Washing Machine is Noisy
The most common cause of a noisy washing machine on spin is worn drum bearings – identified by a constant rumbling during spin that can be heard when the drum is spun by hand. Other causes include foreign objects between the drum and tub, pump obstructions, a recirculation pump fault, or a trapped bra wire. The noise type and when it occurs are the key diagnostic clues.
Some noises are harmless. Others, if left unattended, will cause progressive damage that ends in a write-off. A noise that could have been fixed cheaply becomes an expensive or irreparable fault over time. If you cannot identify the cause, get it checked – ignoring noises is a risk with real consequences.
This is Part 1 of the noisy washing machine guide. It covers the most serious and common noise causes. Part 2 covers squealing, knocking, rattling, clicking, and motor-related noises.
Quick Reference: Noise Type and Likely Cause
| Noise | When | Most likely cause |
|---|---|---|
| Constant rumbling or roaring | Spin, audible when drum spun by hand | Worn drum bearings |
| Loud bang or crash each revolution | Spin, especially with heavy loads | Cracked drum spider, or coin/object loose in tub |
| Grinding or grating | Draining | Object in pump – check filter and impeller |
| Continuous noise even when drum is still | Wash cycle only | Recirculation pump bearing failure |
| Light scraping or ratcheting | Wash and spin | Bra underwire trapped between drum and outer tub |
Rumbling on Spin: Worn Drum Bearings
Worn drum bearings are the single most common cause of a noisy washing machine on spin. The noise is a constant rumble or roar that is present throughout any spin – it does not come and go. It can be confirmed by opening the door and spinning the drum firmly by hand. If you hear the same rumbling noise, the bearings are the prime suspect.
For a more accurate test, remove the drive belt from the motor and spin the drum by hand. Spinning without the belt means you are not turning the motor at the same time, which isolates the drum bearing noise from any motor-related noise. See our guide on what noisy drum bearings sound like for audio examples.
Checking for Excessive Drum Play
Grab the top of the drum through the door (at the top lip, behind the door seal) and try to lift it upward. This reveals how much wear has occurred in the bearings and drum shaft.
Normal
No movement, or just a fraction. The entire tub may move slightly on its springs – this is normal. What should not be present is the drum moving up within the tub.
Bearings worn
The drum lifts visibly and drops back down. This play should be consistent all the way around the drum if bearings are the cause. Play at one specific point only suggests a drum spider fault (see below).
Rust Patch Underneath the Machine
A brown rust stain on the floor beneath the machine, or on the inside of the base plate, is a further sign of bearing failure. There are two small drainage holes at the back of the bearing housing – when the bearing seal fails and water enters the bearing, it trickles out through these holes carrying rust and grease with it. The stain is not always present, but when visible it is a reliable indicator.
Is a Drum Bearing Replacement Worthwhile?
For many years, most washing machines have been built with plastic outer tubs where the bearings are moulded into the tub itself, requiring specialist extraction tools and a full tub replacement rather than a bearing swap. More recently, some models have completely sealed outer casings where the entire heavy tub must be removed to access anything. Before committing to a bearing repair, confirm whether bearings are available and replaceable on your specific model. On many machines, the repair cost exceeds the value of the machine. See our guide on repairing a plastic outer drum.
Banging or Crashing: Drum Spider Fault
The drum spider is the three-armed metal bracket at the back of the drum that connects the drum to its central shaft. If one of the three arms has broken, corroded, or detached from the drum, it causes a pronounced noise – typically a loud bang or crash on each revolution as the loose arm strikes the inside of the outer tub.
This is distinct from bearing noise. Bearing noise is constant throughout the revolution. Spider noise typically occurs at one or more specific points per revolution – where the damaged arm passes a particular position.
To check: lift the drum and check for play at different points around its circumference. Bearing wear causes play all the way around. A broken spider arm causes play or movement at a specific location only – or a loose, clunking sensation at one point as the drum is turned by hand.
Horrendous Noise on Spin: Coin or Object in the Tub
A coin or similar hard object trapped between the inner drum and the outer tub will make a tremendous noise on spin as it is repeatedly struck by the rotating drum. It typically makes little noise during the wash cycle when drum speed is low, but becomes loud on spin.
Most modern washing machines have plastic outer tubs. A hard object being struck repeatedly by the inner drum at spin speed can punch through the plastic tub, destroying the machine entirely. If you suspect an object is trapped in the tub, do not run the machine on spin until it has been retrieved or confirmed to have fallen clear.
Evidence of a past or present obstruction includes dents or creases in the inner drum surface. However, these may indicate a historical obstruction that has since fallen into the sump hose or filter rather than one still present.
To check whether an object is still inside, drain the machine fully, then tilt it from side to side or tip it gently backwards and forwards. A loose object may slide and reveal its presence by sound. Objects sometimes fall through the hole in the base of the inner tub into the sump hose, where they can be retrieved by removing the filter or the sump hose. See our guide on removing something stuck in the drum.
Noise Only When Draining: Pump Obstruction
Buttons, hair grips, bra wires, and small plastic objects can find their way into the pump via the filter. A grinding or grating noise that only occurs when the machine is emptying water is the typical symptom of an obstruction inside the pump chamber striking the rotating impeller.
Check the pump filter first – see our guide on washing machine pump filter. If the filter is clear, the obstruction may be inside the pump body itself. The pump’s own bearings can fail, but this is much less common than an obstruction as the cause of pump noise. See our guide on washing machine pumps for full diagnostic guidance.
Noise Only on Wash (Not Rinse or Spin): Recirculation Pump
Some washing machines have a separate recirculation pump that circulates wash water back into the drum during the wash phase. If a strange continuous noise is present on the wash cycle but disappears on rinse and spin cycles – and crucially is still present even when the drum is stationary – the recirculation pump is the most likely source. Worn bearings in a recirculation pump will cause a persistent hum or grinding that is not related to drum rotation.
Light Scraping or Ratcheting Noise: Bra Underwire
A light continuous scraping, ratcheting, or intermittent clicking that appears when the drum turns is one of the most common noise complaints and is frequently caused by a bra underwire that has worked its way out of the fabric and become trapped between the inner drum and the outer tub.
Unlike the banging of a coin, the underwire is flexible and not usually strong enough to cause serious damage – though it can snag clothing and may eventually work its way into the pump and cause a blockage.
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Check the inner drum surface for a wire poking through one of the drum holes. If visible, it can sometimes be pulled back in from inside the door.
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Check under the machine with the sump hose removed – the wire sometimes ends up in the base of the outer tub and can be retrieved from there.
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Remove the dispenser hose and slowly rotate the drum by hand. If the wire has moved within reach of the dispenser hose opening, it may be retrievable.
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If none of these methods work, the machine may need partial disassembly to retrieve the wire. Leaving it in place is an option if the noise is minor – it is unlikely to cause structural damage, but monitor it.
Need a Qualified Engineer?
Drum bearing replacement, spider arm failure, and objects inside the tub can all be difficult to address without experience. A competent engineer can diagnose and advise quickly.
Related Guides
More Causes of a Noisy Washing Machine – Part 2Squealing, knocking tub weights, rattling, clicking, and motor-related noises – all covered in Part 2.
What Do Noisy Drum Bearings Sound Like?Audio description and guidance on distinguishing drum bearing noise from other causes of rumbling.
Remove Something Stuck in the DrumHow to retrieve coins, objects, and bra wires from inside the machine without full disassembly.
Tapping or Grinding Noise on SpinSpecific guidance for machines that make a tapping or grinding sound specifically on spin cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my washing machine so loud on spin?
The most common cause is worn drum bearings – identified by a constant rumbling throughout the spin that is also audible when the drum is spun by hand with the machine empty and unplugged. Other causes include a coin or object trapped between the drum and outer tub (causing intermittent banging), or a cracked drum spider arm (causing a bang or knock at a specific point in each revolution).
How do I know if my washing machine drum bearings have gone?
Open the door and spin the drum firmly by hand. If you hear a constant rumbling or roaring throughout the spin, the bearings are likely worn. Also check for excessive play by grabbing the top of the drum and trying to lift it – worn bearings allow the drum to move up and down. A rust stain on the floor beneath the machine is a further indicator.
Is it dangerous to keep using a noisy washing machine?
It depends on the cause. A coin trapped between the drum and a plastic outer tub is potentially very serious – it can punch through the tub on spin and destroy the machine. Worn bearings left too long can cause the drum shaft to fail completely. A bra wire scraping is less urgent but can cause clothing damage and eventual pump blockage. Any noise of unknown cause should be investigated rather than ignored.
What is a drum spider and how do I know if it has broken?
The drum spider is the three-armed metal bracket at the rear of the inner drum that connects the drum to its central shaft. A broken arm causes a bang or knock at one or more specific points per revolution rather than a constant rumble. Grab the drum and check for play while rotating it – a broken spider shows up as movement or clunking at a specific position rather than uniformly around the drum.
52 Comments
Grouped into 30 comment threads.
0 replies If the drum is stiff or stuck combined with being very noisy before the suspects are an obstruction jamming the drum, worn or collapsed drum bearings or a fault on the drum itself. Use the article advice starting at, "Washing machine rumbling, and very noisy on spin" to try and determine which one it is.
0 replies I have a Whirlpool AWM 5104 Washing Machine,that is making a noise like a locomotive train on the short spin towards the end,even though it is rinsing and spinning at the beginning. I noticed the drum seems to be stuck. I don't know whether to call a repairman or if I need a new machine. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank You.
I have a Whirlpool AWM 5104 Washing Machine,that is making a noise like a locomotive train on the short spin towards the end,even though it is rinsing and spinning at the beginning. I noticed the drum seems to be stuck. I don’t know whether to call a repairman or if I need a new machine. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank You.
0 replies Bearings could have become so worn or eventually collapsed and the belt thrown off at the back Kevan.
Bearings could have become so worn or eventually collapsed and the belt thrown off at the back Kevan.
0 replies my drum on my hotpoint wt761 was very noisey now it doesnt spin at all during any cycle yet i can spin it freeley by hand as it had it.
my drum on my hotpoint wt761 was very noisey now it doesnt spin at all during any cycle yet i can spin it freeley by hand as it had it.
0 replies If it's a spring then normal grease should do. I always used high melting point LM grease. If it's a damper at the bottom though they rely on friction to work so WD-40 might not be such a good idea.
If it’s a spring then normal grease should do. I always used high melting point LM grease. If it’s a damper at the bottom though they rely on friction to work so WD-40 might not be such a good idea.
3 replies I've never heard of a washing machine catching fire caused by drum bearings, or drum bearings causing a flood. However, running the machine with an obviously serious fault has risks and you never know what might happen. If desperate I would advise not letting it spin much at all because it's on spin where most of the damage and friction takes place. I would also keep a close eye on the machine and not leave it unattended.
I’ve never heard of a washing machine catching fire caused by drum bearings, or drum bearings causing a flood. However, running the machine with an obviously serious fault has risks and you never know what might happen. If desperate I would advise not letting it spin much at all because it’s on spin where most of the damage and friction takes place. I would also keep a close eye on the machine and not leave it unattended.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hey Andy, amazing article and interesting comments. I cannot find an answer anywhere though, so hope you can give me some fast help. We bought a new Indesit IWCN 61051 X9. It’s a budget machine but didn’t expect it to make such noises from the very beginning. Transportation bolts have been removed and I had to balance the machine with one of the legs since the floor seems uneven. Trying to move it back and forth and side to side by hand and it seems stable.
The problem appears at the end of the wash and rinse cycles when the machine does some load balancing and light spinning. The moment it starts the spin, the machine vibrates quite a lot and squeaks. The squeaking seems to be coming from the back left side (sounds like a shock absorber, but go figure). Usually squeaking when starting and stopping the spin at the lowest rpms.
During the spin cycle though it does not vibrate so much and the squeaking is gone. I am absolutely clueless as to what it might be…
Likely replying to Mancho
Thanks Mancho. When troubleshooting a noise like that you need to disconnect the washer from the main and take off the top and back panel. Then manually bounce and move the tub around to see if you can create the noise. After that it’s literally down to working out where the noise is coming from. Include in you checks the chassis to make sure it hasn’t got a loose weld and the feet.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Andy, thank you for the swift reply. I couldn’t wait for your answer so opened the machine’s top and back and started moving the drum. Well it is one of the suspension springs causing the squeaks. Put some WD-40 on it and now is as good as new, but I think the WD-40 won’t last for too long. Any recommendations on what lubricant to use? Silicon one seems to be recommended all over the internet for squeaking springs of any kind.
Thanks once again for your help!!!
0 replies Hi, an engineer has advised the bearings have gone in my washing machine and said that under no circumstances should I use it as it could catch fire or flood the kitchen. We are hoping it will be replaced in the next week or so. Am I ok to use it for the time being as I can't find anything on the internet about them causing a fire? It has been washing clothes fine but just noisy when spinning.
Hi, an engineer has advised the bearings have gone in my washing machine and said that under no circumstances should I use it as it could catch fire or flood the kitchen. We are hoping it will be replaced in the next week or so. Am I ok to use it for the time being as I can’t find anything on the internet about them causing a fire? It has been washing clothes fine but just noisy when spinning.
0 replies The most common cause of a brand new washing machine being noisy on first use is when the transit packaging hasn't been removed. Check the instructions (for some reason removing the transit packaging instructions are often in the middle - not the beginning - of instruction books!). Other than checking that, and that the machine is level, and that you haven't put a difficult awkward load in there's no other option but to get them to look at it if you think there's a fault.
The most common cause of a brand new washing machine being noisy on first use is when the transit packaging hasn’t been removed. Check the instructions (for some reason removing the transit packaging instructions are often in the middle – not the beginning – of instruction books!). Other than checking that, and that the machine is level, and that you haven’t put a difficult awkward load in there’s no other option but to get them to look at it if you think there’s a fault.
0 replies Hi, My daughter has just had new machine delivered and during initial cycle being run without clothes the machine makes a much louder noise running one way more than the other. Is this normal or a problem with new machine? Unfortunately it was not an overly expensive machine - Bush bought from Argos. Any advice much appreciated. Thanks
Hi,
My daughter has just had new machine delivered and during initial cycle being run without clothes the machine makes a much louder noise running one way more than the other. Is this normal or a problem with new machine? Unfortunately it was not an overly expensive machine – Bush bought from Argos.
Any advice much appreciated. Thanks
0 replies Hi My washing machine is only making a noise at certain parts of the cycle (can't work out what is happening at this part of the cycle). If I put pressure underneather the washer door (ie my foot) the noise stops until the pressure is released. Please can anyone advise what could be causing this? Thanks!
Hi
My washing machine is only making a noise at certain parts of the cycle (can’t work out what is happening at this part of the cycle). If I put pressure underneather the washer door (ie my foot) the noise stops until the pressure is released.
Please can anyone advise what could be causing this?
Thanks!
Leave a comment
0 replies A high pitched noise on spin is usually the motor though it is rare for a motor so young to have a fault. If only 6 months old isn't it under guarantee? If you take off the belt and make sure it isn't catching on anything then try it on spin you can eliminate any drum faults as only the main motor and pump will be running.
A high pitched noise on spin is usually the motor though it is rare for a motor so young to have a fault. If only 6 months old isn’t it under guarantee? If you take off the belt and make sure it isn’t catching on anything then try it on spin you can eliminate any drum faults as only the main motor and pump will be running.
1 reply A crackling noise can be caused by worn brushes in the motor which is mentioned at the bottom of part two of my noisy washing machine causes .
A crackling noise can be caused by worn brushes in the motor which is mentioned at the bottom of part two of my noisy washing machine causes .
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy, I have a 6 month old Samsung EcoBubble washer & it’s started making a very loud high pitched noise on the spin cycle. I’ve tried several speeds & different wash cycles but problem persists. It also didn’t seem to wash the clothes as effectively on last few washes. I’ve wiggled the drum as you’ve recommended to others on previous posts & it doesn’t appear to be loose. I’ve checked the filter too & that was debris-free. There’s no visible obstruction inside the drum either. Wondering what it could be before I call out a repair person in case it costs the earth. Thanks
0 replies What happens if there is a cracking/crunching/squealing type noise as the machine is agitating with each wash but not constant, just every so often while it is washing.
What happens if there is a cracking/crunching/squealing type noise as the machine is agitating with each wash but not constant, just every so often while it is washing.
0 replies It sounds like the drum bearings have gone. If they have collapsed at the front this often causes the drive belt to get thrown off. It's normally serious enough to kill off a washing machine. Check out this article to get a rough idea of what worn drum bearings sound like although the example shown is when the bearings are not seriously gone yet
It sounds like the drum bearings have gone. If they have collapsed at the front this often causes the drive belt to get thrown off. It’s normally serious enough to kill off a washing machine. Check out this article to get a rough idea of what worn drum bearings sound like although the example shown is when the bearings are not seriously gone yet
0 replies Hi there My washer sounds like it's spinning rocks on the spin. Just taken the back off to find the belt unattached, could this be causing all the noise? also when I spin the spider manually it makes a kinda grinding noise? Any advise would be grateful Thanks
Hi there
My washer sounds like it’s spinning rocks on the spin. Just taken the back off to find the belt unattached, could this be causing all the noise? also when I spin the spider manually it makes a kinda grinding noise?
Any advise would be grateful
Thanks
1 reply Hi there, I have a Hotpoint Futura which I've had for about 2 or 3 years. For the last couple of weeks the spin has been noisy, it doesn't feel smooth to rotate by hand . I'm not sure if it's the bearings or something easier to fix as although the drum is loose it's not moving up or down. It swings from back to front. Can you advise ne on possible causes please? Thanks
Hi there, I have a Hotpoint Futura which I’ve had for about 2 or 3 years. For the last couple of weeks the spin has been noisy, it doesn’t feel smooth to rotate by hand . I’m not sure if it’s the bearings or something easier to fix as although the drum is loose it’s not moving up or down. It swings from back to front. Can you advise ne on possible causes please?
Thanks
Likely replying to Michelle
Hello Michelle, you need to take off the drive belt. When you turn the drum by hand you are moving the drum, the drive belt, and the motor, so the noise could be coming from any of those three. By removing the belt and making sure it isn’t catching on anything you can then turn the drum and see if the noise is definitely caused by the drum or not. If it is, then unless you can sense there is something stuck inside it is most probably worn drum bearings.
1 reply I had a swan washing machine delivered yesterday, it's making noise when drum is turning it's a high pitched noise and got worse as day went on,any advise would be appreciated.
I had a swan washing machine delivered yesterday, it’s making noise when drum is turning it’s a high pitched noise and got worse as day went on,any advise would be appreciated.
0 replies A loud churning noise sounds like something stuck inside the pump. If it only makes the noise when draining out water get the pump checked out starting with checking the pump filter.
A loud churning noise sounds like something stuck inside the pump. If it only makes the noise when draining out water get the pump checked out starting with checking the pump filter.
0 replies I have a indesit iwsc61251s w/machine it's fine at the begging and end of cycle but half way through makes a really loud churning noise it's only 16months old, I called them and it's going to cost me £120 for a call out just to see what's wrong and maybe another £150- £200 for them to sort it I can't really afford that at the moment is there anything else you would recommend?? Thanks
I have a indesit iwsc61251s w/machine it’s fine at the begging and end of cycle but half way through makes a really loud churning noise it’s only 16months old, I called them and it’s going to cost me £120 for a call out just to see what’s wrong and maybe another £150- £200 for them to sort it I can’t really afford that at the moment is there anything else you would recommend?? Thanks
1 reply Hi i have a swan washing machine and it was making a noise when spinning, then just stopped....i pulled the machine out and the belt was on the floor, could that have caused the noise or do i need a new washing machine.
Hi i have a swan washing machine and it was making a noise when spinning, then just stopped….i pulled the machine out and the belt was on the floor, could that have caused the noise or do i need a new washing machine.
Likely replying to caroline
Hello Caroline, if it’s been rumbling on spin for a while it could be the drum bearings have been going and have finally collapsed. If the belt came off quite quickly after the noise started it could be just the drum pulley has come loose. Belts sometimes just come off for no apparent reason. Check my article here out – Belt Keeps Coming Off Washing Machine
0 replies As you can imagine my advice has to be that it all depends on exactly what is causing the problem. It may be possible that the machine will soldier on noisily for a while longer. However, there is also a possibility, especially if it has a plastic outer drum, that if something is knocking against the plastic outer drum it could wear through or damage it causing the washing machine to leak. If you do need to keep using it the best advice would be to prevent it doing a full spin because it's only on spin that any real damage is likely to occur. If it has a variable spin option drop it down to at least 1000 or preferably 800. If it's really noisy on spin I would just turn it off after it spun for 30 seconds or so. Of course the laundry will be much wetter but if you have to keep using it this will lessen the chances of anything bad happening. You would need to keep a very close eye on it as well and definitely do not leave it alone in case something disastrous happens and it floods the kitchen.
As you can imagine my advice has to be that it all depends on exactly what is causing the problem. It may be possible that the machine will soldier on noisily for a while longer. However, there is also a possibility, especially if it has a plastic outer drum, that if something is knocking against the plastic outer drum it could wear through or damage it causing the washing machine to leak. If you do need to keep using it the best advice would be to prevent it doing a full spin because it’s only on spin that any real damage is likely to occur.
If it has a variable spin option drop it down to at least 1000 or preferably 800. If it’s really noisy on spin I would just turn it off after it spun for 30 seconds or so. Of course the laundry will be much wetter but if you have to keep using it this will lessen the chances of anything bad happening. You would need to keep a very close eye on it as well and definitely do not leave it alone in case something disastrous happens and it floods the kitchen.
0 replies My drum has come completely loose, I can shake it around, it's about 15 years old, I got it about 5th hand when I first moved into my home 4 years ago, I know I will have to buy a new one, but can I use This one in the mean time?
My drum has come completely loose, I can shake it around, it’s about 15 years old, I got it about 5th hand when I first moved into my home 4 years ago, I know I will have to buy a new one, but can I use This one in the mean time?
5 replies just got a new to me hotpoint aquarius extra wma40-42, the spin cycle is really loud, it's not unbalanced, there's no loose change, the feet are even- it just sounds like a normal spin only a really loud one. any ideas
just got a new to me hotpoint aquarius extra wma40-42, the spin cycle is really loud, it’s not unbalanced, there’s no loose change, the feet are even- it just sounds like a normal spin only a really loud one. any ideas
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy
I wonder if you can help me. My 3 year old washing machine has started making a knocking noise. It seems to knock once for every revolution, irrespective of whether the drum is spinning, washing, full, or if I do it by hand when it is empty. It is a very hollow kind of knocking noise – definitely not the bearings.
It is a Hoover DYN 9164 DPG
Likely replying to Jenny
Jenny, main suspect would be a loose drum weight. Unplug machine and take the lid off then shake the drum about to see if you can make it do the knocking noise and identify where it’s coming from. There are often concrete drum weights on top of the outer drum, underneath and or bolted to the front. They often come loose and if left can destroy the outer drum.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy,
Very interesting to read all the comments, and problems. Our Hoover washing machine has once again started sounding like a jet engine when spinning. I say once again, as I actually changed the drum bearings about 5 years ago, and what a mamouth diy job it was. I won’t be attempting it again, so was wondering how long have I got to decide, buy, and get delivered a new washing machine, before the bearings go catastrophically wrong.
Thanks
Paul
Likely replying to paul
Hello Paul. Thanks for posting your experience. Yes it is a massive job to replace drum bearings and one I definitely don’t advise attempting it as a DIY job unless you are really hard-core DIY. To make absolutely sure it is the drum bearings you need to disconnect the drive belt clear from the drum pulley at the back and then spin the drum from inside using one of the drum paddles. If the noise is there then it’s definitely the drum. Believe it or not I once did actually strip down drum bearings and replace them because I was in too much of a rush and too complacent but it turned out to be the motor bearings which sounded remarkably like drum bearings. I only ever did it once but it just proves that it is possible for a motor to develop bearing faults that sound very similar to drum bearings. I also know of another engineer who ordered an entire new drum and bearing kit for a customer which I went out to fit and I found that the rumbling noise was coming from a very badly worn drive belt and the drum bearings were perfectly okay.
If the drum bearings are causing the noise it is difficult to guess how long they will last. As you could imagine depends very much on use but also if the bearings are failing because water is leaking into them, which is the most common cause of drum bearing failure, then it depends exactly how much water is getting onto them. Drum bearings can rumble on noisily for many many months or they can suddenly decline. One marker is play in the drum. The more you can lift the drum up and down on its shaft from the front lip the less grease there is left and the more wear there there is on the bearings and drum shaft – and the more they are likely to collapse.
0 replies Sorry I missed this before Marion. If it was just an out of balanced load it may well be fine but try it again keeping a close eye on it.
Sorry I missed this before Marion. If it was just an out of balanced load it may well be fine but try it again keeping a close eye on it.
0 replies My washing made a loud banging noise during the last spin, managed to stop it a remove the clothes I did another spin but empty and it seemed fine should I risk putting another washing in I also drained the machine and emptied the filter
My washing made a loud banging noise during the last spin, managed to stop it a remove the clothes I did another spin but empty and it seemed fine should I risk putting another washing in I also drained the machine and emptied the filter
1 reply Hi My Hotpoint Ultima WT761 has for the last month sounded like an airplane taking off so after reading your article, i am assuming it is the bearings. It has been with me for 8 years and 4 of those including the daily chore of washing children's clothes so generally i think it's done well. I was wondering in your opinion how long a machine should last these days with an average once a day use, will check out your recommendation article as that was going to be my next question for the next purchase. Thanks Clare
Hi
My Hotpoint Ultima WT761 has for the last month sounded like an airplane taking off so after reading your article, i am assuming it is the bearings. It has been with me for 8 years and 4 of those including the daily chore of washing children’s clothes so generally i think it’s done well.
I was wondering in your opinion how long a machine should last these days with an average once a day use, will check out your recommendation article as that was going to be my next question for the next purchase.
Thanks
Clare
Likely replying to Clare
Hello Clare. I have an article here on how long a washing machine should last although yours sounds like it’s lasted a reasonable time for the use.
0 replies Thanks, Andy - I think it is probably due to it being, as you say, a budget machine. My old machine lasted for ten years, but I now wish I'd replaced it sooner. Leaving it until the old one had bitten the dust meant that I had to rush to replace it and at a time when I had to deal with other, unexpected expenses. I'm definately going to save for a more expensive machine now. (As I sit here writing this, the 'quickwash' is going through its spin cycle and even though I reduced it to a 1000 rpm spin it still sounds like a jet engine.) Of course, the other factor is that being over...er...fifty...I still think that two hundred and fifty quid is a lot of money!
Thanks, Andy –
I think it is probably due to it being, as you say, a budget machine. My old machine lasted for ten years, but I now wish I’d replaced it sooner. Leaving it until the old one had bitten the dust meant that I had to rush to replace it and at a time when I had to deal with other, unexpected expenses. I’m definately going to save for a more expensive machine now. (As I sit here writing this, the ‘quickwash’ is going through its spin cycle and even though I reduced it to a 1000 rpm spin it still sounds like a jet engine.) Of course, the other factor is that being over…er…fifty…I still think that two hundred and fifty quid is a lot of money!
7 replies I have looked at my washing machine after it was making a noise when it was running, I have also looked at faults in the book and I think that the drum / spider at the back has broken or come away, any idea how to check this as I can't see how thanks
I have looked at my washing machine after it was making a noise when it was running, I have also looked at faults in the book and I think that the drum / spider at the back has broken or come away, any idea how to check this as I can’t see how thanks
Likely replying to Dave
Hi Dave, I mention this in the article, “Lifting the drum checking for excessive play but turning it all the way around and checking in different spots can often reveal a broken or loose drum spider, which sometimes only occurs at certain points round the drum (the spider has three arms and is bolted to the drum at three points)”. Other than that you’d have to strip it completely down. Many washing machines have sealed tubs these days so you can’t strip them down or the drum spider is not available as a spare. Check on Spares4Appliances to see what spares are available for your washing machine.
Likely replying to Sarah
Thank you Sarah. I try to cover all possibilities, which can make some of my articles quite long. The problem these days is most of us rarely sit and carefully read articles, particularly on the Internet. So many of my articles are not going to help unless you read them properly, which is hopefully what you did. :)
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy-
I ended up here just wondering if there was anything I could do about the noise levels of my brand new Whirlpool WWDC7440. It’s all firmly seated on the floor and doesn’t move around when in use, the packing bolts were removed etc, and so it seems to just be a noisy machine.
It makes quite a racket when the water fills, but the main problem is the constant ‘chugging’ noise – esp when it’s getting ready to spin, which in itself is pretty piercing. A few reviewers of this machine have said that it has a noisy pump, although, oddly, most reviewers have said that the machine is very quiet! Go figure.
I’m guessing I’m just going to have to live with it until I can save for a new – and hopefully quieter – machine?
Likely replying to Liz Templar
Hello Liz. Whirlpool tend to be a budget washing machine. In the UK they are not particularly sturdily built. Your problem is trying to decide if there is an actual fault, or it’s just a noisy machine. The water pump on all washing machines tends to be relatively noisy, but of course the cheaper machines are likely to be the worst. Ironically as motors have quietened down the water pump noise is much clearer. This effect is most noticeable on really high build washing machines where the main motor is almost silent so all you can hear is the pump. Pumps do not need to be noisy, they could be built much better, but in most machines they are cheap and noisy especially when pumping air.
In other words whilst ever water is rushing through the pump it isn’t so bad but as soon as most of the water has gone pumps can make a horrible chugging and slurping noise.
When you say it makes a racket when the water fills the only thing happening when it’s filling is water going into the machine so it shouldn’t make any noise other than the noise of the water rushing in. If you have high water pressure you can try turning the pressure down a bit by adjusting the washing machine tap. It may be possible to drastically reduce the noise this way. The reviewers that say the machine is very quiet may be speaking relatively. In other words if their old washing machine was extremely noisy and worn out compared to the old one it may very well be pretty quiet. :-)
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy. Thank you for producing such an excellent source of helpful information.
As our Zanussi Jetstream 1600 (which has done exceptionally well for over a decade) is now starting to whine all the time, I am torn between replacing the bearings, or buying new.
With a nod to build design and quality, which brands or models do you recommend without access to an unlimited budget.
Thanks again.
David
Likely replying to David
Thanks David, I have a lot of articles helping buying decisions including ones about which brands of washing machine have good reputations if you look through them here – Advice and resources related to buying washing machines
2 replies Hi, the bearings have gone in my machine to which I have an engineer coming out to fix, I was just wondering if there is any way to prevent this from happening again in the future as the machine is only 3 years old and I cant keep up this repair business every 3 years?
Hi, the bearings have gone in my machine to which I have an engineer coming out to fix, I was just wondering if there is any way to prevent this from happening again in the future as the machine is only 3 years old and I cant keep up this repair business every 3 years?
Likely replying to emma gallagher
Hello Emma, sadly there is nothing you can do other than not overloading the machine. Drum bearing failure is usually caused by water getting into them when the seal protecting them fails. In my opinion, it’s poor design and build quality to blame. In the old days drum bearings did not used to fail like they do today. It would be highly unusual for a three year old washing machine to have drum bearing failure. Sadly these days with some machines it’s relatively common and combined with the fact that they are often designed to be unrepairable without replacing the whole outer drum (or the back half) many washing machines gets scrapped when the bearings fail.
0 replies Just had our Hoover DYNS 7144 repaired (under warranty). It was making an odd noise when washing, sounded like a pound coin in the drum. The engineer diagnosed the fault immediately as the pulley on the rear of the drum being loose. He tightened it up and sure enough now as good as new. (If you want to check this for yourself be aware that the securing nut is the same thread as the drum rotation, in our case it was left hand as the drum rotated anti-clockwise when viewed from the rear.). Hopes this helps to save someone an engineer call out fee.
Just had our Hoover DYNS 7144 repaired (under warranty). It was making an odd noise when washing, sounded like a pound coin in the drum. The engineer diagnosed the fault immediately as the pulley on the rear of the drum being loose. He tightened it up and sure enough now as good as new. (If you want to check this for yourself be aware that the securing nut is the same thread as the drum rotation, in our case it was left hand as the drum rotated anti-clockwise when viewed from the rear.). Hopes this helps to save someone an engineer call out fee.
If the drum is stiff or stuck combined with being very noisy before the suspects are an obstruction jamming the drum, worn or collapsed drum bearings or a fault on the drum itself. Use the article advice starting at, “Washing machine rumbling, and very noisy on spin” to try and determine which one it is.