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Maytag Washer Making Loud Noise During Spin/Wash Cycle

Maytag washers are loved for their durability and high-end features. The brand has established itself as a washer that excels in performance, convenience, and user control; however, as with all machines, users do struggle with minor issues every once in a while. Loud and unpleasant noises produced while washing is one such problem.

Maytag washers may make loud noises when there is a defect in the tub bearing or motor coupling, a worn-out drive pulley, damaged clutch assembly, or a clogged drain pump. Additionally, washers often make a squealing or whining noise when they’ve been overloaded.

If your washer has been making any of the noises described above, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the various reasons for the unpleasant noises generated from your Maytag washer. We will also look at the different ways these problems can be dealt with and solved. Now let’s dive in.

My Maytag Washer Making Loud Noise When Spinning

Washing machine in the wash cycle

Loud noises in washers can be caused by defects in different parts of the washer. Let’s go through all the parts that could potentially be defective or worn out, so you can easily narrow down the cause for the noise after you’ve inspected each part.

Defective Tub Bearing

If your washer is unusually noisy when the cycle is on spin, this could be due to a defect in its tub bearing. The tub bearing is usually found at the bottom of the outer tub and helps the inner tub spin smoothly. If the tub bearing is defective, you can usually hear a loud noise due to the metal parts in the washer rubbing against each other. 

This is the most common cause for washers making loud noises when on spin, so it is highly likely your tub bearing might be damaged if you’ve been using the washer for quite some time. Changing the tub bearing is quite laborious, but it is possible if you have a working knowledge of washers in general. 

Here’s an elaborate and informative video on how to change the tub bearing in a Maytag washer:

Defective Motor Coupler

A damaged motor coupler can be a potential source of loud noise during the spin cycle in your washer. A motor coupler is found between the drive motor and the direct-drive transmission and is used to protect the motor from direct damage. This usually breaks if a washer is overloaded, resulting in loud noise while washing. 

A motor coupler prevents the motor from being damaged, and will still function even after it gets worn-out. However, it is wise to replace it as soon as you realize it’s broken to prevent your motor from any damage and also eliminate the loud noise. 

Replacing a motor coupler can be a little tricky, so it is wise to call a professional if you’re unsure of how to go about it. In case you plan on replacing it yourself, here are a couple of videos that give step by step instructions for replacing a motor coupler:

Worn Out Drive Pulley

A drive pulley is used in the washer to make the tub spin. A belt is found around the drive motor and pulley, causing the tub to spin. However, if a washer is overloaded or has been used for many years, the pulley can get bent, damaged, or worn out. When this happens, the washer starts making a loud and strained noise when the spin cycle is on. 

It isn’t hard to figure out if the pulley is the cause of the noise, as you can easily spot any distress that indicates its damage. Simply replace the pulley with a new one based on the model of the washer. 

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on August 19, 2020.

The video below shows you how to locate the drive pulley in a Maytag washer and also replace it:

Damaged Clutch Assembly

The clutch connects the washer’s transmission with the inner tub and enables the tub to spin at different speeds. However, excessive stress and friction on the clutch assembly can damage it, leading to a loud noise just before and during the spin cycle. This can be fixed by replacing the clutch assembly completely. 

Clogged Drain Pump

If the loud noise does not occur throughout the wash and spin cycle but only when the washer is draining the water, there’s a high probability that it is caused by a clogged drain pump. To figure out if this is the issue, simply remove the drain pump and inspect it for any obstructions. If the drain pump is clear but is still making a noise, you can then consider replacing it with a new one. 

Maytag Washer Making Whining Noise

Washing machine with blue wall background

Add More Grease to the Bearing

Generally, washers have mechanical grease around the bearing under the tub to lubricate the movement. If the grease gets thinned out, it sometimes results in a loud whining or squealing noise. 

To fix this, open up the washer and check if there is sufficient grease under the tub and on the motor bearing. If there is no grease, you can be certain that the noise is caused due to the friction of metal. Make sure you lubricate the bearing before closing the machine.

Maytag Washer Making Squealing Noise

Washing machine repair man

Washer Overload

When you hear your washer squeaking or squealing, it is most likely due to the fact that the machine has been overloaded. This may not affect the washer immediately but can damage it if it is done repeatedly. 

Try reducing the number of clothes the next time to see if the noise persists. In case the squealing remains, proceed to check for the other causes discussed in this article.

Maytag Washer Making Rattling Noise

A guy pulling clothes out of washing machine

Check for Metal Obstructions or Items

Most often, rattling noise in the washer is caused when there are extra items that may have come off your clothes or been in pockets. This usually includes coins, nails, paperclips, hairpins, underwires, or buttons

When these objects come loose in the washer, they usually get stuck between the tub and the drum, resulting in a rattling noise when the washer spins. These can definitely affect the functioning of a washer and must be removed immediately.

Maytag Washer Making Grinding Noise

Woman looking into glass door of washing machine

Adjust the Level of Washer

According to their website, having a drain pan under the washer can cause this noise if the bottom of the tub rubs against the drain pan. This can occur if there is a heavy load that causes the tub to scrape against the pan underneath. You can prevent this from happening by extending the leveling legs of your washer. 

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on August 19, 2020.

Final Thoughts

This article discusses all the possible reasons for your Maytag washer to cause loud and unpleasant noises. Here’s a quick summary of the main causes and their reasons below:

  • A defective tub bearing that causes the metal parts in the washer to rub against each other during the spin cycle.
  • A defective motor coupler that is damaged due to heavy loads or long use.
  • A drive pulley whose belt is wornout or bent from spinning heavy loads.
  • Damaged clutch assembly due to friction and stress.
  • A drain pump that is clogged with obstructions that makes a loud noise when water drains.
  • Insufficient mechanical grease on the bearing which causes friction and noise.
  • Metal pieces and other articles from clothes and pockets.
  • Level of the washer.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on August 19, 2020.

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