4 possible reasons your washing machine makes banging noises

Household appliances always seem to break down at the worst possible time. Here are four of the most common reasons that your washing machine makes banging noises while running – and some tips for fixing them. [Image credit: iStock.com/Jovanmandic]

As with most things, it’s best to start your washing machine repair with the simplest solution and work your way toward more complex ones if necessary.

The most common reason for a noisy washing machine is that you’ve overloaded the tub or that the clothes in the tub are unevenly distributed. This causes the inner tub of the washing machine to spin unevenly, often hitting against the outer tub and creating the banging noise. This seems to happen more with top-loading washing machines because there’s no gravity to prevent clothes from becoming clumped together on one side. Some items that absorb a lot of water, like towels and rugs, also tend to cause an unbalanced spin. Wring out heavy items by hand, if necessary, and redistribute the weight in the tub.

All washing machines have a part called a tub bearing, which the tub sits on, allowing it to move freely without resistance. If your washing machine makes banging noises, and if they get louder over time, this could be a good indication that the tub bearing is worn out. If your washing machine is a front-loader, you can test if the bearing is bad by spinning the tub. If there’s unusual noise or the tub spins unevenly, it’ll need to be replaced. A lack of lubrication may also cause the tub bearing to wear out more quickly. Your owner’s manual will have more information on how to access and replace the tub bearing for your washer. Remember to disconnect the machine from power and from water before opening the machinery.

Now we get into some more intensive diagnostic solutions. Connected to the motor by a belt, the drive pulley is a wheel that rotates the inner tub of the washing machine. Over time, it can become loose and the poor connection with the inner tub can lead to significant noise during its operation. Top-loading washers usually have the drive pulley at the bottom of the machine, while front-loaders typically have theirs at the back, making them a bit more accessible. Replacing the drive pulley requires getting into the internal components of your washing machine, so you should always consult your owner’s manual first.

All modern washing machines have the tub suspended inside a metal chamber. This allows the tub to move and shake during its operation, in order to clean the clothes better without harming the ground on which the machine sits. However, when a shock absorbing spring becomes loose or detached, it can cause the tub to become dislodged from its normal operational position. Consult your owner’s manual on accessing the areas with the shock absorbers. Once you can get to them, you can either refit or replace them as necessary.

Fixing some of these problems may take time and patience, and you may want to consider calling a repairman if you don’t feel comfortable making the adjustments yourself. For more help on your washing machine, take a look at some of our other Smart Tips, including what to do when your washing machine won’t fill with water and tips for maintaining your washer and dryer.