What is actually happening
The noise and when it happens narrow it down quickly. A rhythmic knock at low speed is usually an object trapped between the inner and outer drum. A roar or grind that rises with spin speed, especially with black marks appearing on washing, is worn drum bearings — and that is the one that gets worse and eventually leaks.
The Siemens fault codes that point at this
A Siemens washing machine will usually tell you what it thinks is wrong before anyone opens it up. These are the codes we hold for this make that relate to making a loud noise:
- E01 — The machine can't confirm the door is shut and locked, so it won't start or carry on with the wash.
- E03 — The machine tried to pump the water out, didn't manage it in the time allowed, and stopped with a drum still full.
- E16 — The machine can't confirm the door is properly shut and locked, so it won't start the cycle.
- E18 — The machine couldn't pump the water out in the time it expects, so it has stopped with the drum still holding water.
- E36 — The machine tried to pump the water out, ran out of time and gave up — so it has stopped with a drum still holding water.
- E36-10 — The machine tried to pump the water out and didn't manage it in the time allowed, so it has stopped rather than carry on with a drum full of water.
- E43 — The machine has stopped because the drum motor isn't performing as the control board expects — on Siemens washers this usually points to worn motor brushes.
- F03 — The machine has not managed to get the water out of the drum in the time it expects, so it has stopped with a drum still full or part full of water.
If yours is showing one of those, that is a much shorter conversation than a general fault — tell us the code when you book and the engineer can often carry the part.
The usual causes on a Siemens washing machine
- A coin, underwire or screw trapped between the inner and outer drum
- Worn drum bearings — a grinding roar on spin, often with black or silver marks on clothes
- Transit bolts never removed after delivery, or the machine not sitting level on all four feet
- A worn shock absorber or broken suspension spring, letting the drum bang the casing
- A failing motor bearing or a worn belt slapping the pulley
What you can safely check yourself
- Empty the drum and rock the inner drum firmly by hand — noticeable play front to back points at bearings
- Spin the empty drum by hand and listen for grinding
- Check the machine is level and that all four feet are on the floor, and confirm the transit bolts were removed
- Check the filter for coins and underwires, which is where they usually end up
Still making a loud noise?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our engineers work on Siemens machines week in, week out, so they arrive knowing the machine rather than reading the back of it. Local engineers across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my Siemens washing machine making a loud noise?
A new noise — grinding, banging or rumbling — usually means either something loose in the drum or worn drum bearings. The noise and when it happens narrow it down quickly. A rhythmic knock at low speed is usually an object trapped between the inner and outer drum. A roar or grind that rises with spin speed, especially with black marks appearing on washing, is worn drum bearings — and that is the one that gets worse and eventually leaks.
Can I fix a Siemens washing machine making a loud noise myself?
Empty the drum and rock the inner drum firmly by hand — noticeable play front to back points at bearings. Spin the empty drum by hand and listen for grinding. Check the machine is level and that all four feet are on the floor, and confirm the transit bolts were removed. Check the filter for coins and underwires, which is where they usually end up. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
What Siemens error codes mean making a loud noise?
Siemens washing machines report this through their own fault codes. The ones that point at making a loud noise are E01, E03, E16, E18, E36, E36-10. If your machine is showing one of those, that narrows it down considerably — each has its own guide on this site.
How much does a Siemens washing machine repair cost?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other Siemens washing machine faults
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open
- washing machine will not turn on