How to Fix a Washing Machine Making Noise: Common Causes and Solutions
A washing machine that suddenly starts making unusual noises is alarming, but many causes are benign and easily fixed without a technician. This guide walks through the most common washing machine noises and what to do about each.
Rattling or Clanking During the Wash Cycle
Most likely cause: Foreign object in the drum
Coins, buttons, bra underwires, bobby pins and similar small items can work their way out of pockets and clothing during a wash and rattle around in the drum or pump filter. This is by far the most common cause of sudden rattling and is entirely benign unless the object reaches the pump.
Fix: Stop the cycle, check the drum thoroughly, and clean the pump filter (see below). Going forward, always check pockets before washing and use a mesh laundry bag for items with underwires.
Loud Banging or Thumping During the Spin Cycle
Most likely cause: Unbalanced load or worn drum bearings
An unbalanced load causes the drum to vibrate heavily during the spin cycle, producing a banging or thumping sound as the drum hits the drum housing. Modern machines have balance sensors that stop the spin before this point, but older machines or heavily unbalanced loads can still produce this noise.
Fix for unbalanced load: Stop the cycle, redistribute the load evenly, restart. If a single heavy item (a large bathmat, denim jacket) is the culprit, add other items to counterbalance.
Worn drum bearings: If the banging occurs consistently regardless of load balance and is accompanied by a metallic rumbling or grinding sound, the drum bearings may be worn. This is a technician repair. Continuing to run a machine with severely worn bearings can cause the drum to seize.
Squealing or Screeching During the Spin
Most likely cause: Worn drive belt
Many washing machines use a rubber drive belt to connect the motor to the drum. As this belt ages, it can harden, crack or slip, producing a squealing sound during the spin cycle (similar to a worn car fan belt). This is a straightforward technician repair — replacement belts are inexpensive.
Humming or Buzzing When Not Running
Most likely cause: Seized pump
If the machine hums but doesn't complete its cycle, or makes a buzzing sound during drain, the drain pump may be blocked or seized. Check the pump filter first (see below). If the filter is clear and the buzzing continues, the pump motor itself may have failed — a technician repair.
Vibration and Walking
Most likely cause: Machine not level
All washing machines must be level to operate without excessive vibration. Use a spirit level across the top of the machine and adjust the levelling feet (turn clockwise to lower, anti-clockwise to raise) until the machine sits level in all directions. Anti-vibration pads placed under the feet can also significantly reduce noise transfer to the floor, particularly in apartments.
How to Clean the Pump Filter
- Switch off and unplug the machine
- Locate the pump filter access panel at the front bottom of the machine
- Have a towel and shallow tray ready
- Slowly open the drain hose cap if present and drain residual water
- Unscrew the filter cap slowly, letting remaining water drain
- Remove the filter and clean under running water
- Check the pump housing for any trapped objects
- Refit and tighten the filter, replace the access panel, reconnect and test
When to Call a Technician
Call a technician if: the noise is metallic grinding or rumbling during the spin (bearings); the machine squeals consistently during spin (belt); the machine hums but won't complete a cycle and the filter is clear (pump motor); the drum moves excessively in all directions (suspension springs or shock absorbers).
Repair or Replace?
If your washing machine is more than 8–10 years old and the repair cost exceeds $400, replacement is often better value. Oceania Appliances stocks quality-refurbished washing machines with 3-month warranty and free Sydney delivery. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park (open 7 days, 10am–8pm), call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492.