Amana Washing Machine: drum banging

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing loud banging or knocking sounds from your Amana washing machine drum? This issue often occurs during the spin cycle, characterized by rhythmic hits against the cabinet and erratic movement. Common causes include an unbalanced load, a washer that is not level, or worn components. Addressing these can restore quiet operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Ensure shipping bolts are removed on new installations; if still present, they can cause noise and vibration

Possible Causes

Unbalanced laundry load

How to Identify: Noise resolves or reduces after redistributing clothes evenly; heavy items alone in drum cause imbalance

Part: Drum & load distribution

Washer not level

How to Identify: Use a bubble level to check machine; uneven machine vibrates or rocks during spin

Part: Leveling feet/machine support

Worn/damaged shock absorbers or suspension components

How to Identify: Drum bounces excessively; loud banging persists even with balanced load and level machine

Part: Shock absorbers/suspension rods

Loose or worn drum bearings

How to Identify: Persistent rumbling/grinding with banging, drum feels loose when moved by hand

Part: Drum bearings

Foreign objects in drum or between drum and tub

How to Identify: Rattling or clunking besides banging, found object on inspection

Part: Drum interior area

DIY Solutions

Redistribute and balance laundry load

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Pause the wash cycle
  2. Open door and redistribute clothes evenly around the drum
  3. Resume cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Pause and unplug machine before redistributing

Level the washing machine

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: bubble level, wrench for feet adjustment
  1. Place bubble level on top of machine front-to-back and side-to-side
  2. Adjust leveling feet until machine is balanced and stable
  3. Tighten lock nuts on leveling feet
  4. Test with a short spin cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is unplugged before adjusting

Remove foreign objects from drum

Easy 5–15 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight
  1. Open washer door
  2. Inspect drum and area between drum and tub for objects
  3. Remove any found items
  4. Run a short cycle to verify noise gone
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug machine before reaching into crevices

Professional Repairs

Replace worn shock absorbers or suspension springs

Estimated Cost: $60 - $180

Replace drum bearings

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Banging continues after balancing load and leveling
Drum feels loose or there are symptoms of internal component failure (bearing noise, excessive vibration)
Visible damage to suspension or internal parts

Preventive Maintenance

  • Ensure correct load size and distribution: Unbalanced load related banging
    Frequency: Every wash
  • Check machine level periodically: Vibration and drum banging
    Frequency: Monthly or after relocation
  • Inspect drum and remove foreign objects: Noise from trapped items
    Frequency: Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine drum banging?
The drum may be banging due to an unbalanced load, the washer not being level, or worn shock absorbers.
How do I fix Amana Washing Machine drum banging myself?
Redistribute the laundry, level the washer, and check for foreign objects in the drum.
How much does it cost to fix drum banging?
Professional repairs range from $60 to $300, depending on whether shock absorbers or drum bearings need replacing.
When should I call a technician for drum banging?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if you suspect worn drum bearings, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn out suspension rods (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace worn out suspension rods

    Success rate: 100.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Community Discussions

drum bangs on the side walls when it spins slowly

suspension rods are worn out

drum bangs on the side walls when it spins slowly

The suspension rods may be worn out.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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