An automatic washing machine in a modern apartment has long become an indispensable assistant for any housewife. Everything is simple: I loaded the dirty laundry, installed the washing program, turned on the machine and have a couple of hours of free time while the assistant is doing her job.
The soft, quiet rumble of the washing machine does not attract the attention of its owner. But, like any home appliance, over time, your assistant’s mechanism wears out. Therefore, the calm and quiet nature of the work can be replaced by extraneous noise, rattle and tapping. If the washing machine is noisy during the spin cycle, it is urgent to suspend the washing program, drain the water and unplug the unit. Then establish the causes of the malfunction and proceed with the repair.
Symptoms of Noise
If the washing machine began to make noise during the spin cycle, you should immediately try to determine the characteristic features of the noise and the place where it comes from (if possible). The presence of a malfunction can be determined by the following symptoms:
- unnatural noise appears during washing or spinning, which increases with each new inclusion of the machine;
- the washing machine is especially loud when spinning;
- worst of all, when there is a clank, rattle or beating of the tank.
Often the owner associates an extraneous sound with the presence of buttons on the clothes, but if the washing machine began to make a lot of noise during the spin cycle, it means that a breakdown appeared in the unit.
Especially loud noise may appear in spin mode, since the drum rotates at maximum speed at this time.
Causes of noise on first use
If the washing machine is noisy during the spin immediately after the first start-up of the unit, then you should not panic, all the manufacturer's recommendations on the correct installation and operation of the equipment simply were not followed.
The cause of noise during the first start-up may be:
- violation of the rules for loading laundry;
- improper installation of the unit relative to the floor surface;
- forgot to remove the transport bolts;
- incorrectly connected the unit to the sewer network.
All these troubles can not be called a breakdown, just the washing machine is very noisy during the spin cycle and washing due to the carelessness of the owner.
Incorrect load
Often, owners do not attach much importance to observing the loading rules of the drum of the washing machine, and it is this inattention that often causes the washing machine to make noise during spinning.
This problem often arises among owners of old-style cars. The laundry is wrinkled during washing and spinning, which leads to an imbalance in the drum of the unit and the appearance of extraneous friction on the wall of the tank. Modern models are equipped with an imbalance control system, so the linen is evenly located inside the unit.
An important condition is the correct loading of things by weight, as well as checking them for the absence of foreign objects.
Shipping bolts not unscrewed
After buying a car, owners often forget to unscrew the transport bolts, which are designed to fix the tank. They are necessary in order to exclude the free movement of the tank during transportation of the machine.
Therefore, the washing machine is noisy during the spin cycle, if you do not allow the tank to balance freely on the springs and shock absorbers. Shipping bolts are located on the rear of the unit. The number and location of parts are indicated in the instructions for the washing machine.
Installation rules violated
After acquiring a home assistant, the owners often do not pay due attention to the installation procedure. This can lead to vibration during operation, especially during spinning.
Install the machine on a hard, even surface. Checking the installation can be done in two ways:
- you can control the horizontal plane by putting the building level on the cover of the unit;
- Check if the machine comes off the floor when it swings.
You can adjust the installation level with special adjusting screws, which are located on the legs of the machine. If it is not possible to achieve horizontalness, then it is necessary to put special gaskets that dampen vibration (from synthetic winterizer).
Errors when connecting to the sewer
The washing machine is noisy during the spin cycle. The reason for this, oddly enough, may be in the wrong connection to the sewer.
This malfunction is associated with a possible pressure drop in the sewer system of an apartment building. Therefore, the washing machine will constantly draw water, which can lead to damage to the water level sensor or control unit. It is the constant collection and discharge of water that is accompanied by unpleasant noise during operation.
Connecting a new machine is best entrusted to specialists. But if you still decide to independently perform this operation, it is necessary that the end of the drain hose is located at a height of 50-100 cm from the floor. This will reduce the load on the drain pump and extend its service life.
Causes of noise during operation
The reasons why the washing machine is very noisy during the spin cycle may also occur during operation. Here you can’t count on the owner’s erroneous actions. Due to the heavy load on the main components during continuous operation, some parts wear out, which is why an unpleasant, frightening noise appears.
The main causes of such breakdowns are:
- damage to the shock absorber or suspension springs of the tank;
- the counterweight is weak or crumbled;
- foreign objects getting into the drum;
- wear of bearings or drum shaft;
- destruction of the impeller of the drain pump.
Such malfunctions can occur in any washing machine, regardless of its model and manufacturer.
Suspension device failure
To compensate for the vibration of the machine when the drum rotates, the tank of the washing unit is suspended on the springs. From the bottom, it is supported by two shock absorbers, which are necessary to dampen the movement in the process of performing work.
If the washing machine began to make a lot of noise during the spin cycle, while making a characteristic beating sound, it is necessary first of all to pay attention to the integrity of the spring on which the tank is suspended, as well as the correct operation of the shock absorbers.
It’s easy to notice these details, just remove the back cover. In case of failure of at least one element, two springs or shock absorbers must be replaced at once. Replacing one part does not guarantee uniform and correct operation of the entire vibration damping system. Moreover, in this case, the second serviceable element quickly fails, requiring the next intervention of the owner.
Counterbalance Issues
So that the laundry loaded in the drum of the washing machine does not swing the unit during technological operations, a special load is installed to make the tank heavier - a counterweight.
It is a stone that is attached to the bottom of the washing machine. Over time, its fastening may weaken under the influence of rotational motion. This leads to an imbalance, and the washing machine is noisy during the spin cycle.
Such a malfunction is eliminated by a good clamping of the fixing bolts. In the event that the counterweight is destroyed, it must be replaced with a similar one.
Debris entering the drum
If the drum of the washing machine is noisy during the spin cycle, it must be checked for foreign objects inside the device. Small objects that fall into the space between the drum and the tank create a characteristic rattle. But not only is this situation dangerous for knocking, debris can at any time lead to jamming of the unit or damage to the impeller of the drain pump.
To retrieve a foreign object, you need to get inside the tank. To do this, you have to remove the back or front cover and gain access to the heating element. After removing it, you will find a hole through which you can clean the tank of the washing machine.
It is impossible to operate a home assistant with garbage, because even more trouble can happen, leading to complex repairs.
Bearing failure or shaft wear
If the washing machine is noisy during the spin cycle, then you need to pay attention to the signs by which you can check the health of the drum support elements:
- after washing, small spots of rust appear on the laundry;
- seepage of water on the bearings indicates a loss of tightness with the seals on the drum shaft;
- the appearance of extraneous hum and vibration when the machine is in spin mode.
Accurate damage can be determined by swinging and scrolling the drum manually. If there is play and a crack is heard, then it is time to change the bearing assembly.
Of course, the operation of replacing bearings requires special skills, so it is better to entrust it to a specialist in a repair center. When deciding to carry out these works independently, it is necessary:
1. Disconnect the unit and disconnect it from the water supply and sewage systems.
2. Remove the top and back cover of the machine.
3. After unscrewing the screws, disconnect the control unit and the dispenser.
4. Remove the heating element, counterweight and nozzles that cover the motor.
5. Remove the engine of the unit.
6. Then remove the tank.
7. To remove the shaft and pulley, you need to unwind the drum.
8. Using a special tool you need to knock out the bearing.
9. After replacing the seals, install the new bearing in a special seat.
19. Reassemble.
When reassembling, pay special attention to the sealing collar of the loading hatch; its friction against the drum walls also leads to the appearance of an extraneous creak. This problem can be eliminated on your own by putting sandpaper and turning on the machine for washing without laundry. After a while, the desired clearance appears.
A knock in the drum may occur due to poor fastening of the line filter, which is installed on the back of the tank and serves to balance the voltage. During unit operation, a poorly fixed filter hits the tank wall. The filter will need to be fixed, and if necessary, replace its mount.
Remember that compliance with the operating rules of the washing machine will extend its trouble-free operation. The main thing is to determine in time the cause of the appearance of extraneous noise in order to urgently proceed to its removal. The simple actions of a zealous owner will be able to save the unit from a serious breakdown, which can lead to expensive repairs.