Whirlpool Washer making noise
Quick answer: Washer noises are easiest to diagnose by when they happen and what they sound like.
- Unplug the washer before removing panels to locate a noise.
- Never reach into the drum or under the tub while the machine is running.
- A washer with failed bearings can seize suddenly during spin; stop using it until repaired.
Why is my washer making noise?
Washer noises are easiest to diagnose by when they happen and what they sound like. A loud roar or grinding during spin usually means failed tub bearings, a squeal or thump points to a worn belt, pulley, or drive coupling, and a rattle or scraping during agitation is often a coin or bra wire trapped between the drums. Banging on all cycles comes from worn shock absorbers or suspension rods, and a buzzing at drain time is a drain pump with something in it.
Our fitment data covers 9,520 Whirlpool washer models and 4,044 Whirlpool washer parts, so the part links below are filtered to this brand; always confirm your model number before ordering.
Most Likely Causes, in Order
1. Foreign object between the drums or in the pump
Coins, bra underwires, screws, and hair clips slip past the drum and lodge between the inner and outer tub or travel down to the drain pump. They scrape during tumble and rattle or buzz during drain.
How to check: Turn the empty drum slowly by hand and listen for a scraping or clinking. Shine a flashlight through the drum holes and around the door boot. Open the pump filter and check for objects. On a top loader, remove the agitator and check the bottom of the basket.
Fix: Fish the object out through the drum holes, the boot, or the pump filter. Objects deep in the outer tub may require removing the heating element or the tub front. (Difficulty: Easy)
Matching Whirlpool parts:
- Washer Drain Pump Filter Cap Seal WP8181736 — $25.66 – $37.64 · 55 models
- Washer Drain Pump Filter Cap W10365898 — $18.51 · 36 models
- Crosley Washer Drain Pump Filter Cap Seal W10365899 — $27.95 · 10 models
2. Worn tub bearings
The bearings that support the drum shaft wear out from age or after water gets past the tub seal. The result is a deep roar or jet-engine sound that gets louder as spin speed rises.
How to check: With the washer off, grab the edge of the inner drum and try to lift and rock it. Any play or clunk means the bearing is worn. Spin the empty drum by hand and listen for a grinding or rumbling. Check underneath for rust-colored water stains.
Fix: Replace the bearings and tub seal together. This requires a full drum removal and is often not economical on an older washer. (Difficulty: Advanced)
Matching Whirlpool parts:
- Tub Seal and Bearing Kit W10435302 — $80.82 – $109.55 · 210 models
- Tub Seal and Bearing Kit W10219156 — $118.55 · 184 models
- Tub Seal & Bearing Kit 12001598 — $86.33 · 163 models
3. Worn drive belt or pulley
A glazed or loose belt squeals under load, and a cracked or loose drum pulley clicks or thumps once per revolution.
How to check: Remove the rear panel and inspect the belt for shiny spots, cracks, or fraying. Check that the drum pulley bolt is tight and the pulley is not cracked. Turn the drum by hand and watch the belt track.
Fix: Replace the belt. Tighten or replace the pulley if it is loose or damaged. (Difficulty: Moderate)
No Whirlpool part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
4. Worn shock absorbers, dampers, or suspension rods
The suspension keeps the tub from hitting the cabinet. When the shocks or rods wear, the tub bangs against the sides during spin, especially with an unbalanced load.
How to check: Push down firmly on the empty drum and release. It should settle immediately; if it bounces more than once, the suspension is worn. Remove the panel and look for oil leaking from the shocks or for rods that are bent or missing their cushions.
Fix: Replace the shock absorbers or suspension rods as a complete set. (Difficulty: Moderate)
No Whirlpool part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
5. Worn motor coupling or clutch
On direct-drive top loaders a failing coupler rattles and thumps, and a worn clutch scrapes or squeals as the basket comes up to speed.
How to check: Listen for the noise at the moment agitation or spin begins. Unplug the washer, remove the cabinet, and inspect the coupler for cracks. Check the floor under the washer for black rubber dust from the clutch pads.
Fix: Replace the motor coupling or the clutch assembly. (Difficulty: Moderate)
No Whirlpool part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
6. Failing drain pump
A drain pump with a worn bearing or a cracked impeller buzzes, rattles, or grinds during the drain portion of the cycle, and eventually stops pumping.
How to check: Note whether the noise only happens while draining. Open the pump filter, remove any debris, and spin the impeller by hand; it should turn smoothly without wobble.
Fix: Clear the debris. Replace the pump if the impeller is damaged or the bearing is rough. (Difficulty: Moderate)
Matching Whirlpool parts:
- Drain Pump & Motor 285990 — $97.79 · 73 models
Other Whirlpool parts the catalog tags for this symptom
- Washer Transmission Stem Seal WP8577376 — $7.96 – $12.51 (air leak; leaking; water leak)
- Gearcase Oil 350572 — $23.49 – $59.66 (won't agitate; won't spin)
- Inlet Hose - 5 FT WP89503 — $15.44 – $31.84 (fill; leaking; slow fill; won't fill)
- Hose Washer Kit 285452A — $5.37 – $9.71 (clogged; cracked; fill; leaking)
- SEAL W11095997 — $11.89 – $28.32 (air leak; leaking; water leak)
- Centerpost Bearing and Seal Assembly 285203 — $74.36 – $99.96 (leaking; water under washer)
Popular Whirlpool washer models
Confirm the model number on the rating plate before ordering. Each model page lists every compatible part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a bad washer bearing sound like?
A loud, low roar or rumble that grows with spin speed, like a jet or a freight train. You can confirm it by rocking the empty drum and feeling play.
Why does my washer bang during the spin cycle?
Usually an unbalanced load or worn shocks and suspension rods letting the tub hit the cabinet. Redistribute the load first; if the banging continues with a balanced load, the suspension needs replacing.
Is it safe to run a noisy washer?
A rattle from a coin is harmless if you remove it soon. A roaring bearing or banging tub can cause more damage each cycle and should be fixed before continued use.
When to Call a Professional
Call a technician for bearing or tub seal replacement, for noises accompanied by burning smells or smoke, or if the drum has play when rocked. Get a repair estimate before committing, since bearing jobs on an older washer may cost more than replacement.