Washing Machine Making Loud Noise: Common Causes and Fixes
A washing machine making loud noise is one of the most common appliance concerns reported by New Zealand households. Different noises point to different causes – and knowing which noise means what can save you a costly and unnecessary repair call. This guide identifies every common washing machine noise in NZ, what causes it, and what to do about it.
Washing Machine Noise Diagnosis Guide
The type of noise your machine makes tells you a great deal about where the problem lies. Work through this diagnosis guide before calling a technician.
Loud Banging or Thumping During Spin
This is the most common washing machine noise complaint in NZ. The most frequent cause is an unbalanced load – heavy items like towels, jeans, or a single duvet bunching on one side of the drum during spin. The machine detects the imbalance and attempts to redistribute, producing a repetitive thumping sound.
- How to fix it. Stop the cycle, redistribute the laundry evenly around the drum, and restart the spin. Washing bulky single items like duvets alone in a light load makes imbalance worse – always add a few smaller items to balance the drum.
- If it persists on balanced loads. Worn drum bearings produce a similar banging or rumbling during spin. The difference is that bearing noise occurs on every spin cycle regardless of load distribution. Bearing replacement is a significant repair – get a cost estimate before committing.
Loud Vibration and Rattling
Excessive vibration is almost always caused by the machine not being properly levelled. All four feet must be firmly on the floor and the machine must be level side to side and front to back. A machine that rocks on three feet instead of four will vibrate violently on spin cycles.
- How to fix it. Adjust the four levelling feet until the machine is completely stable. Most feet are adjusted by turning them clockwise to lower or anticlockwise to raise. A spirit level on top of the machine confirms when it is correctly levelled. Lock the feet in place with the jam nut if your model has one.
- Also check. Items on top of the machine, objects wedged underneath, and loose panels on the machine cabinet all contribute to rattling during spin.
Transport Bolts Not Removed
This is a surprisingly common cause of violent banging in New Zealand homes – particularly with recently purchased machines. Transport bolts are fitted at the factory to lock the drum in place during shipping. They must be removed before first use. If left in, the drum cannot move freely and produces a loud, heavy banging during every cycle. The bolts are typically located at the rear of the machine and are documented in the installation guide.
- How to fix it. Check the rear of the machine for large bolts or plastic plugs. Remove them using the spanner provided with the machine. Keep them for if you ever need to transport the machine again.
Grinding Noise During Wash or Spin
A grinding noise typically indicates a foreign object in the drum or pump. Coins, buttons, bra underwires, and small items can become trapped between the drum and the outer tub, producing a persistent grinding sound that gets worse during agitation or spin.
- How to fix it. Run the machine empty and listen to confirm the noise is not load-related. If the grinding persists on an empty cycle, the object is likely in the pump filter housing or between the drum walls. Check the pump filter first – clear any debris. If the noise continues, the drum or pump housing may need to be accessed to remove the object.
Rumbling or Roaring During Spin
A deep rumbling or roaring sound that increases in pitch and volume during spin is a clear indicator of worn or failing drum bearings. This is a serious mechanical issue that worsens over time if not addressed. On most front loaders, bearing replacement is a major repair involving drum disassembly – costs range from $200 to $500 in Auckland depending on the brand and model. For older machines, compare the repair cost against replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my washing machine suddenly making a loud noise during spin?
Sudden loud noise during spin most commonly indicates an unbalanced load, a levelling problem, or a foreign object in the drum or pump. Check these in order before assuming a mechanical fault.
How do I know if my washing machine bearings are failing?
A failing bearing produces a deep rumbling or roaring noise that consistently increases during spin cycles, regardless of load size or distribution. The noise will worsen progressively over weeks and months if not addressed.
How much does washing machine bearing replacement cost in Auckland?
Bearing replacement on a front load washing machine in Auckland typically costs $200 to $500 for parts and labour, depending on the brand and model. Fisher and Paykel is generally cheaper to repair due to better parts availability. For machines over 8 years old, compare this against replacement cost at Used Appliances Auckland.
Need a Replacement in Auckland?
If your machine’s repair cost approaches its replacement value, Used Appliances Auckland in Onehunga has serviced front loaders and top loaders from $249 – all tested and warranted. Delivery across Auckland including North Shore, West Auckland, South Auckland, and East Auckland.
Visit us in Onehunga.
No Comments