Washer making a loud screeching noise during spin cycle
A high-pitched screeching noise toward the end of the spin cycle usually indicates a failing drive motor bearing, a worn-out tub bearing, or an obstruction in the drive system. When this component wear or failure occurs, it prevents the drum from reaching proper high-speed rotations, leaving clothes completely soaked at the end of a wash.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Inspecting the motor, pulley, splutch, and shifter for loose or damaged plastic partsDid this help you?
- 2Running the washer in diagnostic mode to test shifting between agitate and spinDid this help you?
- 3Balance the clothes and try againDid this help you?
- 4watching YouTube videos for diagnostic helpDid this help you?
- 5frequently replacing worn drain hosesDid this help you?
- 6Stopping the cycle quickly to prevent further damageDid this help you?
- 7taking apart the appliance to inspect internal components like fan blades and beltsDid this help you?
- 8Checking and inspecting the splutch, drive pulley, and shifter components.Did this help you?
- 9Attempting manual inspection of internal parts like the wash plateDid this help you?
- 10Switching between different cycle settings such as quick wash or dry and spinDid this help you?
- 11bring in a proDid this help you?
- 12Suspecting a dying pump and looking for second opinionsDid this help you?
- 13Checking the drain pump filter for debris or broken partsDid this help you?
- 14Contacting Whirlpool for warranty repair if applicableDid this help you?
- 15Replacing the drain pump or checking for a shorted relay on the control boardDid this help you?
- 16turning off the machineDid this help you?
- 17planning to tear down the machineDid this help you?
- 18replacing the inlet valveDid this help you?
- 19Checking or cleaning the filterDid this help you?
- 20Inspecting for foreign objects like glass shardsDid this help you?
- 21removing top and rear panels to inspect for rotor rubbingDid this help you?
- 22using a seal spring expander to access the drum sealDid this help you?
- 23Replacing parts like the gasket or water pumpDid this help you?
- 24Initial research into specific components like the clutchDid this help you?
- 25Inspecting internal parts visually for damageDid this help you?
- 26Check the motor pcb unit and drive belt vibrationDid this help you?
- 27Manually rotate the tumbler to check for noiseDid this help you?
- 28checking for drum play by pushing on the drumDid this help you?
- 29inspecting for loose parts or rocks in the pump filterDid this help you?
- 30replacing the machineDid this help you?
- 31Searching Google for potential causes like a belt or a bad bearingDid this help you?
- 32Removing the front panel bolts to run the machine and locate the source of the soundDid this help you?
- 33Stopping the washer and testing normal spinning mode on rinse/spinDid this help you?
- 34Checking components with a multimeterDid this help you?
- 35Taking the washing machine apart to inspect partsDid this help you?
- 36Taking off the belt to see if it causes the squeakDid this help you?
- 37Stopping use of the machine for fear of worsening the problemDid this help you?
- 38Calling the manufacturer for service under the warrantyDid this help you?
- 39testing inner tub movement relative to the outer drumDid this help you?
- 40checking if the inner tub hits the back wall when rockedDid this help you?
- 41inspecting and replacing suspension dampers or shock absorbersDid this help you?
- 42checking the heating element area or drain hose for obstructionsDid this help you?
- 43replacing the washing machine when outer drums are sealedDid this help you?
- 44checking to confirm there are no shipping bolts installedDid this help you?
- 45running the machine with an empty load to test if the issue persistsDid this help you?
- 46Spinning the empty drum by hand to listen for a low rumbling sound that indicates bad bearings.Did this help you?
- 47Testing the machine with and without clothes in the tub to isolate the issue.Did this help you?
- 48Replacing the splutch pulley and shift actuator with a new splutch kit.Did this help you?
- 49Buying an OEM rebuild kit to replace the idler pulley, rollers, and belt.Did this help you?
- 50Continuing to run the machine despite the noise for another year.Did this help you?
- 51Using an extended warranty to have a professional fix it.Did this help you?
- 52Emptying the machine, unplugging it, and removing the cover to manually inspect the splutch.Did this help you?
- 53Checking if the whole drum is moving independently of the outer tub.Did this help you?
- 54Checking the front weight to see if it is loose.Did this help you?
- 55Installing a spare transmission to see if the noise persists to rule out other parts.Did this help you?
- 56Watching repair videos online to assess if the job can be done without specialized tools.Did this help you?
- 57leveling the machine's legsDid this help you?
- 58checking the suspension springsDid this help you?
- 59checking the drum for resistanceDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“It keeps shaking, the drum itself and the dryer because of the drum.”source ↗
“As soon as you put a load in, no matter how small or evenly distributed, it goes fucking ham.”source ↗
“Because it shakes so bad we have had to replace the drain hose like three times since it keeps wearing against the sharp corners of the frame.”source ↗
“It started making this sound during the spin cycle only and was otherwise steady and not making any sounds that we could hear upstairs.”source ↗
“A Google search suggested that it could be a belt or a bad bearing, but we’re hoping it’s just a belt.”source ↗
“No idea what is causing this it just started.”source ↗
“My washing machine recently started making a really loud noise while running.”source ↗
“I tried running it again completely empty, and it still made the same loud noise.”source ↗
“Any idea what could be causing this? Is there anything I can safely check myself before calling someone out to repair it?”source ↗
“My front loader washing machine (LG) is making a loud noise during the final spin cycle.”source ↗
“In the past, I’ve found pieces of a strange, hard material in the drain pump filter.”source ↗
“The machine is about 3 years old so no warranty. Am happy to try to fix it myself but I need help diagnosing the issue.”source ↗
“It doesn’t sound quite loud enough to be your drum bearings or support, potentially something stuck between the outer drum and inner drum like a bra underwire.”source ↗
“Way way way too much detergent being used here!”source ↗
“when the spin cycle starts it gets crazy loud and theres what sounds like some kind of rapid banging / knocking.”source ↗
“It is making this squeaking noise when it spins.”source ↗
“It sounds like something is stuck under the drum?”source ↗
“Nope, sounds like a bad actuator/shifter.”source ↗
“Sometimes it will even do a high pitched constant squeal for the duration of the spin which is awful.”source ↗
“It has been this loud, and squealing on occasion for a while now without leaks or any other issues.”source ↗
“Suddenly started to make this noise on wash cycle.”source ↗
“I ran a normal load and I came back to get my clothes and noticed they were still really wet. I ran a Drain and Spin cycle. It spun and I could hear the drain pump come on a few times but towards the end the spinning slowed and this load screech noise started.”source ↗
“Hi my washer just started shaking uncontrollably when I start it. It’s only 5 months old. Does anyone know what the problem is?”source ↗
“Our Beko tumble dryer has recently begun to make a screaching noise shortly into a cycle.”source ↗
“Upon opening it up I noticed this big golden strip laying down the side of the drum.”source ↗
“It's a Whirlpool WTW5105HW, and it only makes these noises while the agitator is going. It's much squeakier going counter clockwise than clockwise.”source ↗
“It started a couple weeks ago with a bigger load (I don't think it was overloaded or anything), but this is a pretty light load and it's still making the noises.”source ↗
“as soon as it started agitating that's when the sound became deafening. Now I'm getting the usual E1 error message.”source ↗
“When I manually spawn the agitator it started revving up like an engine.”source ↗
“Anyone have any idea what might be causing the grinding/wheezing noise coming from my dishwasher? Seems to only occur when draining and varies in loudness from cycle to cycle.”source ↗
“Any idea what this could be and how to fix it? Model WTW4855HW3”source ↗
“My washer started making this noise, so I turned it off.”source ↗
“Any thoughts on what to look at before I tear it down?”source ↗
“I turn on our GE dishwasher, it makes a bunch of noise for a few minutes, and then stops. The timer doesn’t change. Still dry.”source ↗
“Seems to only happen when the drum is coming to a stop, otherwise washer seems to run fine.”source ↗
“I have this weird noise coming from my washing machine, I have 0 idea where it can come from.”source ↗
“It only happens when it's tumbling, is it motor related or just something stuck ?”source ↗
“When I manually rotate the tumbler can't hear it.”source ↗
“It definitely wiggles when i push from the sides. When i push up on it from the inside it moves a lot less”source ↗
“My washing machine stopped spinning the other day and the drum seemed to have dropped.”source ↗
“The third load had a loud cranking sound when when it was agitating.”source ↗
“We replaced the suspension rods today before the loads, could we have installed them wrong?”source ↗
“its squeaking againt rubber drum seal. metal to rubber squeak”source ↗
“Agree with other commenter. Sounds like a bad shift actuator.”source ↗
“My Hoover H-Wash 300 Lite (8 kg, 1400) stopped spinning. I took the back off and found the drive belt had come off. I put it back on, and it now spins and washes again, but there is a loud clunk that I am worried is damaging the machine.”source ↗
“I live quite rurally, so a call-out or a new machine would be expensive. Has anyone had this on an H-Wash 300 Lite, or know what is worth checking before I spend money?”source ↗
“My 3-year-old Samsung washing machine has suddenly started making very loud noises during the spin cycle.”source ↗
“The problem is especially bad when the washer is fully loaded and the drum reaches high spin speeds.”source ↗
“It makes loud banging/knocking noises and vibrates violently.”source ↗
“As a follow up, the agitator seems to be moving perfectly fine and it seems like it’s working. The machine seems to be spinning and draining with no problem”source ↗
“Moved back home with my parents for a bit and their dryer is making this horrible noise sometimes when it runs.”source ↗
“Any clue what could be causing it?”source ↗
“Yeah, I had that happen on my hot point, I guess there’s like a gear case that leaks oil, the guy told me I could’ve used it another year like that if I had wanted to, fortunately I had extended warranty.”source ↗
“Is this knocking sound normal for a new AEG 7000 washing machine?”source ↗
“This week, while in the spin cycle it started clicking and then as I went in to see what was going on it made a squealing and grinding sound.”source ↗
“When I plugged it back in it immediately started to make the same grinding noise so I shut it off.”source ↗
“Looking for advice on how to determine the bearings are bad (I'm assuming getting the same noise from the second transmission will confirm that), and whether or not it's feasible to install a new bearing and seal kit.”source ↗
“If I hadn't already replaced so many parts, I would probably retire the machine and just buy a new one, but I would hate to make it this far and just be an $80 bearing and seal kit away from restoring the washer.”source ↗
“It has began to shake really hard when its on the spin cycle, so loud that I can hear it from the front of my house.”source ↗
“I assumed it was the legs but when I evened them out it still shakes.”source ↗
“Any ideas of what might cause this and how to repair it?”source ↗
“i’m hoping the community can help me identify the source of this terrible noise emanating from my washing machine.”source ↗
“I’m at a loss of what to investigate next and I would appreciate any feedback!”source ↗
“The banging is quite an obvious indicator fml. Assuming one or more of those spider arms are broken. 😭”source ↗
“Unfortunately this isn’t the first time but geeeez I hope it’s the last.”source ↗
“My husband might kill me (joking).”source ↗
“Likely the splutch slipping. Same thing happened to mine. Was caused by the gearcase leaking oil on to it and not being able to shift properly.”source ↗
Where this came up
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