing is that the noise intensifies as time goes on. This means the bearing is wearing out and getting near its end.

Lack of Lubrication Oil Within the Bearings

The noise you hear from your washing machine when it’s spinning may be a result of the bearings rubbing against each other due to inadequate lubrication oil. However, if you hear more squeaking than noise grinding then it implies that the bearings need to be lubricated with mechanical grease. In case you hear more grinding noise than squeaking noise then it means the bearings are falling apart and needs to be replaced urgently. 

Worn-Out Suspension Rods(Top Loading Washer)

Four suspension rods connect the top of the loading washer frames to the springs to keep the machine in balance when it’s running. It also decreases the bouncing of the tub while it spins. This may cause your washer to become shaky and make a clanging noise in the course of spinning. 

Worn-Out Shock Absorbers(Front-Loading Washing Machine)

The washing machine usually has springs that keep your washer’s drum centered. It also absorbs the impact of the drum when it’s spinning. However, if the shock absorbers are disconnected or worn out the washing machine make shakes vigorously and creates a banging noise when it’s spinning 

A Faulty Pulley Drive

The pulley is the device on which the belt rides on to spin your washer’s drum or tub. The pulley runs the motor and also keeps the drum spinning. The pulley is usually made of metal or plastic. However, you may hear a banging and grinding noise from your washing machine when the pulley becomes loose or worn out.

Also Read:

How to fix random gurgling noise in your kitchen sink

Washing Machine Making Grinding Noise But not Spinning

Unbalanced Load

A common mistake most people make with washing machines is to load them in such a way that it has no balance. Putting too little or too much laundry such as curtains into your washing machine can cause an unbalanced load. when this happens the unbalanced weight may cause the drum to swing and hit your washing machine’s internal frames hence creating loud bang noise.

Also when you overload your washer it puts too much stress on the bearings causing it to go off balance during the spin cycle, hence creating noise.

However, if you also underload your washer, the laundry will gather at one side of the spinning drum.

Stack Up Objects in the Washer

If Loose objects get trapped in your washing machine it can also induce loudness when the machine is spinning. 

The Rubber Seal

  Front-loading washers usually have a pliable rubber gasket in the door area to provide a water-tight seal. Foreign objects such as coins may sometimes hide beneath the seal and create noise when your washing machine is spinning.

The Drum

Sometimes small objects can get stuck up between the inner and outer drum, and induce a rattling or scraping noise when your washing machine spins. The common objects that usually get stuck in the drum are coins keys, and buttons. 

A Faulty Motor Coupling

A broken motor coupling may be the cause of noise in your washer when it’s spinning. The motor coupling connects your washing machine transmission to the motor. However, the motor coupling is usually made of plastic and easily breaks if your washing machine is overloaded. 

Bad Drain Pump

The drain pump is an important part of the washing machine that removes water from your washing machine and runs it off through the drain hose. The pump turns out many times in the spinning whenever the washer wants to remove used water and replace the fresh water. 

However, the drain pump may get clogged or damaged over time. When this happens your washing machine may make squeaky noises at certain intervals when your washing machine is spinning. 

How to Fix the Noise Your Washing Machine Makes When Spinning

Check Out the Feet of Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine will make loud noise while agitating if it’s not on level ground. To remedy this, look out to see if your washing machine is on level ground. If it does not then make sure that it’s feet, the four adjustable round pads at the corners of the machine level. If you realize that one foot is higher than the others and not deep-seated then twist it until it becomes level with the other feet. This will help keep the washing machine steady.

Replace Worn-Out Bearings

Replacement of the bearings is a complex process that requires you to disassemble other components. More especially how the replacement is done depends on the design of your washing machine model. In some instances, you can just replace only the tub bearings but in another model,  you may be required to replace the outer tube as a whole because it has the bearings built inside it. We recommend you call up a professional to help you replace it.

Replace Worn-Out Shock Absorbers (Front-Loading Washing Machine)

If you realize that the noise from your washing machine is due to worn-out shock absorbers then you need to replace them as they are not repairable. 

To get started this is what you need to get going; a plier and a wrench.

Confer with your manual to learn how to get at your washing machine shock absorbers. In some models, you may only be required to turn on the side of the machine to access the bottom but in other models, you will be required to take out the top and front panels.

The shock absorbers are similar to the tube that connects the outer tube to the base frames of your washing machine. 

They are fastened to each end of your machine using a blend of pins and bolts.

To take out the pins you need to push the tap downward and use the needle nose plier to pull out the plug. Then unscrew the bolts holding the other end of the shock absorber using the wrench. 

Once that is done you attach the new shock absorber to the base of your machine. Put the washing machine first, then tighten the nuts using the wrench. Position the end of the shock absorber at the tub and fasten the new pins.

Tighten Loose Drum Screws

The screws that keep the drum in position become loose over time and make a banging noise when your washing machine is spinning.

 To remedy this problem you need to open the washing machine cabinet to gain access to the drum and find out if the screws keep the drum steady. 

In case you’re using a top-loading washing machine, take out the top and back panels.

But for a front-loading washing machine, you need to take out the top and front panels. Finally, tighten the screws that keep the drum steady. 

Check Out and Replace Worn-Out Suspension Rods

Faulty suspension rods may cause clanging when your washing machine is spinning. 

To remedy this problem, you need to consult your owner’s manual and find out how you can access the suspension rods. If notice the suspension rods are faulty or damaged you need to call up a professional to replace them.

Check Out and Replace the Worn-Out Drive Pulley

A worn-out drive pulley may induce banging or grinding when your washing machine is spinning. To mitigate this problem, 

Take out your washing machine cabinet and examine the components of the drive pulley. If you notice any cracks or breaks in any of the components then you need to replace them. Call up a professional to come and assist you to replace it.

Remove Objects that Get Stuck in Your Washer

These objects are usually stuck up in the rubber seal and drum.

To get rid of these objects you need to carefully pull out the rubber seal and use your fingers to remove any item trapped in it. Ensure to clean up the rubber seal regularly as mold can accumulate in the folds of the seal. Use a wire coat hanger to pull out items stuck between the inner and outer drum through the edges.

Balance Your Load or Laundry

Sometimes the noise you hear from your washing machine when it’s spinning can be due to an overloading or underloading your washing machine. Try to cut down the number of clothes you put into your washing machine to allow more space for the clothes to move around when the washing is agitated. Here is a guide for perfect laundry load sizes.

The top-load washing machine should take a maximum of 80% laundry load size. Front-load washing machines should take a maximum of 60% laundry load size.

Conclusion

The noise you hear from your washing machine when it’s spinning indicates an underlying problem. Ignoring these red flags may lead to bigger problems in the future. Luckily enough we have discussed some of the best methods to help you fix the noise. Read the article clearly and stick to the procedures to better solve the issue.

Josephine

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