What to Do if a Washing Machine Makes a Grinding Noise when Agitating?

8 Reasons Why Your Washing Machine is Grinding

There are plenty of reasons why washing machines make unusual noises during agitation — including a faulty component, a poor manufacturing, or a maintenance failure.

Since we are primarily focusing on the reasons appliances make grinding noises, we trimmed the list of most likely causes to eight possibilities. Let’s take a closer look at them:

1. There’s nothing wrong with the Washer

For some washing machine manufacturers, a washing machine knocking noise when agitating is a result of an agitator switching the directions of rotation. Similarly, most GE washing machines, for example, typically make grinding noises when starting.

2. Agitator dogs are slipping

The rotating motion of the agitator is permitted by a component called agitator dogs. You can find these in the top part of the agitator in the center column. After frequent use, it’s common for agitator dogs to wear out and start slipping. As a result, you will hear a grinding noise during washing machine agitation.

3. Drive pulley strain or damage

A worn-out drive pulley is another likely suspect of washing machine grinding. To solve the problem, you need to detach the pulley from the washer and check for the signs of wear. If you find glazing, tears or cracks, replacing the equipment is the only way to get rid of the washing machine grinding noise when agitating.

4. U-joint failure

U-joint is a central player in washing machine agitation — it’s the mechanism that starts the agitation process. Generally, repairing a U-joint on your own is not difficult if you are experienced in do-it-yourself house maintenance.

Replacing the part, on the other hand, is not reasonable as the component is really expensive. If there’s no way to repair the U-joint, consider getting a new washing machine instead.

5. Stator Assembly glitch

A stator assembly malfunction is another cause of grinding agitation noise. Since the component is responsible for creating an electromagnetic connection with the tub, a crack or an error code could lead to agitation failures, such as the washing machine making loud noise during agitation.

To troubleshoot the issue and assess the stator, check the rotor at the back of the appliance for cracks or magnet damage.

6. Motor control board defects

When a washer doesn’t agitate or makes other noises in the process, checking the motor control board is a technician’s go-to response. The functionality of the components is crucial as it provides the motor with the force needed to start the device and indicates the direction for agitators.

That’s why you should replace or fix the control board as soon as it gets worn out or unreliable.

7. Tub bearing kit

Agitation problems may arise from tub bearing malfunctions. This type of issue is expensive to deal with — most likely, the grinding noise will not disappear unless you replace both the bearing and the outer tub of the appliance.

8. Motor coupling wear

This component of the washing machine serves as a bridge between the water supply and the motor itself. If the coupling is worn out, it might fail so that it seems like the washer is overloading with water. In this case, the agitation process will either be not working or will be slow and noisy.

How to Repair Grinding Noises During Washing Machine Agitation?

Unfortunately, in most cases, you will not be able to fix the component of the washing machine that causes agitation noises and will need to replace it instead. However, the following tips are often helpful in troubleshooting agitation noise issues and can restore the function of the washer.

Tip #1. Check the motor and the pump

If the pump is to blame for the grinding noises, you are in luck — most of the time, a thorough cleaning session will resolve the issue. Here’s how to fix the pump:

Step 1. Unplug the washing machine from the electrical supply.

Step 2. Unplug the front panel, plug the washer back in and give it a run (without touching the appliance with your hands to avoid an electric shock).

Step 3. Verify if there’s any agitation noise without the pump. If there isn’t, that’s proof the issue is caused by a defective pump.

Step 4. Remove the inlet hose of the pump and see if an impeller is dirty. If so, clean it with a cloth and some vinegar.

Step 5. If there are physical cracks in the pump, get a replacement and install it.

Tip #2. Take a look at shock absorbers

Checking shock absorbers is another reasonable action when dealing with washing machine noise during agitation. Unplug the washer and determine the location of the shock absorbers — depending on the model, it will either be a front or a rear panel of the appliance.

Here are the signs that you should replace the shock absorbers of your washing machine:

• They are torn
• They are loose
• They leak fluid

Even if only one of the absorbers is faulty, experienced technicians recommend replacing all absorbers at once to avoid mismatches between the different components.

Tip #3. Assess drive motors

By assessing the drive motor, you will be one step closer to figuring out the reason behind the washing machine’s grinding noise during agitation. There are two common drive motor malfunctions:

1. The motor itself is malfunctioning;
2. The two parts that drive the motor don’t rotate freely and don’t allow smooth agitation.

If it is the former, there’s nothing to do other than replace the motor. If the latter is the case, make sure nothing is stuck between the spinning parts, check that the capacitor is not swollen, and ensure all wire connections come together.

Once the motor can rotate freely, you shouldn’t hear washing machine grinding.

Find Experienced Technicians For Washing Machine Repair at FIX Appliances CA

If you’re looking for a professional team to handle repair services at your home or business in Canada, consider FIX Appliances CA — a team of certified and reliable technicians. Our specialists will inspect your washing machine, determine the cause of a washing machine making a grinding noise during agitation, and fix the problem.

Other than the affordable repair cost, here’s what makes FIX Appliances CA technicians a trusted team for home and business maintenance and repair services:

• We are a certified team. FIX Appliances CA technicians have TSSA certification which is proof of our proficiency in gas and electric appliance repair.
• Our repairs are warranty-complaint. You can still claim a manufacturer’s warranty after fixing a washing machine with FIX Appliances CA.
• Top-rated replacement components. By choosing our team, you will benefit from special deals from top-rated house appliance providers — GE, Bosch,  LG and others.
• On-going support. After we complete the repair, our support team stays in touch. We will offer you maintenance tips and help troubleshoot repair issues. At FIX Appliances CA, we want to make sure you get the most out of home appliances and are dedicated to educating every homeowner in Canada on how to take better care of household devices.

To contact FIX Appliances CA technicians for washing machines or other repair help, call us or leave a message. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get the most out of your appliances.