Easy Fix: Washing Machine Making Grinding Noise When Agitating/Spinning

Washing machines are commonly noisy, particularly when they are spinning. However, certain noises indicate something is not right. If your washing machine is making a grinding noise when agitating or spinning, it means you need to do some troubleshooting. 

Finding the cause of the washing machine grinding noise is not as difficult as you may think. It’s also not difficult to solve, depending on the cause. Today, we will explain the possible reasons for the washing machine grinding noise and a few effective solutions. You can always soundproof your laundry room. This way, you can enjoy a quiet washing machine!

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Why Is Your Washing Machine Making a Grinding Noise?

If you’re wondering why your washing machine is making noise when spinning, there are several reasons for that. In this section, we will explore the most common reasons so you may be able to pinpoint the cause! 

The Bearings Are Worn Out

All washing machines come with bearings, which are small circular components that help the tub move properly while it’s spinning. Sometimes, the bearings may get worn out and break, causing the washing machine to dance and leading to a grinding noise. 

If the bearings are not worn out or broken but the grinding noise is present, they may need lubrication. To check for a faulty bearing, try turning the washing machine drum with your hands. 

If there’s a rubbing sound or you see that the drum is spinning unevenly, you may need to replace the bearings. This video guide will show you the replacement process. 

The Agitator Directional Dogs Are Damaged

The agitator directional dogs are in charge of operating the top part of the dual-action agitators. It’s shaped like a teardrop and it engages the teeth on the agitator’s inner surface when it turns to one direction. 

Then, it releases it when the component switches directions. In time, the surface becomes smooth and it can no longer engage the agitator as it should. When that happens, the washing machine will make a grinding noise. 

To check if they need to be replaced, you need to remove the top part of the agitator and make an inspection. This video guide will help you understand the replacement process. 

The Drive Pulley Is Damaged or Strained

Another possible reason for a washing machine grinding noise is a worn-out or damaged drive pulley. The drive pulley looks like a large wheel and it’s located behind the drum. The wheel features a belt, which transfers engine speed to the pulley. 

This makes it rotate itself and in turn, rotates the drum so the washing machine can do its job. The mechanism is very simple and it’s easy to check. All you have to do is open the technical hatch or remove the back wall of the washing machine. 

If you find that the drive pulley features tears, glazing, or cracks, you will need to replace it. Here’s a video guide that will help you do that. This way, you can effectively eliminate the washing machine grinding noise. 

The U-Joint Is Failing

The u-joint is essential to washing machine agitation. So, if it’s failing, it will lead to a washing machine grinding noise. This mechanism is responsible for starting the agitation, so it’s very important for proper functioning. 

This is not super easy to diagnose on your own, so you may need to hire a professional. Also, repairing a u-joint is not possible, so replacement would be the only option here. 

If the part needs to be replaced, you’ll have to consider whether or not is worth it. U-joints are very expensive and you’ll need professional help to replace them. For some people, it makes more sense to get a new washing machine, but that’s up to you. This replacement guide will give you an idea of the process. 

The Stator Assembly Is Malfunctioning

If your washing machine is making noise when spinning and it’s grinding, it could mean that the stator assembly is malfunctioning. This part of the washing machine is what creates the electromagnetic connection with the tub. 

If the stator assembly has a crack or an error code, it could lead the agitation to fail. That could lead to the washing machine making a loud noise when agitating. 

To check this component, you need to take a look at the rotor, which is located at the back of the washing machine. If you see any cracks or magnet damage, it means the stator assembly needs to be repaired or replaced. This video guide will help you understand the process. 

The Motor Control Board Is Damaged

When a washing machine is making noise when spinning or agitating, checking the motor control board is a must. This is one of the first things technicians do because the functionality of this component is very important.

The motor control board is responsible for providing the motor of the washing machine with the force it needs to start. It also indicates the direction in which the agitators will move. 

If the motor control board gets worn out or becomes damaged, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. This video guide can help you understand the process of replacing this component, but you can always hire a technician. 

The Tub Bearing Is Malfunctioning

If the washing machine is presenting agitation issues, such as the presence of a grinding noise, the tub bearing kit could be malfunctioning. If that’s the case, you will have to replace the bearing and the outer tub. 

As you can imagine, this is expensive, but the grinding noise won’t disappear otherwise. You should consult with a technician and see if that’s an expense worth making or if you’d prefer to get a new washing machine instead. This video guide will give you an idea of the replacement process. 

The Motor Coupling Is Worn Out

The motor coupling is another important component and if it’s worn out or damaged, it can lead to washing machine grinding noise. This part is the bridge between the motor and the water supply, so you can imagine how important it is. 

If the motor coupling is worn out, it won’t be able to do its job properly, leading the washing machine to overload with water. If that happens, agitation will become very slow and noisy. 

Here’s a video guide on how to replace this component, but you can also reach out to a technician so they can handle this for you. If you don’t have the skills, it’s best to leave it in the hands of a professional. 

How to Fix Washing Machine Grinding Noise When Agitating or Spinning

In most cases, you will have to replace faulty parts and we’ve provided video guides for all the possible replacements above. Just make sure you find more resources to understand your specific washer model better. 

To help you out even more, here are a few tips for troubleshooting washing machine grinding noise when agitating or spinning:

Check the Pump 

If the cause of the washing machine grinding noise is the pump, giving it a thorough clean may eliminate the noise. If the washing machine doesn’t make any grinding noise without the pump, then it means the pump is the issue. 

Then, you should remove the inlet hose and check if the impeller is dirty. If so, clean it with vinegar and a cloth. If the pump is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. This guide can be of help if you’d like to determine if you can do this yourself. 

Check the Shock Absorbers

Checking the shock absorbers is also important when your washing machine is making a grinding noise during agitation. If they are torn, loose, or are leaking fluid, you need to replace them. 

To check, go to the front or rear panel of the washing machine, that’s where you’ll find the shock absorbers, depending on the model. Even if only one absorber is faulty, you must replace all of them to avoid mismatching. This video guide will give you an idea of the replacement process. 

Check the Drive Motor

Lastly, you can check the drive motor to determine what’s behind the washing machine grinding noise when agitating or spinning. The drive motor could be malfunctioning or the two parts that drive the motor are not rotating freely to smooth agitation is impossible. 

If the drive motor itself is malfunctioning, you’ll have to replace it and this video guide can help.

If the two parts are not rotating freely, check to see if there’s nothing stuck in between. Also, check if the capacitor is swollen and make sure the wire connections are connecting. Once the motor rotates freely, the grinding should disappear. 

Final Words

Once you know what to look for, it’s not difficult to determine why your washing machine is making a grinding noise. After that, solving the issue will come down to replacing the part at fault. You can do this on your own if you have the skills or you can hire a technician!

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