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Fix a washing machine that makes noise

We'll identify the noise by type and when it happens—unbalanced load, leveling, belt, bearings, or drain pump—then fix it or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home appliances
15–45 min
What you'll need
  • Level (to check if the washer is level)
  • Screwdriver set (for panels and leveling feet)
  • Replacement drive belt (if tests show wear—belt-driven models only)
  • Towels (if checking drain filter)
Step 1 of 7

Quick triage — pick your path

Quick triage — pick your path

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the noise is unusual, identify when it happens, then fix unbalanced load, leveling, belt, drain pump, or know when to call a pro.

  • Listen to the washer. Normal: soft hum, water sloshing, pump during drain. Unusual: loud banging, thumping, grinding, squealing, or rattling.
  • Symptom confirmed: Noise is unusual—proceed to Identify when the noise happens.
  • No problem: Soft hum and sloshing—normal operation. No action needed.

Identify when the noise happens

Goal: Narrow the cause by when the noise occurs.

Unbalanced load and leveling

Goal: Stop banging and thumping from unbalanced loads and a rocking washer.

  • Stop the cycle. Open the lid or door and redistribute the clothes so they sit evenly around the drum. Avoid washing a single heavy item alone. Run spin again.
  • Place a level on top of the washer. If it rocks when you push it, adjust the leveling feet so the unit sits level and does not rock. Confirm all four feet contact the floor.
  • Good: Load balanced and washer level. Banging often stops.
  • Bad: Still banging after balancing and leveling—check the belt (belt-driven) or suspension (top-load).

Belt path

Goal: Fix squealing or squeaking from a worn or loose drive belt.

  • Unplug the washer. Remove the rear or bottom panel per your model. Check your owner’s manual or search “[brand] [model] washer belt” for disassembly steps if unsure.
  • Locate the drive belt. Inspect for wear, cracks, or looseness. If worn or loose, replace with an exact match.
  • Good: Belt replaced; squealing stops. Fix complete.
  • Bad: Direct-drive washer (no belt) or squealing continues—call a technician. Direct-drive squealing may indicate motor or transmission issues.

Drain pump and filter

Goal: Fix clicking or grinding during drain from debris in the pump or filter.

  • Locate the drain filter (often behind a small door at the front bottom). Place towels to catch water. Open the filter and remove any debris (coins, buttons, lint).
  • Check the pump impeller for obstructions if accessible per your model. Run a drain cycle.
  • Good: Debris cleared; drain is quieter. Fix complete.
  • Bad: Noise continues after clearing—pump may be failing; call a technician.

Bearings path

Goal: Recognize when drum bearings have failed—call a pro.

  • Grinding or rumbling from the drum, especially during spin, usually means worn drum bearings. On front-loaders, the drum rides on a rear bearing and seal.
  • Bearing replacement requires drum removal and specialized tools. Do not attempt yourself. Call an appliance technician.
  • Good: You have identified the cause and scheduled a service call.
  • Bad: Do not open the drum or attempt bearing replacement—risk of injury and further damage.

When to get help

Call an appliance technician if:

  • You hear grinding or rumbling from the drum (drum bearings).
  • The belt and leveling are good but the noise continues.
  • The suspension is damaged and you are not comfortable replacing it.
  • You are not comfortable accessing the belt or drain pump.

Do not attempt drum bearing replacement yourself.

Verification

  • The washing machine makes normal sounds (soft hum, sloshing) or the unusual noise is resolved.
  • Load is balanced; washer is level and does not rock.
  • Drive belt (if replaced) is snug and intact; no squealing.
  • Drain filter is clear; drain runs quietly.
  • No grinding or rumbling from the drum.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the noise is unusual—not normal hum or sloshing.
  2. Identify when Note when the noise happens—spin, wash, or drain—to narrow the cause.
  3. Unbalanced load and leveling Redistribute the load; level the washer.
  4. Belt and drain Inspect the drive belt (belt-driven); check the drain pump and filter.
  5. Call a pro Grinding from drum (bearings), damaged suspension, or repeated noise—call an appliance technician.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • When the noise happens (spin, wash, drain)
  • Type of noise (banging, squealing, grinding)
  • Washer type (top-load or front-load; belt-driven or direct-drive)
  • Whether the load was unbalanced
  • Whether the unit rocks or vibrates
  • Steps already tried

Is the noise unusual?

Normal: soft hum, water sloshing, pump during drain. Unusual: loud banging, thumping, grinding, squealing, or rattling.

Listen to the washer. Symptom confirmed: loud banging, thumping, grinding, squealing, or rattling—proceed to identify when. No problem: soft hum and sloshing—normal operation.

Symptom confirmed No problem

You can change your answer later.

No action needed

The washing machine makes normal sounds. No further action required.

Done

When is the noise loudest?

During spin or wash: unbalanced load, belt, or bearings. During drain: pump or filter.

Run a cycle and note when the noise is loudest. During spin or wash: unbalanced load, belt, or drum bearings—check load and leveling first, then belt. During drain: drain pump or filter—check for debris.

During spin or wash During drain

You can change your answer later.

Banging or squealing during spin?

Banging: unbalanced load or leveling. Squealing: belt. Grinding: bearings.

Banging or thumping: Redistribute the load. Check leveling. See Unbalanced load and leveling. Squealing or squeaking: Inspect the drive belt on belt-driven models. See Belt path. Grinding or rumbling: Drum bearings may have failed—call a pro. See When to get help.

Banging or squealing Grinding or rumbling

You can change your answer later.

Unbalanced load and leveling

Redistribute the load so clothes sit evenly. Level the washer—adjust the feet so it does not rock. If banging persists, check the drive belt (belt-driven) or suspension (top-load).

Done

Grinding from drum — call a pro

Grinding or rumbling from the drum usually means worn drum bearings. Bearing replacement requires drum removal—call an appliance technician. Do not attempt yourself.

Done

Noise during drain

Check the drain filter and drain pump. Remove debris. If the noise continues, the pump may be failing—call a technician.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a washing machine bang or thump?
The most common cause is an unbalanced load—clothes bunched on one side during spin. Redistribute the load and run spin again. If it persists with balanced loads, check leveling, suspension, or drum bearings.
What causes squealing in a washing machine?
Squealing or squeaking usually comes from a worn or loose drive belt on belt-driven washers. The belt slips on the pulley. Replace the belt with an exact match. Direct-drive washers do not have a belt—squealing may indicate motor or transmission issues; call a pro.
When should I call a technician for washing machine noise?
Call a pro if you hear grinding or rumbling from the drum (bearings), if the belt and leveling are good but the noise continues, or if you are not comfortable accessing the belt or drum. Drum bearing replacement requires disassembly—do not attempt yourself.

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