Hearing your washer making unusual noises during the spin cycle is a frustrating and alarming experience that can leave you scratching your head trying to determine what is wrong with the appliance.
The main cause of a washer making loud noise during spin cycle is the laundry being unevenly distributed inside the washing machine tub. When this happens, it throws the tub off balance, causing a loud banging noise during the spin cycle.
This is an annoying problem, but thankfully, an easy one to fix. Simply reposition the laundry so that it is even throughout the entire washing machine tub.
Avoid allowing heavier items, such as thick sweaters, to stay on one side while lighter items stay on the other side. This will throw the entire tub off balance and cause the washer to make noises when spinning.
Instead, have an even amount of heavier and lighter items mixed together on all sides of the washer drum.
While an uneven laundry load is the most common cause of a noisy spin cycle, it isn’t the only reason. A broken drive belt, bad drum bearing, faulty motor coupling, and malfunctioning drive pulley are only a few other causes.
The issue could also be caused by an uneven washing machine or it is simply the normal vibration sounds created by the appliance.
No matter what the cause, however, it should be looked into as soon as possible. Even if the washing machine is otherwise functioning, this unpleasant sound could be a symptom of a much more serious problem, such as a motor going bad.
Another thing to consider is that, if the issue is simply an uneven laundry load, allowing the washing machine drum to continue banging against the sides of the machine could cause an even bigger and more expensive repair bill.
5 Reasons Why Your Kenmore Washer Is Loud During Spin Cycle
Be it a BANG, a BOOM, or a KERFLUMP, no one wants to hear their washing machine making loud noises during the spin cycle. This is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong with the appliance and will need to be addressed as soon as possible. But what can cause the washing machine to make these unpleasant sounds?
The most common reason as to why your washer is loud during the spin cycle is that the current load is unbalanced. This will throw the tub out of whack and cause it to bang when spinning. Other reasons include a bad drum bearing, faulty drive pulley, a broken drive belt, and a malfunctioning motor coupling.
No matter what is the cause of the washing machine making loud noises, always disconnect the appliance from its power source before working on the washer. This is a safety precaution designed to keep you and your family safe. If you don’t remove the power source, then you run the risk of electrocution.
Additionally, refer to your washing machine’s owner’s manuals to help determine what could be the cause of the noise, as well as where certain parts are located on your make and model of washer.
Wear and Tear of Drum Bearings
It is not uncommon for drum bearings to experience wear and tear with regular use. When this occurs, it can make the inner drum and the outer drum not work in sync with one another, which causes noise when it spins.
To determine whether this is the cause of the noise, try to move the inner drum up and down. The inner drum should only move one or two millimeters while the fixed outer drum shouldn’t move at all. If it moves more than this, then the drum bearings will need to be replaced.
Old Washer Pulley
Washing machines that are belt driven have to use a pulley to power the machine’s motor to its drive system. If the pulley slips, breaks, or becomes loose, it can cause a loud and often ticking-like sound when the machining machine is spinning.
The drive pulley doesn’t have to be completely broken or damaged for it to cause problems. If the pulley becomes loose, it can cause the matching machine to make noises when it spins.
Damaged Washer Drive Belt
The drive belt may just be one of the most important parts of the washing machine. This belt is responsible for physically moving the washing machine’s tub. The washer cannot operate properly without this belt.
Unfortunately, drive belts do not last forever and do see a lot of wear and tear. Thankfully, they are relatively inexpensive and possibly one of the easiest home appliance repairs that most people can do themselves.
Faulty Motor Couplings
Another potential cause of a noisy spin cycle is worn or faulty motor couplings. These couplings connect the appliance’s motor to its transmission.
With normal wear and tear, the motor couplings can begin to wear down and can cause the washer’s drive forks to slip. When this occurs, the drive forks will start to rub up against each other when the washing machine basket is spinning.
How To Fix Kenmore Washer Loud When Spinning
Kenmore may be one of the most recognizable names in the home appliance industry, and for good reason. Kenmore was founded in 1913 in Chicago and has manufactured a wide array of appliances, including washing machines. Despite being a well-loved brand, Kenmore isn’t a stranger to problems. Like other brands of washing machines, Kenmore washers can start to make a loud noise when they switch to the spin cycle.
When your Kenmore washer is loud when spinning, the issue is usually caused by a bad tub seal or bearing. Fixing this problem will require replacing the tub bearing and seal, which means disassembling the washer.
Replacing worn out drum bearings will not only stop the unpleasant noise when the washer is spinning, but it also prolongs the life of the appliance.
In fact, your washing machine may continue to work as designed for several more years after replacing the bearings. However, tub bearing replacement can be a bit difficult, especially if you don’t have any previous experience working on washing machines.
If you don’t feel comfortable replacing the part, consider contacting an appliance repair technician. Kenmore customer service can help locate a local repair tech who has experience working on Kenmore appliances.
They can also help you determine whether your appliance is under warranty. If it is under warranty, then they can also assist you with whether or not the washing machine repair is covered under said warranty.
Easy Fixes For Your Kenmore Washer Making Loud Noises When Spinning
Now that you know the most common reasons as to why your washing machine is making loud noises when spinning, you can better determine what is the exact cause of your problem. Once you have it narrowed down, spring into action to fix the problem and get your washing machine back up and running.
The easiest way to fix a washer making loud noises when spinning is to simply reposition the laundry inside the washer’s tub. This is usually the most common cause of noise. Rearrange the laundry so that everything is evenly distributed, with equal amounts of heavy and light items on all sides.
Adjust Washer Feet or Install Anti-vibration Pads
Sometimes, a noisy spin cycle is caused by the actual appliance, not the drum inside, being off balanced. This can occur if the floor the washing machine is sitting on isn’t level.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on January 19, 2023.
Some models of washing machines have small, adjustable feet in the front that let you lower or raise each side of the machine to ensure it is level.
Simply screw the feet in to lower the side or screw them out to raise them. You may have to play around with the feet, screwing them in and out, until you get the machine level.
A noisy washing machine isn’t always caused by a broken part or an issue with the machine. In some instances, it is caused by the natural vibrations that the washer creates when it is running.
Thankfully, you don’t have to live with this noise and can usually reduce or even stop it completely with the help of anti-vibration pads. These pads are placed on the bottom of the washer and help to muffle the noise that the washer makes.
Replace Broken Washer Basket
Another thing to try when your washer is making a loud noise during the spin cycle is to ensure the basket isn’t broken. The washer basket is what holds the laundry.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on January 19, 2023.
Give the basket a good once over, looking for anything that appears out of place.
Replace Washer Arm Stabilizers
For front-loading washing machines, inspect the arm stabilizers, which hold the drum in place, to ensure they are not damaged or broken.
Tighten Drum Screws
Look at the drum screws to make sure they have not come loose. Drum screws secure the drum in place and if they start to loosen up a bit, it can cause the drum to move in an unintended manner, which results in a noisy spin cycle.
Unfortunately, the top and back panel will need to be removed on top-loading washing machines (or top and front panel for front-loading washing machines) to gain access to the screws. If the screws are loose, simply tighten them with a screwdriver.
Replace Broken Parts
If the noisy spinning is caused by a broken part, then that part will need to be replaced if you want the washing machine to work properly. However, this does require dismantling the appliance, removing its panels and possibly even its control panel.
Furthermore, in most cases, various parts of the washing machine will also need to be removed so you can gain access to the broken part that needs to be replaced. This can be a labor-intensive experience that a lot of people don’t want to deal with.
This is where a repair technician can come in handy. They have the tools, experience, and knowledge to quickly replace washing machine parts and get your appliance up and running in no time.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on January 19, 2023.