Washing machine making a loud noise

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 usual causes

• 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

Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.

1. Empty the drum and rock the inner drum firmly by hand — noticeable play front to back points at bearings
2. Spin the empty drum by hand and listen for grinding
3. Check the machine is level and that all four feet are on the floor, and confirm the transit bolts were removed
4. Check the filter for coins and underwires, which is where they usually end up

Common questions

Why is my 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 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.

How much does it cost to repair a washing machine making a loud noise?

£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 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
• washing machine tripping the electrics
• washing machine not filling with water

Repairs we cover near you

• Washing Machine Repairs — what we charge and how it works
• Washing Machine Repairs in Nottingham
• Washing Machine Repairs in Arnold
• Washing Machine Repairs in Beeston
• Washing Machine Repairs in Bulwell
• Washing Machine Repairs in Carlton

Written by our own engineers from their repair notes. If your appliance is showing a code as well as this fault, our error-code guides cover 708 codes across 24 makes.