Why is My Washing Machine Making a Loud Noise?

If your washing machine sounds like a jet engine taking off during the spin cycle, you are right to be concerned. Ignoring loud banging or grinding noises can destroy the machine permanently.

Here are the most common culprits:

1. Unbalanced Load

The most frequent and easily fixable cause of a banging washer is an unbalanced load. If you wash a single heavy blanket, it absorbs water and gets thrown to one side of the drum, throwing off the center of gravity. The Fix: Pause the cycle, redistribute the wet clothes evenly around the drum, and restart.

2. Machine is Not Level

If your washing machine isn't sitting perfectly flat on the floor, it will rock violently back and forth during the spin cycle. The Fix: Adjust the leveling legs at the bottom of the machine until it is perfectly stable. Use a spirit level if you have one.

3. Worn Out Shock Absorbers or Springs

Front-load washers have shock absorbers, and top-load washers have suspension springs to keep the drum steady. Over time, these wear out or snap. When they fail, the heavy drum bangs against the metal frame of the machine. The Fix: A technician will need to open the machine and replace the broken suspension components.

4. Failed Drum Bearings

If the noise sounds more like a continuous, loud metallic grinding or roaring (rather than a banging), your drum bearings have likely rusted and failed. This usually happens when the internal water seal breaks. The Fix: This is a major repair that requires completely disassembling the machine.

Don't Ignore the Noise!

Running a washer with broken shocks or bearings will eventually destroy the drum and motor. If balancing the load doesn't work, turn off the machine and book an Appliance Repair with us today.