Washing machine making grinding noise: Quick fixes
That awful grinding or rumbling sound is your washing machine's cry for help. Something isn’t right.
Often, the cause is simple – a forgotten coin, key, or bra wire trapped in the drum or filter. Other times, a washing machine making a grinding noise can signal something more serious, like worn-out parts that need replacing.
Why Grinding Noises Happen in Washing Machines
This guide will help you play detective. We’ll start with the easy-to-check culprits before diving into more complex mechanical faults. Figuring out where the noise is coming from is half the battle, helping you decide if it’s a quick fix you can handle yourself or a job for a professional.
With nearly 96% of UK households owning a washing machine, these problems are incredibly common. You can find more stats about the UK appliance market on accio.com.
To give you a head start, here’s a quick rundown of what might be going on.
Quick Guide to Washing Machine Grinding Noises
This table gives you an idea of the likely causes, the sounds they tend to make, and how tricky the repair is.
| Potential Cause | Associated Sound | Typical Repair Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Object (Coin, Key) | Sharp, intermittent scraping or rattling | Easy |
| Worn Drum Bearings | Deep, continuous rumbling, like a jet engine | Difficult |
| Damaged Spider Bracket | Loud, metallic clunking during the spin cycle | Difficult |
| Faulty Drain Pump | Grinding or whirring during the drain cycle | Moderate |
Think of this as your diagnostic starting point. By listening closely to the type of noise and when it happens, you can narrow down the potential issues.
Start With These Simple Checks and Easy Fixes
Before you start taking things apart, remember that most grinding noises are caused by something simple and easy to fix.
First things first: safety. Always unplug your washing machine from the wall and shut off the water supply before you do anything else.
With the machine safely powered down, open the door and feel around the inside of the drum. You'd be amazed what can get left in a pocket – check for rogue coins, keys, or bra wires. These are notorious for getting wedged and scraping against the drum as it spins.
Next, check the pump filter, usually found behind a little flap at the bottom front of your machine. Place a shallow tray and an old towel down first, as some water will spill out. Carefully unscrew the filter cap and clear out any gunk, lint, or small objects.
Often, clearing these blockages will solve the problem. Obstructions are behind many of the most common washing machine problems we see. Once you've checked the drum and filter, screw the filter back on securely, reconnect your machine, and run a test cycle.
Digging Deeper: How to Inspect the Drum and Spider Bracket
If the simple fixes haven't silenced the grinding, it’s time to look at the drum assembly.
First, make sure the machine is completely unplugged. Safety is paramount. Now, reach inside and give the inner drum a gentle turn by hand.
Does it feel stiff to rotate? A scraping noise often points to a stray object wedged between the inner drum and the outer tub.
Next, try to lift the drum from its inside lip. There shouldn't be much play. If you feel significant movement or hear a clunking sound, that's a bad sign. It often points to a failing spider bracket, the component that holds the drum steady.
A corroded or broken spider bracket will cause a loud, metallic grinding noise that gets worse during the high-speed spin cycle. Catching this early is key.
Identifying Worn Drum Bearings
The classic sign of worn-out drum bearings is a deep, continuous rumbling that gets noticeably louder as the machine ramps up its spin speed. Many people describe it as being like a jet engine taking off.
If you suspect this is the problem, double-check with the wobble test. With the machine empty, push firmly upwards on the drum. If there's a lot of movement, it’s a very strong sign that the bearings have failed.
We see this issue a lot in older machines. Given that people in the UK hold onto appliances for a long time, it’s a common scenario. This could mean over 1 million households might be dealing with grinding noises from ageing machines each year. You can read up on more UK appliance trends at Verified Market Research.
Replacing drum bearings is a major repair job. It involves taking the entire machine apart, so it's not for the faint of heart. Recognising this sound helps you make a choice: tackle a complex DIY project or call a professional.
Checking the Drive Belt and Motor
Sometimes, the grinding racket has nothing to do with the drum. The real culprit could be the parts that make it turn—the drive belt and the motor.
First, unplug the machine and take off the back panel to get a look inside. You’re looking for a large rubber belt that loops from the motor to the big pulley on the drum.
Look for obvious signs of wear like cracks, fraying, or if it seems loose. A worn-out belt can cause a high-pitched squeal or a grinding sound as it struggles to grip the pulley.
While you're in there, shift your focus to the motor. On some models, the carbon brushes can wear down. When these get too short, they don't make proper contact, which can create a scraping or fizzing noise.
If you can pinpoint the problem here, you're often looking at a straightforward and affordable part replacement.
When to Call a Professional for Your Washing Machine Repair
Knowing when to step back is crucial. If you’ve run through the simple checks and the grinding noise is still there, the problem is likely more serious, such as worn-out bearings or a damaged spider bracket.
These aren't quick fixes. They're complex jobs that demand special tools and experience. Getting it wrong can do more harm than good.
It's also worth thinking about the age of your machine. If a major repair will cost more than half the price of a new appliance, a replacement might be the more sensible decision. Get a better idea of what to expect by looking at our guide to washing machine repair costs.
Don't feel pressured to take on a job that feels too big. A serious malfunction could lead to a flood, so it's a good idea to know what your homeowners insurance covers water damage wise, just in case.
Our certified technicians can get to the bottom of the issue safely and carry out a reliable fix. We’ll have your machine running quietly and smoothly again in no time. For expert assistance with your washing machine, book one of our engineers today.
Common Questions About Noisy Washing Machines
A grinding sound doesn't always mean the end for your appliance. More often than not, it’s the machine's way of telling you a small component needs attention.
Think of it like being a detective. A sharp, metallic clanging often points to a stray coin or bra wire. A deeper, rhythmic rumble is usually a classic sign of worn-out drum bearings.
The timing of the noise is another massive clue. Does it only happen when the machine is draining? Your prime suspect is probably the drain pump. If the grinding only kicks in during the high-speed spin, you’re more likely looking at an issue with the drum. For a deeper dive into these issues, feel free to explore our washing machine FAQs.
