Loud Noise from Washing Machine When Spinning – The Reasons & Solutions

By Consumer Advise Team
Edited On

Every washing machine makes a noise which increases during the drying cycle time. A washing machine may be making weird noises for various reasons, including a high-pitched screech or a clicking sound. However, if your washing machine is making a strange loud noise and vibration while operating, it indicates that there must be some problem in installation or a part inside it has become loose or worn out.

A washing machine with noises like pounding, tapping, knocking, banging, scratching, or high-pitched spinning signals toward an internal problem, which may be complex to fix and needs immediate attention. 

It is wise not to dismiss strange noises coming from your washing machine. It would be best to get to the root of the problem as soon as possible. The sooner these problems are addressed, the easier they are to resolve and the smaller the risk of long-term damage.

In this article, we have discussed various reasons why a washing machine makes noise and troubleshot the problem to get a satisfactory solution.

Strange Loud Noise From Washing Machine When Spinning- Reason And Solution

1. Imbalance of the washing machine

This is the most common reason why a washing machine makes noise. If your device is not leveled and installed correctly, it shakes and creates a loud rattling or banging loud noise while spinning. Though this is a serious problem, its solution is comparatively simple.

Use a spirit level indicator and check the machine from corner to corner to verify if it is appropriately leveled. If not, use a spanner to adjust the leveling of the feet upwards or downwards and make sure it has firm contact with the floor. We suggest providing enough space around the washing machine so that it does not come in contact with the walls and starts vibrating.

2. Drum bearings making noise

Every washing machine comes with a heavy-duty ball bearing or cylindrical roller bearing at the base of the wash drum to facilitate smooth rotation. Hard water mixed with detergents gets deposited near the coupling and corrodes it slowly. Eventually, the rusting process damages the drum as well as the attached bearing. In the following image, you can see how badly the wash drum and its bearing are corroded.

Washing drum with broken bearing

In the end, the bearing breaks and prevents the drum from rotating. This causes friction between the remains of the bearing and the shaft, making a loud crashing noise. Lack of lubrication can also damage the bearing, and however, it is less likely to happen.

Open the machine’s door and turn the drum by hand to troubleshoot this problem. If you hear a jamming sound or the drum spins unevenly, it indicates that the bearing is in terrible condition and needs replacement.

3. drive motor overloaded

The drive motor of a washing machine makes the wash drum rotate at a computed speed. In most washing machines, the motor drives the drum using a belt-pulley arrangement.

If the motor is obstructed mechanically or even electrically, it will create a buzzing noise which is sometimes accompanied by a burning odor. In such a condition, most smart washing machines disconnect the power automatically to prevent further damage. 

main drive motor with pulley of a washing machine

Overloading the tub with clothes increases the load on the wash drum and connecting motor assembly. It results in higher wear and tear in the machine bearings and the motor, causing it to overheat and eventually burn out.

To fix this strange noise, stop the machine and rearrange your laundry. You can even take out the items which are causing uneven load distribution. If the same problem arises again, the motor might have a serious issue requiring an experienced technician’s help.

4. motor coupler is worn out

A coupler in a washing machine connects the drive motor to the drum and facilitates motion transmission. It is usually made of shock-absorbing plastic reinforced with a metal core containing two drive forks and a rubber component connecting them.

Direct drive motor coupling

With each utilization of the washing machine, the coupler is exposed to variable loads. It makes the coupler wear out slowly and eventually slip out of the shaft’s alignment.

If the coupler has already been damaged, it will make a vibrating noise and you should replace it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will create more trouble in the future. As a preventive action against this failure, you can lower the wash load on the machine.

5. Drain pump creating noise

As the name implies, the drain pump drains the water from your washing machine. The soil and lint washed from the clothes may get clogged or damaged, which requires cleaning. These foreign particles block the pump impeller or its inlet/outlet port, resulting in strange noises at certain intervals during the spin cycle.

Drain pump of washing machine creating noise

If you hear a loud whirring noise coming from your machine, you must check the drain pump and its filter. To fix this, clean the drain pump filter. However, drain pumps are very efficient, and such a problem does not usually occur within years of operation.

6. Damaged tub dampening straps/ shock absorbers

Most top-loading washing machines have unique dampening straps to balance the wash tub, keep it in the center, and absorb vibration during spinning. These shock absorbers are present in front-load washing machines with slightly different construction. It is connected from the machine frame to the washtub, resembling a wrench with strings attached.

Shock absorber of a washing machine detached

If your washing machine makes a loud banging noise during the wash cycle, these straps may be loose or damaged. As the dampening straps are usually made of rubber, they stretch out with every use, which causes the tub to come in contact with the washing machine’s cabinet, creating a loud annoying noise. If these straps are damaged, there is no other option than to replace them.

These are the six major reasons to- why washing machines make loud noise during spinning and their solutions. Fully automatic top and front-loading washing machines produce less noise than semi-automatic washing machines with agitators.

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