Tips To Fix A Noisy Washing Machine

Last Updated on October 6, 2022 by Rupesh Patil

Is your washing machine making weird or loud noises during the spin cycle? If you notice constant bumping or scratching sounds every time the washing machine is turned on, it probably means that one or more parts are broken, loose, or worn out. If none of the parts is broken or loose, there could be several other factors for a noisy washing machine, and some of the most common reasons for a noisy washing machine are explained in this article. We’ve also explained how you can fix those issues in your washing machine.

Washing machines usually spin at high speeds (anywhere between 1,000 RPM to 2,000 RPM) to dry clothes. Spin speed is measured in RPM (Rotations Per Minute) and it refers to the speed at which the drum rotates per minute. While you can fix some of these issues, some other problems may require a professional service engineer.

Most Common Reasons For A Noisy Washing Machine

There could be several reasons why your washing machine is making weird or loud noises. One of the simplest reasons could be bad washing machine placement, but it could also be due to broken tub bearing, uneven washing load, or even a worn-off drum belt. Let us understand why each of these issues happens and how to identify the underlying problem.

1. Washing Machine Is Not Levelled Properly

It is important that the feet of the washing machine are in firm contact with the floor so that it is properly levelled. If the washing machine is placed on an uneven floor or a slightly tilted surface, it can vibrate excessively and leave the walls, floor, and internal mechanisms damaged. Keep the machine as close to the floor as possible because the lower it is, the less likely it is to vibrate. How to ensure that the washing machine is levelled? Here are some steps to follow.

How To Level A Washing Machine?

1. Place a spirit level on the washing machine. The small bubble in a spirit level tells you whether or not the surface is flat. Once you place the spirit level on the machine and you notice that the bubble is not centred, it means that your washing machine is not levelled. Whichever side the bubble sways is the higher off the ideal level. You need to adjust the machine in such a way that the bubble rests in the centre of the tube.
2. Some washing machines have adjustable, front levelling legs with a lock nut. To adjust the legs to a certain height, you need to tighten the lock nut up against the body of the machine to keep the leg height from changing. If your machine has metal legs, you can use a wrench to loosen the locking nut. Turn the leg clockwise (to shorten it) or counterclockwise (to extend it). Similarly, for plastic legs, you can use adjustable pliers to grip the leg and turn it either clockwise or counterclockwise. Adjust it a bit and check the spirit level to see if the bubble is centred. If it is, it means that the washing machine is levelled. If not, try adjusting the legs a bit more, until they are levelled.
3. Once it is levelled, lean against the machine to ensure that there is no movement.

2. The Washing Machine’s Tub Bearing May Be Damaged Or Worn Out

Did you know that all washing machines have a part called tub bearing, be it front-loading or top-loading machines? This is the part that the washing machine’s tub sits on, allowing it to rotate freely. The tub bearing is located below the outer tank in top-loading washing machines and on the sides in a front-loading washing machine. The outer tank is the white plastic part with an inner stainless steel drum.

If your washing machine makes an unusual noise, there is a possibility that the tub bearing is worn out. Sometimes lack of lubrication also causes the tub bearing to wear out quickly. Unusual noise or uneven spinning is an indication that the bearing needs to be replaced. Rusted bearings are also a cause of the noise that you hear when the washer is spinning.

Washing machine bearings usually have a lifespan of over 10 years. If yours is older, maybe it’s time to replace the tub bearing. Moreover, they can wear our earlier if the washing machine isn’t maintained properly. To replace the washing machine’s tub bearing, you have to split the outer tank apart to reach it. The hoses, suspension, water seal, inner drum, and electrical assembly are located between the bearings and the outer tank.

If you think the tub bearing needs to be replaced, get it done by an experienced service professional from the brand or a trusted third-party firm. You can prevent doing this by yourself by buying an extended warranty plan for your washing machine. Onsitego’s washing machine extended warranty plan includes everything that’s covered in the brand warranty, covers breakdowns and malfunctions, and offers free at-home service with a ‘No Questions Asked’ policy, and has a completely paperless process.

3. Washing Load May Not Be Evenly Distributed

One common mistake that most of us make with washing machines is unevenly stuffing clothes in the washer or overload the tub to save time and money in the process. However, by doing that, you do the opposite: waste time and money. Unevenly stuffing clothes in the washing machine is the worst thing to do as it causes the inner tub of the washing machine to spin unevenly, often hitting against the outer tub and creating loud and unusual noises. This is a more common case with top-loading washing machines.

To avoid this, avoid overstuffing the washer with heavy clothes like towels, rugs, and curtains. They absorb a lot of water, causing an unbalanced spin. If you think the washer is overstuffed, remove some heavy laundry and redistribute the weight in the tub evenly.

Clothes need space to spin in the washer. Fabric rubbing against fabric helps to dislodge dirt. If the washer is overstuffed with laundry, it disturbs the spin cycle from spinning the fabric. Also, a heavy load may require you to run an extra rinse cycle to get rid of the detergent, which means using more water and electricity.

Not to forget, excessive laundry puts stress on the washer. The agitator (part in the centre of an automatic washing machine’s wash drum) in top-loading washing machines could break if a full load of clothing gets tangled in its fins. The agitator is equipped with fins or vanes. It twists and turns during the machine’s wash cycle to remove dirt from the clothes.

4. The Washing Machine‘s Belt May Be Worn Out

Washing machines are driven by a motor that works with the help of a belt that joins the motor and the drum. If you hear a constant noise during the spin cycle, it means that it could be time to replace the belt. Do not delay the replacement as the washer might stop spinning once the belt breaks down over time. If that happens, you may smell burning rubber.

The drive belt usually costs anywhere between ₹300 and ₹500. Again, a belt is difficult to change without help from a professional service engineer. It is a good idea to call a professional for repairs when your washer starts showing signs of a worn-out belt. If you want to try changing the belt yourself, you can do so by following the steps below:

1. Unplug your washing machine from the power outlet to replace the belt.
2. See if your washing machine has an access panel. If it does, it will be on one of the sides, most likely the back. You need to remove it to replace the belt. If not, you will have to look through the bottom of your machine for the belt.
3. Remove the access panel of your washing machine. Once you locate it, gently turn the washing machine on its side. The belt will be black in colour.
4. Remove the clamps that connect the rubber coupling, belt, and the washing machine motor.
5. Slide the old washing machine belt off the transmission and motor pulleys and replace it with the new belt by slipping it over the transmission and motor pulleys from which you removed the old belt. Make sure that you buy a genuine or brand-certified belt from an authorized dealer.
6. Reconnect the rubber coupling and the clamps over the new washing machine belt.
7. Place the access panel back and turn your washing machine to the right position.
8. Plug the machine back into the power outlet and try a spin cycle to ensure it is running properly.

Note: Do not try this yourself if you are not confident or you may end up damaging the washer or cause other parts to malfunction. Call for a professional from the authorized brand service centre to avoid any damage.

Buy An Extended Warranty Plan For Your Washing Machine

No matter how costly your washing machine is, it mostly comes with a standard one-year or three-year brand warranty. What happens when it breaks down after that period? You will have to spend a lot of money to get it fixed when it is out of the warranty period. Hence, it is best to be prepared in advance by getting the washing machine’s warranty extended for a few additional years with an extended warranty plan and stay worry-free.

Why Trust Onsitego For Washing Machine Extended Warranty Plan?

Onsitego has been a leading washing machine service firm in India. Our experienced service engineers have completed over 80 lakh (8 million) washing machine service requests over the years, which means that you can trust Onsitego and get your washing machine serviced or repaired worry-free. Onsitego’s Washing Machine Extended Warranty Plan offers the following:

• High-quality repairs through top-class engineers and certified spare parts.
• At-home service.
• Repair or replacement guarantee.
• ‘No Questions Asked’ policy.
• Free pick-up and drop facility to save your time.
• Completely paperless process for a hassle-free experience.

(Illustrations by Mohd. Danish)