Washing Machine Noisy? Here’s Why (And What To Check)
Your washing machine is noisy. Maybe it’s grinding during the wash. Maybe it bangs during the spin cycle. Maybe it squeals, rattles, or hums. Maybe the noise only happens when the drum is spinning. Or maybe it makes noise even when the drum is empty.
The good news is that the type of noise tells you which component is at fault. And in many cases, the fix is free or cheap.
A grinding sound usually means drum bearings or debris. A banging sound usually means an unbalanced load or worn suspension. A squealing sound usually means a worn belt. Match the sound, and the diagnosis narrows quickly.
This page covers the seven most common washing machine noise patterns, the symptoms to look for, and the checks you can perform yourself. If you need the complete diagnostic sequence with component testing and repair-or-bin guidance, the full guide is linked at the bottom.
Quick Diagnosis
Grinding noise: worn drum bearings or debris caught between the drum and the tub.
Banging or thumping: an unbalanced load or worn suspension.
Squealing or screeching: a worn belt or failing idler pulley.
Rattling or vibrating: a loose panel, hose, or component.
Humming or buzzing: a failed motor capacitor or a stuck drain pump.
Noise only when spinning: drum bearings, suspension, or an unbalanced load.
Noise when the drum is empty: a mechanical fault.
Why Your Washing Machine Makes Noise
Every washing machine makes some noise. The motor hums during the wash. The drum turns. The drain pump runs at the end of a cycle. The spin cycle produces a whine as the drum accelerates.
A noise is a fault when it’s:
New — the machine didn’t used to make it
Loud — you can hear it from another room
Persistent — it doesn’t stop when the cycle phase changes
Accompanied by vibration — the machine walks across the floor
Accompanied by other symptoms — the machine stops, leaks, or shows an error code
Common Causes
Worn drum bearings. The most common cause of grinding.
Debris in the drum. Coins, bra wires, or small objects caught between the drum and the tub.
Unbalanced load. A single heavy item bunched on one side.
Worn suspension. The springs or shock absorbers have worn.
Worn belt. The belt glazes and squeals.
Failed idler pulley. The pulley that maintains belt tension has worn.
Failed motor capacitor. The motor hums without turning.
Stuck drain pump. The pump hums without moving water.
Symptoms To Look For
The noise tells you which fault pattern applies.
Grinding Noise
Worn drum bearings or debris. Check for debris first.
Banging or Thumping
An unbalanced load or worn suspension. Redistribute the load first.
Squealing or Screeching
A worn belt or failing idler pulley.
Rattling or Vibrating
A loose panel, hose, or component. Press on the panels to check.
Humming or Buzzing
A failed motor capacitor or a stuck drain pump.
Noise Only When Spinning
Drum bearings, suspension, or an unbalanced load.
Noise When the Drum Is Empty
A mechanical fault — drum bearings, debris, or a failing component.
How to Diagnose the Fault
Step 1 — Identify the Sound
Grinding, banging, squealing, rattling, humming, or noise only when spinning. The type of sound points to the component.
Step 2 — Check the Load
If the machine is banging, stop it, redistribute the load, and restart. This is free and fixes most banging faults.
Step 3 — Check for Debris
Open the door and inspect inside the drum. Shine a torch into the gap between the drum and the tub. Remove any debris.
Step 4 — Rotate the Drum by Hand
With the machine unplugged, spin the drum. A grinding feel or roughness points to drum bearings.
Step 5 — Push the Drum
Press down on the drum. It should move slightly and return. If it moves a lot, the suspension has worn.
Step 6 — Check the Belt
On belt-driven machines, inspect the belt for glazing, cracking, or stretching. A worn belt squeals.
Step 7 — Check the Panels
Press on the outer panels. If the rattle stops, the panel is loose. Tighten it.
Step 8 — Test the Motor Capacitor
If the machine hums but doesn’t turn, test the motor capacitor with a multimeter.
Fixing Specific Noises
Washing Machine Making Grinding Noise
Worn drum bearings or debris. Check for debris first, then the bearings.
Washing Machine Banging During Spin
An unbalanced load or worn suspension. Redistribute the load first.
Washing Machine Squealing
A worn belt or idler pulley. Inspect both.
Washing Machine Rattling
A loose panel or component. Press on the panels to check.
Washing Machine Humming
A failed motor capacitor or a stuck drain pump.
Washing Machine Noisy When Spinning
Drum bearings, suspension, or an unbalanced load.
Washing Machine Noisy When Empty
A mechanical fault. Drum bearings are the most common cause.
LG Washing Machine Noisy
LG Direct Drive machines have no belt. Noise usually points to drum bearings, the hall sensor, or debris.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Noisy
Whirlpool belt-driven machines often develop belt or idler pulley noise. Check the belt first.
Samsung Washing Machine Noisy
Samsung Direct Drive machines are usually quiet. Noise points to bearings or suspension.
Repair Cost Guide
Belt: $10 to $25 for the part, $50 to $100 fitted.
Idler pulley: $15 to $40 for the part, $60 to $120 fitted.
Drum bearings: $30 to $80 for the part, $200 to $400 fitted.
Suspension: $30 to $100 for the parts, $100 to $250 fitted.
Motor: $100 to $250 for the part, $200 to $400 fitted.
Drain pump: $30 to $80 for the part, $80 to $150 fitted.
When to Repair vs Bin
Repair if:
The fault is a belt, pump, debris, or loose component
The machine is under six years old
The repair cost is under half the cost of a comparable new machine
Bin if:
The drum bearings have failed on a machine over eight years old
The machine has multiple failed components
The repair cost exceeds half the cost of a comparable new machine
The machine has a cracked drum or tub
Safety Warning
Electrical risk. Washing machines run on mains voltage. Disconnect the power at the circuit breaker before removing any panel.
Water risk. The machine holds water. Shut off the water supply and have towels ready.
Mechanical risk. The drum and motor are heavy. Support them when working underneath the machine.
Sharp edges. Washing machine components can have sharp edges. Handle with care.
FAQ
Why is my washing machine making a grinding noise?
Usually worn drum bearings or debris caught between the drum and the tub. Check for debris first.
Why is my washing machine banging during the spin cycle?
Usually an unbalanced load or worn suspension. Redistribute the load first.
Why is my washing machine squealing?
Usually a worn belt or a failing idler pulley.
Why is my washing machine rattling?
A loose panel, hose, or component. Press on the panels to check.
Why is my washing machine humming?
A failed motor capacitor or a stuck drain pump.
Why is my LG washing machine making noise?
LG Direct Drive machines have no belt. Noise usually points to drum bearings or the hall sensor.
Why is my Whirlpool washing machine making noise?
Whirlpool belt-driven machines often develop belt or idler pulley noise.
Is it worth repairing a washing machine making noise?
Usually yes, if the fault is a belt, pump, or debris. If the drum bearings have failed on a machine over eight years old, replacement is usually the better call.
Get the Complete Diagnosis
Need to determine exactly which component is causing the noise?
The complete diagnostic guide takes you beyond the basic checks and walks through all seven noise patterns step by step.
The complete guide includes:
Full component testing with expected readings
Drum bearing and suspension testing
Belt and idler pulley inspection
Motor and capacitor testing
Drain pump testing
Brand-specific notes for LG, Whirlpool, and Samsung
Repair and replacement considerations
Repair-or-bin guidance
Washing Machine Noisy Repair Guide
Complete diagnostic guide for noisy washing machines.
What’s included:
Diagnosis for all seven noise patterns
Step-by-step testing procedures with expected readings
Drum bearing, suspension, and belt testing
Motor and capacitor diagnosis
Brand-specific notes
Required checks and tools
Repair information
Replacement considerations
Repair-or-bin guidance
Download instantly
$7.95
Have More Than One Washing Machine Problem?
If you’re dealing with several problems rather than just a noise, the LG Washing Machine guide covers the most common faults in one reference.
$7.95
Looking for Brand-Specific Guides?
Our brand guides cover washers, dryers, and dishwashers from Fisher & Paykel, Samsung, LG, Bosch, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, and Miele.
$12.95
Repair or Bin?
Before spending money on a repair, find out what is actually wrong with your appliance.
Repair or Bin gives you the information to diagnose the problem and make an informed repair-or-bin decision.
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