Washer Making Noise? Here's What It Might Mean

Every washer makes some noise, but a new sound, especially a loud or sudden one, is usually the machine telling you something specific. Learning to tell the sounds apart can help you explain the problem clearly when you do call for repair.

A Loud Bang During the Spin Cycle

This is almost always caused by an unbalanced load. Try redistributing the clothes evenly around the drum and running the cycle again. If the banging continues even with a balanced, smaller load, worn suspension springs or shocks are the more likely cause.

A Grinding or Growling Sound

A grinding noise, especially one that gets louder as the drum spins faster, usually points to a worn tub bearing. This part supports the drum as it spins, and once it wears down, the noise tends to get worse over time rather than better.

A High-Pitched Squeal

A squeal, especially when the drum starts or stops, often comes from a worn drive belt or motor coupling. These parts are relatively inexpensive to replace and are a common repair on washers that have been in regular use for several years.

Clicking or Clunking at the Start of a Cycle

This can point to a worn door latch mechanism or a water inlet valve working harder than it should. It is usually not urgent, but worth mentioning to a technician if it happens every time you start a load.

Should You Keep Using a Noisy Washer?

A washer that is simply louder than normal is usually safe to keep using for a short while. A washer that bangs hard enough to move, or one making a burning smell along with the noise, should be turned off and unplugged until it can be checked.