Amana Washing Machine: smoking, loud noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana washing machine is smoking and making loud noises, it may be suffering from issues like a worn drive belt, overheating motor, or an unbalanced load. Smoke and unusual sounds indicate potential mechanical or electrical failures that need immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Urgency: Critical

Important Tips for Amana Models

Offâ€‘balance loads are commonly d by Amana official guides as a cause of loud noises during spin cycles.

Possible Causes

Drive belt wear, slipping, or failure

How to Identify: Squealing noise, burning rubber smell before or during smoke, visible wear or fraying on belt inspection.

Part: Drive belt

Overheating drive motor

How to Identify: Humming or grinding noises, smoke emanating from motor area, machine struggling to spin heavy loads.

Part: Motor

Clogged or seized drain pump

How to Identify: Burning smell near pump, loud humming or stalling during drain cycle, water not draining properly.

Part: Drain pump / pump motor

Unbalanced load causing excessive vibration

How to Identify: Thumping or knocking during spin, loud noise without smell, machine shaking noticeably.

Part: Load balance / suspension

Electrical short or wiring fault

How to Identify: Burning smell like electrical insulation, smoke from back panel, tripping breakers.

Part: Wiring / electrical system

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Advanced 45-90 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, replacement belt

Unplug the washer and move it away from the wall.
Remove the access panel to expose the belt.
Visually inspect the belt for wear, fraying, or slippage.
Replace with a new belt if damaged, ensuring correct tension.
Reassemble and test the machine.

⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before working inside the machine.

Remove Foreign Objects from Drum

Easy 10-15 minutes

Tools Needed: flashlight

Stop machine and unplug.
Open door and inspect drum interior and around the door seal.
Remove any foreign objects like coins, hair ties, or debris.
Run a short rinse to ensure noise is resolved.

⚠️ Safety First: Do not operate until foreign objects are removed.

Redistribute Load to Balance

Easy 5 minutes

Stop the current cycle.
Evenly distribute clothes around the drum.
Avoid overloading and restart the cycle at a lower spin setting.

Professional Repairs

Motor Replacement or Repair

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Drain Pump Repair or Replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Electrical System Inspection and Repair

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500+

When to Call a Professional

Persistent smoke or burning smell after unplugging

Visible electrical sparks, damaged wiring, or tripped breakers

Motor overheating or failure signs

Failing internal components after DIY belt or pump checks

Preventive Maintenance

Check drum and pockets before washing: Foreign objects causing noise and potential friction
Frequency: Every load
Inspect drive belt annually: Belt wear leading to overheating and smell
Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine smoking, loud noise?

Common causes include a worn drive belt, overheating motor, or an unbalanced load causing excessive vibration.

How do I fix Amana Washing Machine smoking, loud noise myself?

You can inspect and replace the drive belt, remove foreign objects from the drum, or redistribute the load for balance.

How much does it cost to fix smoking, loud noise?

Professional repairs can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the issue such as motor or drain pump repairs.

When should I call a technician for smoking, loud noise?

Call a technician if the problem persists after DIY fixes or if you suspect electrical issues, as they can be complex and critical.

References & Sources

Sounds: Clunk or Clunking Noise During Spin - Amana Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

Worn or damaged drive belt causing friction and smoke
Faulty motor or motor coupler overheating
Obstructed or damaged drum bearings leading to excessive noise

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect and replace the drive belt. Unplug the washer, remove the front panel, and check the condition of the drive belt. If it's worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.
Check the motor and motor coupler. Unplug the machine, remove the back panel, and inspect the motor for signs of overheating or damage. Replace the motor if necessary.
Examine the drum bearings. Unplug the washer, remove the drum, and inspect the bearings for wear or damage. Replace them if necessary, which may require professional help.