Washer Making Noise? 5 Things to Check

Quick answer: A washing machine that bangs loudly during the spin cycle is most often an unbalanced load or a machine that’s come out of level. Grinding or rumbling instead of banging points to worn drum bearings or shock absorbers, and is worth getting checked rather than run through more loads.

1. Check for an unbalanced load

Heavy items like towels, doonas or jeans can clump together on one side of the drum, throwing it off balance enough to bang against the cabinet at high spin speeds. Open the machine and redistribute the load evenly, or split a large load into two smaller ones.

2. Check the machine is level

A washing machine that rocks on the floor will bang far more than one sitting flat. Use a spirit level across the top and adjust the feet until it doesn’t rock when you push down on each corner.

3. Check nothing’s caught between the drum and the outer tub

Coins, bra underwires, buttons and other small items can work loose from pockets and get trapped between the inner drum and outer tub, causing a sharp banging or clanking with every rotation. This usually needs the machine opened up to retrieve, though it’s worth checking pockets before every wash to prevent it.

4. Check the shock absorbers (front-loaders)

Front-loading machines use shock absorbers to dampen the drum’s movement during spin. As these wear out over the years, the drum starts swinging further than it should and banging against the cabinet. If the noise has gradually gotten worse over months, worn shocks are a likely cause.

5. Grinding or rumbling — stop and get it checked

A grinding or rumbling noise, rather than a bang, usually means the drum bearings have worn out and need replacing. Continuing to run the machine in this state can let the drum sit unevenly and eventually damage the outer tub, turning a bearing job into a bigger repair.

When it’s a job for a technician

If you’ve rebalanced the load and confirmed the machine is level but it’s still banging — or you’re hearing grinding rather than banging — it’s likely a worn shock absorber, drum bearing or suspension spring, and that’s a job for a qualified technician. Our washing machine repair technicians in Hobart, Indiana diagnose the fault with upfront pricing before any work begins.

A banging washing machine rarely fixes itself — left running, worn suspension components put extra strain on the motor and drum bearings too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my washing machine only bang during the spin cycle?

Banging is almost always tied to spin speed — the drum spins fastest during the spin cycle, so an unbalanced load or worn suspension component only becomes noticeable (and loud) at that point, even though the fault is there throughout the wash.

Is it safe to keep using a washing machine that bangs?

For an occasional bang from an unbalanced load, yes. But regular, worsening banging usually means a suspension or bearing fault, and continuing to run it risks further damage to the drum and tub — worth getting checked sooner rather than later.

How much does washing machine repair cost in Hobart, Indiana?

It depends on the fault — a levelling or load issue costs nothing to fix yourself, while a shock absorber or bearing replacement costs more. See our appliance repair cost guide for what typically affects the price, or we’ll diagnose and quote upfront before any work starts.

Still banging after checking the above? Book a technician online — we repair washing machines right across Hobart, Indiana. You might also find our guide on what to check if your washing machine won’t spin useful.

Want to avoid a repeat call-out? See our maintenance checklist for Hobart, Indiana homeowners.