Your washing machine may produce different sounds during operation, from quiet to quite loud and concerning. In this article, we will look into what problems these sounds may indicate, starting from unbalanced load issues and ending with a damaged motor. Read further about diagnostics, solutions, and repair costs. Book our washer repair service:
Reasons Why the Washer is Making Loud Noise
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Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Damaged Drum Bearings
This issue is characterized by a dull rumble or metallic knocking. These sounds may become louder during the spin cycle. Additionally, these sounds are often accompanied by vibration and high noise levels while the drum is spinning.
Worn Drive Belt
If during the operation of the washing machine, especially during the active drum spinning phase or the spin cycle, you hear whistling, squealing, or grinding noises — this may indicate a damaged drive belt. It may be stretched, cracked, or worn out. Over time, it can also slip out of place, especially with frequent overloading of laundry and regular use of the machine. The drive belt is responsible for transmitting rotation and connects the drum to the motor. Also pay attention: if the drum spins with difficulty or doesn’t spin at all, and you hear the noises described above — this almost always indicates a problem with the belt.
Faulty Motor Coupling
A faulty motor coupling may be indicated by certain types of sounds at the moment of switching between wash cycles (for example, from washing to spinning) or at startup. These sounds may include loud cracking, dull thuds, or clicks. The motor coupling connects the motor to the transmission and transmits rotation to the drum. This part is especially common in direct drive washing machines. Gradually, the motor coupling wears out. It loses grip, play occurs, and as a result, the motor cannot properly transfer rotation. Consequently, characteristic loud noises occur.
Clogged Drain Pump
Has your washing machine started buzzing, humming, or making vibrating noises? Especially during the draining phase? Then this may indicate a clog in the drain pump. Most often, the culprits are small objects that got into the machine during washing, such as coins, buttons, threads, hair, pet fur, and dirt. These items can block the pump impeller, preventing normal water drainage.
Unbalanced Load
If you hear the drum hitting the walls of the housing with a bang or loud knocking, it’s likely that you loaded the laundry unevenly. For example, if you put only one heavy item in the machine, or the laundry bunched up into a single lump.
Repair Cost
| Drum bearings replacing | $200 – $280 |
| Drive belt replacing | $180 – $240 |
| Motor replacing | $320 – $440 |
| Drain pump replacing | $220 – $320 |
The price of washing machine repairs varies based on the brand, specific model, and the complexity of the issue.
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6 Comments
Can a washer make noise due to worn shock absorbers or suspension springs?
Hi Carson! Yes. These components are designed to stabilize the drum during washing and especially spinning. When they wear out or get damaged, the drum can swing excessively, leading to loud banging, strong vibrations, or even the machine shifting position on the floor. These noises are usually noticeable at high spin speeds and indicate that the worn parts need to be replaced.
Does the type of floor affect the noise level of a washing machine? Right now I have concrete, but I want to install tile on top. How will that affect the sound?
Hi Mason! Yes, it affects the acoustics during a wash cycle. Concrete is one of the most stable and quiet flooring options, as it absorbs vibrations well. If you install tile on top of the concrete, the machine’s stability won’t change much, but the acoustics might become sharper, especially if the tiles are not laid perfectly flat or have air gaps beneath them. Sounds like humming or vibration may seem louder on tile. To reduce possible noise, it’s a good idea to use a rubber anti-vibration mat under the washer.
How can you tell the difference between normal washing machine sounds and those that signal a problem?
Hi Declan! Normal washer’s sounds are steady and expected — like a soft motor hum, water movement, or moderate vibrations during spinning. Noises that point to a malfunction are usually louder, more sudden, and unpleasant — like banging, metallic grinding, screeching, or persistent humming. You should be concerned if your machine suddenly starts making different or louder noises than usual. These changes often mean that a component is failing and the machine needs inspection.