Has it ever happened to you that, suddenly, your washing machine starts making a very unsettling noise in the middle of your kitchen? That noise, just when the spin cycle starts, is not just annoying; it's a sign that something not just bad, but VERY bad, might be about to happen to your appliance.
Today, we're going to roll up our sleeves. In this article, I'm going to explain why your washing machine is making that noise and, most importantly, how you can fix it yourself without having to spend a fortune on a new machine. Because, often, even if it takes a little time, repairing is better than discarding.
Why is my washing machine so noisy during the spin cycle?
Don't panic, well, don't panic yet, but don't ignore it either. Usually, when you hear sharp thuds or a dull metallic rumble, the problem is often in a couple of very specific places. Here are the usual culprits:
- Loose shock absorbers: If the drum is shaking more than it should and hitting the walls, the shock absorbers have given up.
- Worn bearings: If the noise is a constant, deep hum (something that might sound like grugrugrugru) that increases in intensity, the bearings are loose or broken.
- Foreign objects: A paperclip? A coin? A bra underwire? If something has gotten stuck between the drum and the tub, the noise will be strange, unpredictable, a semi-rhythmic knocking.
- Shipping bolts: If the washing machine is new—really new—and seems like it's going to take flight, check if you removed the shipping bolts. You wouldn't be the first to forget (it happened to my brother).
🔧 Step by step: how to diagnose the problem
Before you start ordering parts indiscriminately from our website (is there any other?), you need to know what's wrong. Do these three quick tests:
- The push test: With the washing machine off, push the drum down with your hand. If it bounces several times like a spring, the shock absorbers are worn out. It should go down and come up firmly just once.
- The manual spin: Spin the drum by hand. Does it sound like metallic rubbing or ground sand? Bad news: it's the bearings.
- The vertical play: Grab the drum and pull it upwards. If you notice "play" (it moves relative to the shaft), the bearing or the spider arm is damaged.
💡 Is it worth repairing the bearings?
Here, you have to think a bit. Changing shock absorbers is simple: remove the panel, loosen two bolts, replace, and you're done. But bearings are another story.
In many modern washing machines, the tub comes sealed (thermo-sealed). This means that to change the bearing, you would have to open and close the tub (not easy) or replace the entire tub. If your washing machine is a few years old and the tub is detachable, you won't have to complicate things too much, just be a bit careful: go ahead, repair it! At Electrotodo, we have original bearing and seal kits to make it as good as new.
Do it yourself with Electrotodo!
You already know that on our YouTube channel, I show you "how" repairs are done, but in our online store, you have the "with what." Don't risk it with poor-quality universal parts that only last two days. All our parts can be: original, OEM (exact original quality), or adaptable from trusted distributors. We don't buy containers from who knows where just because they're cheap.
- Look for the exact model on the sticker inside your washing machine door.
- Go to Electrotodo and enter the model in our search engine.
- If you can't find the part, don't stress: send us a photo of the sticker by email or call us by phone, and appliance specialists will tell you exactly what you need.
Tips to avoid future noises
So you don't have to read this article again for a long time, note this down:
- Don't overload it: Excessive weight is the number one killer of bearings and shock absorbers.
- Be careful with detergent: Very aggressive detergents used frequently can damage the seals that protect the bearings.
- Clean the filter: Once a month, check the filter to remove things that will surely surprise you and are ultimately the cause of problems.
Repairing your washing machine is not only good for your wallet, but also for the planet, and it doesn't hurt us either. So, you know, cheer up and get repairing! See you in the next video or right here, on the Electrotodo blog.
