Washer Making a Loud Noise? What Each Sound Means

Every washer makes some noise. But a new grinding, banging or squealing sound is the machine telling you something is wrong. The type of sound, and when it happens, usually points to the part.

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Checklist graphic matching washing machine noises to their likely causes

Why is my washer making a loud noise?

A loud washer is usually caused by one of 5 things: an unbalanced load, a coin or object in the drum or pump, worn drum bearings, worn shock absorbers or suspension rods, or a failing drive belt or motor coupler. Banging points to balance or suspension. Grinding points to bearings or an object. Humming points to the pump.

When the noise does not go away, our washing machine repair in Mountain View technicians check bearings, pumps, belts and suspension on Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Bosch and Electrolux washers.

What does each sound mean?

Listen for the type of sound and when it happens. Sounds during spin come from the drum, bearings or suspension. Sounds during drain come from the pump. Sounds during agitation on a top-loader come from the agitator, coupler or belt. Write down what you hear before you call, because it saves time on the visit.

SoundWhenLikely cause
Loud banging or thumpingSpinUnbalanced load, worn shocks or rods
Grinding or roaring that grows with speedSpinWorn drum bearings
Rattling or clinkingWash and spinCoin, key or bra wire in the drum
Humming, no water leavesDrainBlocked or seized drain pump
Squealing or screechingWash or spinWorn belt or motor pulley
Clicking with no movementAgitateWorn motor coupler or agitator dogs

What are the most common causes?

1. An unbalanced load

One heavy item, like a bath mat or a single blanket, pulls the drum to one side. The washer bangs or walks across the floor. Spread the load and run spin again.

2. Objects in the drum or pump

Coins, keys and bra underwires slip between the drum and the tub. You hear rattling or scraping. Small items also reach the pump and make it hum or grind during drain.

3. Worn drum bearings

Bearings sit behind the drum. When the seal fails, water reaches them and they wear out. The washer roars during spin. On a front-loader, turn the empty drum by hand. Grinding or play in the drum is a sign.

4. Worn shocks or suspension rods

Front-loaders use shock absorbers. Top-loaders hang the tub on rods. When these wear out, the tub hits the cabinet during spin.

5. Belt, pulley or coupler

A glazed belt squeals. A worn coupler on a direct-drive top-loader clicks and the agitator stops moving.

Washer grinding or banging every cycle? Call now for washer repair in Mountain View.

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What can you check safely?

  1. Unplug the washer before you reach inside the drum or the pump door.
  2. Spread the load and run a short spin with a few towels.
  3. Check the drum for coins and wires. Run your hand around the drum holes and the door boot.
  4. Clean the pump filter on a front-loader. Put a towel and a shallow pan down first. Our drain pump filter guide shows the steps.
  5. Level the washer. Set a level on top and adjust the front feet. All four feet should touch the floor.

Do not run a washer that grinds or scrapes every cycle. A loose drum or failed bearing can crack the tub or damage the motor, and that turns a mid-range repair into a replacement.

When is the noise part of a bigger problem?

If the washer is noisy and also does not drain, the pump is the likely cause. Read our guide on a washer not draining for the next steps. If it shakes hard and moves across the floor, see our guide on a washer shaking during spin. If it hums and the drum will not turn at all, our washer not spinning guide covers belts, lids and motors.

Repair or replace?

Most noise repairs are worth doing. Pumps, belts, shocks and couplers are common parts. Most washer repairs in Mountain View cost about $150 to $450 with parts and labor. Drum bearings on a front-loader are the most labor-heavy job. On a washer older than about 10 years with bearing failure and rust, a new washer is often the better value. On a newer machine, the repair usually wins.

Other common repairs we see in Mountain View

Something else acting up? These guides may help: why wont my oven turn on, dryer keeps shutting off after a few minutes and a washer wont drain after the cycle ends. For dryer trouble you cannot fix, see our dryer repair Mountain View page.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my washer so loud when it spins?

The most common cause is an unbalanced load. If the noise is a roar or grinding that gets louder with speed, the drum bearings are often worn. Front-loaders with bad bearings may also leak a little rusty water at the back.

Why does my washer make a humming noise and not drain?

A hum with no draining usually means the drain pump is trying to run but is blocked or seized. A sock, coin or hair tie in the pump filter is the usual cause. Clearing the filter often fixes it.

Is it safe to keep using a noisy washer?

If the noise is a one-time bang from an unbalanced load, yes. If it grinds, scrapes or squeals every cycle, stop using it. Worn bearings or a loose drum can damage the tub and the motor.

How much does washer repair cost in Mountain View?

Most washer repairs in Mountain View cost about $150 to $450 with parts and labor. Pumps, belts and shock absorbers are at the lower to middle end. Drum bearings are at the upper end. You get the price before work starts.

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