We’ve grown accustomed to the sounds our appliances make and, many times, they become soothing background noise to everyday life. So when you hear your Whirlpool washer making loud noise when spinning, it can sound deafening compared to what’s familiar. We’ll review a list of washing machine components from a drive pulley to a motor coupling that could be the source of the noise.
Whirlpool Washer Making Loud Noise When Spinning: 6 Common Causes for the Commotion
Whether it’s a grinding, pounding or squealing noise, there’s usually a part to blame when you have a Whirlpool washer making loud noise when spinning. We’ll eliminate the detective work with our list of parts, where to find them, and what can go wrong.
#1. Washing Too Many Items
Overloading your Whirlpool washing machine can have serious consequences for both the machine itself and your laundry. When you put too many clothes in the machine, it can become imbalanced, which will cause it to make loud noises and potentially lead to damage over time.
In addition to this, overloading can also cause your clothes to be inadequately cleaned and can even result in them tearing or getting damaged. To avoid these issues, it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended load size and avoid stuffing too many clothes into the washing machine.
#2. Defective Tub Bearing
When you hear your washing machine making noise when spinning the common culprits are often tub bearings. These components help the washer tub spin smoothly.
A front load washer typically has two bearings on the bottom of the outer washer tub while a top loader has one bearing near the machine’s transmission. Over time, exposure to detergent and the weight of heavy loads can cause them to become worn and your washer tub won’t spin as smoothly.
#3. Worn Drive Pulley
A Whirlpool washer making loud noise when spinning can also be blamed on the drive pulley. This part helps rotate the washer drum by turning the drive belt with the machine’s motor or transmission.
The drive pulley is located on the back of the washer drum and can become cracked, loose or bent with time. Given its location on the drum, you’ll hear your washer making loud noise during spin cycle when it malfunctions.
#4. Damaged Drive Belt
Along with the drive pulley and the motor or transmission, the drive belt physically moves the washer tub. In front-loading machines, you can find the drive belt stretched between the motor and drum in the back of the machine.
A top loader’s belt and motor are usually at the bottom of the drum. The drive belt is truly the workhorse of the washer, experiencing motion and friction with each wash cycle. It can fray, crack, or break with time, making your Whirlpool washer loud during spin cycle.
#5. Failed Motor Coupling
Typically found in top load washers, the motor coupling connects the motor to the transmission to help deliver power to the machine. Located on the motor itself, the motor coupling can wear down with time or prolonged exposure to overly heavy laundry loads.
When this happens, the drive forks in the motor and transmission will slip and rub against each other, making a rumbling noise when the washer drum spins.
#6. Faulty Clutch
Like the clutch on a car, a washing machine clutch helps the washer tub reach its spinning speed. In top load washers, it also helps the agitator move. It’s typically located on the washer’s transmission. As the clutch becomes worn with time it will make a loud noise while it operates and the drum is spinning.
We hope this sheds some light on possible causes when you have a Whirlpool washer making loud noise when spinning. Whether you need a washer repair to silence the noise or your washer won’t turn on, Service Care can help. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
