Whirlpool washing machine making a loud noise: causes & fix

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 Whirlpool fault codes that point at this

A Whirlpool 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:

C01 — C01 isn't a breakdown code — it's the second stage of Whirlpool's built-in test programme, so the machine has been put into diagnostic mode rather than a normal wash.
C03 — C03 isn't a breakdown code — it's one stage of the machine's built-in service test, the part that runs the pumps.
C04 — C04 isn't a fault — it's one of the steps in Whirlpool's built-in service test, the part that spins the drum up and measures how unevenly the load is sitting.
C05 — C05 isn't a breakdown code — it's the last step of the engineer's built-in test routine, where the machine cuts power to the motor, lets the drum brake to a stop, releases the door and shuts itself down.
E13 — The machine can't confirm the door is locked shut, so it won't start or continue the wash.
F00 — The control board can't switch the drain pump on properly, so the machine stops rather than trying to empty itself.
F05 — The machine can no longer read the water temperature, so it has abandoned the cycle rather than heat blind.
F06 — The machine isn't getting any signal that the drum motor is turning, so it stops the cycle rather than carry on.

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 Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool error codes mean making a loud noise?

Whirlpool washing machines report this through their own fault codes. The ones that point at making a loud noise are C01, C03, C04, C05, E13, F00. 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 Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool washing machine faults

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs from our own repair notes. See also our general guide to washing machines making a loud noise and our Whirlpool repairs page.

Whirlpool washing machine making a loud noise