Zanussi 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 Zanussi fault codes that point at this

A Zanussi 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:

• E31 — The machine has lost a reliable signal from the part that tells it how much water is in the drum, so it stops rather than filling blind.
• E52 — The machine has lost the signal it expects from the drum motor, so it stops rather than carry on trying to spin.
• E53 — The control board has lost proper control of the drum motor, so the machine stops rather than trying to spin.

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 Zanussi 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

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 Zanussi 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 Zanussi 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 Zanussi error codes mean making a loud noise?

Zanussi washing machines report this through their own fault codes. The ones that point at making a loud noise are E31, E52, E53. 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 Zanussi 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 Zanussi 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

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

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 Zanussi repairs page.