Noisy Washing Machine When Spinning (Possible Causes)

There isn’t a single case in the history of appliances, in which a machine has started to make weird noises and it meant something positive. Your washer is no exception from this rule. This sort of appliance is expensive to replace and it’s never a good idea to ignore issues such as these.

In this article, we’ve gathered information on all the probable causes for a noisy washing machine and how to test the appliance to determine the exact nature of the problem.

What type of sound are you hearing?
For your convenience, we’ve split up the potential washing machine problems into four specific sound categories – grinding/rumbling, banging, vibrating, and an “aeroplane taking off” sound. This way, you won’t have to disassemble your whole washing machine to figure out what’s going on. Instead, depending on the noise your appliance is making, you’ll just concentrate on the described element.

So, if you:

• Are having issues with a noisy washing machine;
• Want to know what the different sounds indicate;
• Are wondering which parts might be causing the problem,

Then read on! This article is for you.

Grinding/rumbling sound

Worn out bearings

Every washing machine has bearings that help the tub move properly during its spin cycle. A bearing is a small circular component that contains a big number of tiny metal balls, placed on a track. They start to move when the spin cycle hits. You see, sometimes, the bearings just break and the many metal balls placed inside end up dancing around the washer, creating the specific grinding sound.

Another bearing-related problem might be the lack of lubrication. A sure sign for this issue is a very distinctive squeaking noise coming out of the washing machine. If this is the case, the only thing that needs to be done is simply to apply some mechanical grease to the component.

If you are dealing with a front loading model, just open the washing machine door and try turning the drum with your hands. In this situation, you are looking for one of two things: a rubbing sound or your drum spinning in an uneven manner. If you discover either of the two, you probably have a faulty bearing that needs to be replaced.

Keep in mind that if you have a worn out bearing, you need to repair your washing machine right away or you’ll have to invest in a whole new appliance.

Damaged agitator directional dogs

This washing machine part is used to operate the top part of the dual action agitators. The element has a teardrop shape and it serves the following purpose: it engages the teeth on the internal surface of the agitator when it turns to one direction and then releases it when the component switches to the opposite one. This way, the upper part of the agitator is able to ratchet in a specific direction while the bottom agitates in both directions.

Typically, agitator dogs wear out quite easily because they are made from plastic. With time, the surface of the element becomes smooth and it can’t engage the teeth located inside the agitator properly, resulting in a crunching sound. Another problem, which usually goes hand in hand with worn out dogs, is an unstable agitator. The washing machine part will stop working smoothly or it will just quit moving altogether. In order to check if the plastic parts need to be replaced, remove the top part of the agitator and inspect them for any damage.

Banging sounds

Detached shock absorber

A shock absorber is a part that holds the metal chamber inside your washing machine. The purpose of this chamber is to secure the tub of the appliance. This way, the part can move freely during the spin cycle.

In some cases, the absorber detaches and you start to hear a banging noise coming out of your washing machine. The part looks a bit like a wrench and has springs attached to it. To check the position of a shock absorber, just remove the front panel of your washer.

Torn tub dampening straps

Many top-load washing machine models come with special straps attached inside the cabinet. The rubber parts are placed in each corner and support the tub at the centre of the cabinet. They help reduce the vibration of the tub during the spin cycle. You see, the dampening straps are made from rubber, so they get stretched out with every use of the machine.

This causes the tub to come in contact with the cabinet of the washer, creating an annoying and loud banging sound. The idea behind the problem is simple: the more clothes you put in the machine, the bigger the strain on the straps. To check if the elements are damaged in any way, lift the top part of the appliance. If you spot any wear and tear on the rubber, the straps need to be replaced with new ones. It’s a good idea to change all four of them.

“Aeroplane taking off” sounds

Loose concrete slabs

Ever tried to move your washer only to discover that the thing is as heavy as a car? This is due to the fact that most washing machines have concrete blocks placed inside. Their role is to weight down the drum, otherwise, the machine part will try to fly through the lid of the appliance during every spin cycle. Nowadays, all washers have 2 drum weights located inside them.

One block is set on top of the drum and the other, you can find placed underneath or somewhere around it. Both concrete blocks weigh around 25 kg. The weights also help balance the extremely heavy motor.

In some cases, the concrete blocks become loose and your washing machine starts making aeroplane-like sounds. Don’t worry, your appliance won’t take off. To check the state of the weights, you need to unplug the washer and take the top off. Look around the outer drum to find the first block and fasten it. Then, check the front one. Again, if loose – tighten it.

Vibrating sounds

Faulty drive motor

The drive motor has a different function depending on if it’s in a top-load washer or in a front-load one. When located in a top-load machine, the motor operates the pump, transmission, and spin basket. If you use a front-load washer, the part mainly operates a belt that controls the wash basket pulley. If the motor starts failing, you’ll hear a buzzing noise which is sometimes accompanied by an unpleasant burning smell. This means that the part is going through a thermal overload. This condition removes the power from the windings causing the drive motor to shut down.

If the washing machine motor stops rotating on its own, you’ll have to get it replaced. If it continues working, but you still experience problems, two groups of components may be at fault here:

The first issue may be the start capacitor. You can find this part wired to the motor start switch and located right next to the drive motor itself. Inspect the wire connection for any symptoms of corrosion or arcing. Check the capacitor, as well, for cracks or swelling. Don’t forget to unplug your washing machine before you start touching any of the wirework.

The second thing to look at is the mechanical components of the drive motor. You need to check if the transmission and pump are working correctly. Also, don’t forget to test the wash basket. There are many things that can cause the drive motor to buzz, for example, a faulty pump, a seized bearing, or even a shirt stuck between the tubs of the washer.

Direct Drive Motor Coupling

There are washing machine models, specifically, top-loading ones that have a direct drive motor coupling, which transfers power from the motor to the transmission. This element has two plastic drive forks and a rubber connecting them. One fork is linked to the shaft of the motor, while the other is attached to the transmission input part. When the drive motor starts rotating, the rubber coupling between the two components absorbs the torque, in order to prevent them from breaking.

With every use of the washing machine, the coupling gets worn out to the point, in which the drive forks start to slip. And this is how the buzzing/vibrating noise is born. Also, if the spin basket stops turning correctly or the transmission fails in some way, there is a risk of malfunction of the coupling, again. To check the drive coupler, first, you need to remove the lid of the washing machine. Of course, don’t forget to disconnect the appliance before touching any of its parts.

Why you should hire a professional to fix the appliance

As you can see for yourself, handling electric appliance repairs is a tricky business. More often than not, a DIY attempt to fix the appliance can result in damaging the washing machine to the point of no return. So, instead of wasting time in screwing and unscrewing machine parts, just get a professional to repair the appliance for you. We, at Fantastic Services, offer a solution even for such complicated problems.

The trained technicians, we work with, can repair any type of washing machine, regardless of its model or brand. Also, you get a 1-year guarantee for the labour and all the replaced parts. Save yourself the hassle (and money) that comes with buying a new washer by calling Fantastic Services today! And if your washing machine needs repairs but you need some clothes cleaned now, we have a dry cleaning pick-up and delivery service at your disposal. It will take no more than 24 hours from the booking time until you have your laundry back spotless clean.

And, you might be interested in our membership programme called Fantastic Club. By becoming a member, you get lower rates and access to exclusive booking slots for more than 25 services, including appliance repair. Learn more about Fantastic Club and the perks it comes with.

Takeaways

• Make sure to turn off your washing machine before any sort of inspection.
• The appliance is heavy. If you need to move it, to check its parts, make sure to get help.
• Be careful when handling wirework. You can electrocute yourself or damage the washer even further.
• If a burnt scent starts coming out of your appliance, call a technician ASAP.

Your washing machine might also be noisy if it’s unstable and vibrating while it’s on. If that’s your issue, head on over to this blog post next to learn how to stop a washing machine from vibrating.

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Is your washing machine noisy when spinning? What kind of noise is it? Let us know and let’s start a conversation.

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