Amana Washing Machine: making buzzing sound during spin

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana washing machine making a buzzing sound during the spin cycle? This noise can range from a soft hum to a loud buzz, often indicating issues like an unbalanced load, drain pump blockage, or worn bearings. Identifying the source of the buzzing is crucial to maintaining optimal performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

Amana documentation notes that some humming/whirling during agitation or spin portions of normal cycles can occur and may be typical, but persistent or pronounced buzzing may indicate imbalance or mechanical issues.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced load

How to Identify: Buzzing coincides with spin cycle and lessens or stops when clothes are redistributed evenly in the drum.

Part: Wash load distribution

Drain pump blockage or malfunction

How to Identify: Buzzing particularly during draining or just before spin; visible debris in pump filter or impeller housing.

Part: Drain pump / pump impeller

Worn or failing bearings

How to Identify: Buzzing accompanied by rumbling, grinding or louder mechanical noise that increases with spin speed; drum may feel rough when spun manually.

Part: Tub bearings / rear drum bearings

Drive belt issues (worn, loose, misaligned)

How to Identify: Buzzing or whining during spin with visible belt wear, slipping, or misalignment when inspected.

Part: Drive belt / pulley

Faulty motor start capacitor or motor electrical issue

How to Identify: Buzzing without drum movement or slow start; additional electrical smells or symptoms.

Part: Motor / start capacitor

DIY Solutions

Redistribute and Balance the Load

Easy 5 minutes

Pause the washer during the spin cycle.
Open the lid/door and redistribute clothes evenly around the drum, especially heavy items.
Restart the spin cycle to see if the buzzing diminishes.

⚠️ Safety First: Do not open front-load washer mid-cycle if locked; use pause/stop first.

Inspect and Clear Drain Pump/Filter

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: Towel, Bucket, Screwdriver (if needed)

Unplug the washer and place towel/bucket under the pump access.
Open the drain pump filter cover (model dependent).
Remove debris, coins, lint, or obstructions from the pump and impeller.
Replace filter cover and run a spin cycle to test.

⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug the washer before accessing internal parts.

Check and Replace Drive Belt

Advanced 60-120 minutes

Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Socket/ratchet set

Unplug washer and access back panel.
Inspect the drive belt for cracks, fraying, or looseness.
If worn/damaged, remove and install a new OEM belt.
Reassemble and test with a spin cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Only attempt if comfortable working inside appliances.

Professional Repairs

Replace Tub Bearings and Seals

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500+ parts and labor

Diagnose and Repair Motor Start Circuit or Motor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400+

When to Call a Professional

Buzzing persists after load balancing and pump filter cleaning

Buzzing accompanied by grinding, wobbling or vibration that suggests mechanical wear

Drum does not spin despite motor humming or electrical faults

Preventive Maintenance

Level the washer: Unbalanced loads and associated noise
Frequency: monthly or after relocation
Clean drain pump filter: Pump blockages causing buzzing and drainage issues
Frequency: every 3â€“6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine making buzzing sound during spin?

Common causes include an unbalanced load, drain pump blockage, or worn bearings.

How do I fix Amana Washing Machine making buzzing sound during spin myself?

Redistribute the load evenly, clear the drain pump, or check the drive belt for wear.

How much does it cost to fix making buzzing sound during spin?

Professional repairs can range from $200 to $500+ depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for making buzzing sound during spin?

Call a technician if the buzzing persists after DIY fixes or if you suspect motor issues.

References & Sources

Amana Washer Humming or Whirling Noise Guide Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Worn or damaged drive belt
Foreign object caught in the drum or pump
Faulty motor or motor coupling

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect and replace the drive belt if worn or damaged. First, unplug the machine, remove the back panel, and check the belt for fraying or breaks. Replace it if necessary.
Check for foreign objects. Open the door and inspect the drum for any items that may be causing the noise. Also, check the pump filter for blockages. Remove any debris found.
Test the motor and motor coupling. If the buzzing persists, you may need to check the motor for proper operation or replace the motor coupling. This involves disassembling parts of the washer.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

Washing machine making weird sound

Community Discussions

making weird sound

The sound is likely normal; check for overfilling or ensure it doesn't sound excessively loud.