The washing machine makes noise during the spin cycle - what should I do?

If the washing machine hums during the spin cycle, then you definitely need to understand why this is happening? It is possible that you simply purchased a model of washing machine that is too noisy, or perhaps this is a serious malfunction that will ultimately lead to the breakdown of the household appliance. In any case, it’s worth understanding and taking measures to eliminate noise, and within the framework of the article we will try to talk about how to do this.

Typical causes of washing machine noise

The washing machine is relatively simple. Experts have empirically identified several main causes of machine noise during spinning caused by breakdowns. Let's list these reasons.

• The bolts intended for transporting the machine have not been removed from the tank mounts.
• The drum drive bearings are damaged.
• Objects are stuck in the space between the walls of the tank and the drum.
• The pulley of the drum drive system is loose.
• Tank counterweights are poorly secured.
• The rubber seal on the hatch cover does not fit properly.
• The washing machine is not installed correctly.

Description of the causes of noise and how to eliminate it

The causes, features and nature of the noise of the washing machine drum are specific in each case. It all depends on the model of the washing machine, the nature of the breakdown, the degree of wear of its parts, and the like. Therefore, we do not guarantee that, based on the description we offer, you will be 100% able to diagnose the cause of the breakdown. In doubtful cases, it is better to contact a specialist.

Objects are stuck in the space between the walls of the tank and the drum. According to experts and consumer surveys, this is the most common reason for the loud noise made by the drum during spinning. When we, without thinking, throw things into the drum of the machine, in the pockets of which change, paper clips, pins and other small objects remain, there is a high risk of these items falling into the tank of the washing machine. What does this mean?

At low speeds, the washing machine practically does not vibrate, and small items lie quietly in the tank without coming into contact with the rotating drum. But during the spin cycle, the machine begins to vibrate strongly and small objects begin to bounce and, in the end, get stuck between the wall of the tank and the moving parts of the machine. As a result, the moving parts begin to whistle, creak and make other sounds.

The bolts intended for transporting the machine have not been removed from the tank mounts. A serious but common mistake made by washing machine installers. The fact is that for more careful transportation of the machine, the manufacturer has provided special fasteners that secure the shock-absorbing springs of the drum. If these fasteners are not removed, then when the program starts, the washing machine drum will rotate with a loud knock. The problem is solved by unscrewing the four mounting bolts located closer to the middle of the rear wall of the machine.

The drum drive bearings are damaged. The moving parts of the washing machine are equipped with several bearings. If one of the bearings fails, it will result in loud noise, especially when the washing machine is working intensively. How to identify bearing failure? Disconnect the washing machine from the electrical outlet, put your hand through the hatch and spin the drum first clockwise and then counterclockwise. If the drum cracks and knocks when rotating, then the problem is in the bearing.

You can read about how to properly change bearings in a washing machine here . But it’s still better to entrust this work to professionals, especially if you have never repaired household appliances yourself.

The pulley of the drum drive system is loose. To determine the problem with the pulley, you need to run the washing machine in test mode. In this case, the drum will rotate, slowly making a dozen revolutions in one direction and a dozen in the other. At this moment you need to listen to the machine, if clicks are heard, this is a reason to check the drum pulley. To fix it, you will need to remove the back wall of the machine and, armed with a suitable tool, tighten the pulley fastening nut.

The machine's counterweights are poorly secured. Counterweights located around the washing machine tank serve to dampen the centrifugal force, which inevitably must swing it violently. Typically, problems with counterweights arise after a very long period of use of the machine or due to manufacturing defects. To fix the problem, you need to tighten all loose connections holding the counterweights together. To do this, you will have to remove the back wall of the washing machine; for how best to do this, read the article Disassembling the washing machine.

The washing machine is not installed correctly. In this case, we mean placing the machine on the floor, and not connecting it to the water supply and sewerage system. When the drum rotates quickly (800-1000 rpm), centrifugal force naturally tries to create an imbalance. If the machine is not installed level, on an unreliable, sagging floor covering, this will lead to:

• To the beat of the drum,
• Strong vibration,
• Rocking the washing machine body.

The problem is solved by strengthening the floor and installing the machine strictly on the level. To level the machine, it is not necessary to have a perfectly flat floor. You just need to unscrew the legs of the “washer” so that the body is level, this will require a little sweat, but it’s worth it.

The rubber seal on the hatch cover does not fit properly. If, when the drum rotates, a characteristic creaking or whistling sound is heard, and after washing, rubber shavings are noticeable on its walls and on the hatch cover, the problem is in the sealing gum of the hatch. Unfortunately, the assembly of some budget models of washing machines leaves much to be desired, and rubber bands are probably the last thing that assemblers pay attention to.

The problem can be easily solved. You need to insert a piece of sandpaper between the drum sealing rubber and the front wall of the machine and start the washing program without laundry. The sandpaper will level the rubber in 20-30 minutes, as needed, and all you have to do is pull it out and remove the rubber shavings from the drum by running an additional rinsing program and cleaning the filter.

The machine makes a lot of noise during the spin cycle, maybe we are not talking about a breakdown?

If the washing machine immediately after purchase and installation began to make a lot of noise when spinning clothes, this may be due to the factory characteristics of this model. In other words, the noise level at the most intensive stage of the washing machine’s operation is set by its manufacturer. Therefore, if a new washing machine makes a strong noise, study its data sheet. In the passport, the manufacturer often indicates the noise level, measured in dB, that the machine emits during the most intense operation.

In this case, the question arises, even if the washing machine makes noise when spinning and the noise level is indicated by the manufacturer in the passport, say, 75 dB, how do we know that our machine produces a sound of the same strength. Indeed, it is possible to accurately measure the level of noise produced by a machine only with the help of a special device - a sound level meter. If you have the opportunity to use it, then good, but most often the average housewife does not have access to such equipment. And what to do in this case?

The easiest way to measure the noise level of a machine is the so-called associative method. The Internet provides many examples of common, well-known sounds with data on their strength in dB. For example, the sound of a typewriter is 50 dB (distance 1 m), a train in the subway is 95 dB (distance 7 m), the sound of a jackhammer is 120 dB (distance 1 m) and so on. Approximately compare the strength of the sounds you are familiar with with the noise made by a washing machine and you will understand whether the numerical values ​​​​indicated in the passport correspond to reality or not.

In addition, be sure to pay attention to the nature of the sound. If a strong monotonous noise is interrupted by clanging, metallic grinding or knocking, then most likely there is a malfunction in the washing machine and measures need to be taken to eliminate it.

How can I prevent noise-causing malfunctions in the future?

In order for the machine to serve for a long time and not periodically experience “noisy malfunctions”, it is necessary to follow the rules of its operation. The more careful and careful you treat your “home assistant”, the less often you will have to deal with troubles of this kind. What operating rules are we talking about?

• Do not put more laundry into the machine drum than is intended for its design.
• Excessive use (several times a day) leads to wear and damage to machine parts (especially rubber seals). The machine should have time to dry between washes.
• Use less frequent wash programs that involve washing items in very hot water and at high speeds.
• Clean dirt from the drain filter as often as possible.
• Before washing items, check pockets for foreign objects, turn items inside out before putting them in the drum, and use laundry bags.
• Add water softeners before washing to avoid limescale deposits on the elements of the washing machine.

To summarize, if your machine suddenly starts rattling during the spin cycle and restarting the washing program does not solve the problem, there is most likely a breakdown that needs to be found and fixed. And valuable advice from experts will help us with this. Happy renovation!