Washing Machine Making Loud Noise? 7 DIY Fixes | Australian Guide 2025

There's nothing quite like the sudden heart-stopping BANG of a washing machine gone rogue during a spin cycle! When your washing machine starts making loud or unusual noises, it's not just annoying for everyone in the house - it's often a warning sign of problems that could lead to expensive repairs if ignored. But here's the good news - you don't always need to call in the pros!

I've helped hundreds of frustrated homeowners diagnose and fix noisy washing machines, and I've found that about 75% of washing machine noise issues can be resolved with simple DIY fixes. This guide will walk you through the 7 most common causes of washing machine noises and show you exactly how to silence that racket before it turns into a costly repair.

Common Types of Washing Machine Noises

Before diving into solutions, it helps to identify what kind of noise you're dealing with. Different sounds typically indicate different problems:

• Banging or thumping — Often related to load distribution or drum problems
• Grinding or scraping — Usually indicates worn bearings or foreign objects
• High-pitched squealing — Typically points to belt or motor issues
• Vibrating or buzzing — Commonly linked to leveling or installation problems
• Clicking or ticking — Can signal pump issues or small obstructions

The good news? Many of these noises can be addressed without special tools or advanced technical knowledge.

7 Common Causes of Washing Machine Noises and How to Fix Them

1. Unbalanced Load or Machine

Sound Type: Thumping, banging, walking across the floor When It Occurs: Typically during spin cycle Danger Level: Low to moderate (can eventually damage the machine if ignored)

This is the #1 cause of washing machine noise complaints and, fortunately, the easiest to fix!

DIY Fix:

1. Stop the cycle and redistribute the load — Uneven loads cause the drum to spin unevenly
2. Follow proper loading practices:
   • Sort clothes by weight and size
   • Distribute items evenly around the drum
   • For front loaders, load in a star pattern
   • For top loaders, arrange items in a ring around the agitator
   • Avoid washing single heavy items (like a duvet or rug) alone
3. Check machine levelling:
   • Place a spirit level on top of the machine
   • Adjust the feet at each corner until perfectly level
   • Most machines have adjustable front feet and fixed rear feet
   • Tighten lock nuts after adjustment to maintain position
4. Ensure proper clearance — Keep at least 5 cm between the machine and walls/other appliances

Pro Tip: Many people don't realise that washing machines need to be re-leveled periodically, especially after moving them for cleaning. This 5-minute adjustment prevents 40% of noise complaints!

2. Foreign Objects in the Drum or Pump

Sound Type: Clunking, rattling, occasional loud bangs When It Occurs: Throughout the cycle, often rhythmically with drum rotation Danger Level: High (can damage pump, drum, or other components)

Small items left in pockets (coins, keys, screws) can become trapped in various parts of the machine, causing alarming noises and potential damage.

DIY Fix:

1. Stop the machine immediately if you suspect a foreign object
2. Check the drum thoroughly:
   • Remove all clothing
   • Rotate the drum by hand, looking and feeling for trapped items
   • Check under the rubber door seal (front loaders) where objects often hide
   • Look for any tears in the drum that might be catching on clothes
3. Access and check the pump filter (if your model has one):
   • Place a shallow tray underneath to catch water
   • Locate the small access door (usually lower front panel)
   • Slowly open the filter cap to drain water
   • Remove and inspect the filter for foreign objects
4. Preventative measures:
   • Check all pockets before washing
   • Use mesh bags for small items
   • Keep the washer area clear of small objects that might fall in

Safety Tip: According to Australian safety guidelines, always disconnect power before reaching deep into a washing machine drum or accessing internal components!

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3. Worn or Damaged Drum Bearings

Sound Type: Grinding, rumbling noise that gets louder during spinning When It Occurs: Most noticeable during spin cycle, may start quietly and worsen over time Danger Level: High (will eventually lead to major failure if not addressed)

Bearing failure is responsible for approximately 25% of serious washing machine noise issues, especially in front-loading machines.

DIY Assessment:

1. Spin test — With the machine empty, spin the drum by hand:
   • It should rotate smoothly with minimal resistance
   • Listen for scraping or grinding sounds
   • Feel for roughness or "notchy" rotation
2. Check for water leakage at the rear of the drum (often accompanies bearing issues)
3. Look for rust around the drum centre or spider assembly

DIY or Professional Fix: Bearing replacement is a more complex repair that requires:

• Partial disassembly of the machine
• Specialised tools for bearing removal
• 2-3 hours of work

For confident DIYers with technical experience:

1. Purchase a bearing kit specific to your model
2. Follow a detailed video guide for your specific machine
3. Ensure you have the right tools before starting

When to call a professional:

• If you lack experience with major appliance repairs
• If your machine is under 5 years old (might be warranty coverage)
• If the machine has other issues besides the bearings

Cost Comparison: Bearing replacement by professionals costs $300-500 in Australia, while DIY kits cost $80-150. However, this repair is challenging and time-consuming for beginners.

4. Drive Belt Issues

Sound Type: Squealing, screeching, or high-pitched noise When It Occurs: Often during startup or when changing cycles Danger Level: Medium (won't immediately damage other components but will worsen)

Belt-driven washing machines make distinctive squealing noises when the belt is worn, damaged, or improperly tensioned.

DIY Fix:

1. Access the belt:
   • Unplug the machine from power
   • Remove the back or lower front panel (model dependent)
   • Locate the drive belt that connects the motor to the drum
2. Inspect the belt for damage:
   • Look for cracks, fraying, or glazed/shiny spots
   • Check for proper tension (should deflect 1-2 cm when pressed)
   • Ensure pulleys are clean and spin freely
3. Replace if necessary:
   • Note the routing of the old belt before removal
   • Install the new belt following the same path
   • Ensure proper tension according to manufacturer specifications
4. Test after reassembly by running a short cycle

Australia-Specific Tip: Our hot climate causes belts to deteriorate faster than in cooler regions. When replacing, look for belts rated for high-temperature environments, especially in Queensland and Northern Territory installations.

5. Pump Problems

Sound Type: Buzzing, humming, or clicking sounds When It Occurs: During drain cycles Danger Level: Medium to high (can lead to drainage issues and motor burnout)

The drain pump is a common source of washing machine noises and is responsible for about 20% of service calls related to strange sounds.

DIY Fix:

1. Access the pump:
   • Disconnect power
   • For front-loaders, access is usually through the front lower panel
   • For top-loaders, you may need to remove the cabinet
2. Check for obstructions:
   • Clear the pump filter if accessible
   • Look for small items that might be caught in the pump impeller
   • Check for debris in the pump housing
3. Inspect the pump impeller:
   • It should turn freely by hand
   • Look for damaged or broken fins
   • Check for unusual resistance when turning
4. Listen for motor problems:
   • A humming pump that doesn't spin indicates electrical issues
   • Grinding from the pump suggests mechanical failure

When replacement is needed:

1. Purchase a compatible pump for your model
2. Take photos of all connections before disconnecting
3. Label all wires and hoses
4. Install the new pump and reconnect all components exactly as they were

Drain Tip: Running a monthly cleaning cycle with washing machine cleaner helps prevent lint and debris buildup that can cause pump problems.

6. Faulty Motor or Motor Mounts

Sound Type: Loud humming, buzzing, or grinding When It Occurs: Throughout operation, particularly when the motor is under load Danger Level: High (can lead to complete machine failure)

Motor issues account for approximately 15% of serious washing machine noise problems, with motor mount failures being most common.

DIY Assessment:

1. Check the motor mounts:
   • Access the motor compartment
   • Look for broken, detached, or severely worn rubber mounts
   • Check if the motor seems loose or shifts excessively during operation
2. Inspect for motor problems:
   • Look for signs of burning or unusual heat
   • Check wiring connections for security
   • Listen for unusual sounds directly from the motor area

DIY Fix for Motor Mounts:

1. Purchase replacement mounts specific to your model
2. Support the motor while removing old mounts
3. Install new mounts in the same orientation
4. Ensure all fasteners are secure

When to seek professional help:

• If the motor itself is making grinding or burning noises
• If you notice electrical issues (tripping breakers, burning smells)
• If the machine is under warranty

Safety Warning: According to AS/NZS 3000 (Australian Electrical Safety Standards), motor repairs involving internal electrical components should be performed by qualified technicians.

7. Shock Absorber or Suspension Problems

Sound Type: Knocking, banging, especially during spin cycles When It Occurs: During transition to spin or throughout spin cycle Danger Level: Medium (gradually worsens and can damage other components)

Modern washing machines use suspension systems with springs and shock absorbers to dampen drum movement. When these components fail, the machine becomes excessively noisy.

DIY Assessment:

1. Access the suspension components:
   • This typically requires partial disassembly
   • On front-loaders, they're usually at the top of the drum
   • On top-loaders, they're typically underneath the outer tub
2. Inspect for damage:
   • Look for broken or stretched springs
   • Check for oil leakage from shock absorbers
   • Ensure all suspension rods are properly connected
3. Test movement:
   • The drum should move smoothly with some resistance
   • It shouldn't hit against the cabinet during movement

DIY Fix:

1. Purchase replacement suspension parts specific to your model
2. Support the drum/tub assembly during replacement
3. Replace all suspension components at the same time (if one fails, others are likely worn)
4. Test by slowly spinning the drum by hand before reassembly

Purchasing Tip: When buying replacement suspension components, purchase complete kits rather than individual parts. This ensures all components match and have similar wear characteristics.

Prevention: Stop Washing Machine Noises Before They Start

The best way to deal with washing machine noises is to prevent them in the first place:

1. Level your machine properly — Check levelling every 6 months
2. Distribute loads evenly — Sort by weight and size for balanced loads
3. Check pockets thoroughly — Keep coins, keys, and other objects out of the drum
4. Run cleaning cycles monthly — Prevents buildup that can cause pump issues
5. Leave the door open between uses — Prevents mould and odours in door seals
6. Avoid overloading — This puts excessive strain on bearings and suspension

When to Call a Professional

While many washing machine noises can be addressed with DIY solutions, some situations warrant professional help:

• Noises accompanied by burning smells or electrical issues
• Bearing failures in newer machines (potential warranty coverage)
• When disassembly requires specialised tools
• If you've tried the appropriate DIY fixes without success
• If your machine is under warranty (DIY repairs might void coverage)

Conclusion

A noisy washing machine is certainly annoying, but as you can see, diagnosing the cause is often simpler than you might expect. In my experience, about 65% of washing machine noise problems are solved with the first two fixes alone - balancing loads properly and removing foreign objects.

Taking the time to properly load your machine, keep it level, and perform basic maintenance can prevent most noise issues before they start. Your washing machine is designed to last 10-15 years with proper care - don't let preventable noise issues force you into a premature replacement!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use my washing machine if it's making loud noises? It depends on the type of noise. Grinding, serious banging during spin cycles, or electrical buzzing sounds warrant immediate attention and the machine should be stopped. Mild thumping from unbalanced loads is less concerning but should still be addressed.

How often should I level my washing machine? Check levelling every 6 months or whenever you notice the machine starting to make more noise. Floors can settle, and washing machines often "walk" slightly over time, especially on wooden floors.

What's that rhythmic thumping during the wash cycle? If it occurs at consistent intervals, this is typically due to unbalanced loading. If it happens with every rotation, regardless of load size, check for foreign objects caught in the drum or pump.

Why does my front-loader make a loud bang at the start of the spin cycle? This commonly occurs when the drum bearings have excessive play or when suspension components are worn. The bang happens when the drum shifts position as it accelerates to spin speed.

How much does it cost to replace washing machine bearings in Australia? Professional bearing replacement typically costs $300-500 depending on your machine model. DIY kits cost $80-150 but require significant technical skill and 2-3 hours of work.

My washing machine makes a terrible noise only during the final spin - what's most likely causing this? When noise only occurs during high-speed spins, the most common culprits are worn bearings (grinding noise) or suspension problems (banging/thumping noise). Start by checking that the machine is perfectly level before investigating further.

Can I use my washing machine if the bearings are going bad? While the machine will continue to function with worn bearings, this puts additional strain on the motor and can cause water leaks or further damage to the drum assembly. It's best to address bearing problems promptly rather than waiting for complete failure.