Amana Washing Machine: squeaking during agitation

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana washing machine producing a high-pitched squeaking sound during the agitation cycle? This rhythmic noise often indicates issues with the agitator coupling or agitator dogs, which may be worn or misaligned. Other potential causes include friction in drive components or an unbalanced load. Identifying the source of the squeak can help you resolve this common washing machine issue effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Loose or misaligned agitator coupling and worn agitator dogs are noted in community reports specific to Amana washers presenting squeaking during agitation

Possible Causes

Worn or misaligned agitator coupling or agitator dogs

How to Identify: Squeak occurs specifically during agitation; pressing down on agitator temporarily reduces noise (common in community reports

Part: agitator coupling / agitator dogs

Friction in drive components (belt / shift actuator wear)

How to Identify: Squeaking tied to mechanical friction from belt/actuator; persistent high‑pitch noise not alleviated by balance adjustments

Part: drive belt, shift actuator

Unbalanced load or improper load distribution causing increased mechanical friction

How to Identify: Noise accompanied by washer vibration or imbalance during agitation; noise varies with load changes

Part: load distribution

DIY Solutions

Check and redistribute laundry load

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Stop washer and open lid
  2. Redistribute clothes evenly in the drum to avoid one‑side bias
  3. Reduce load size if too large
  4. Restart cycle to check if squeak persists
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before reaching inside drum

Inspect agitator for looseness

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: socket wrench set, screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer from power
  2. Remove agitator cap and bolt securing agitator
  3. Check for worn or loose agitator dogs or coupling
  4. Replace worn parts if visibly damaged (see model manual for parts)
  5. Reassemble and test
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before service

Professional Repairs

Replace agitator coupling/agitator dogs

Estimated Cost: $20 - $80 for parts (excluding labor)

Service or replace drive belt / shift actuator

Estimated Cost: $40 - $150 for parts (excluding labor)

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after load redistribution and basic agitator inspection
Visible wear or broken parts inside agitator or drive system
Squeaking accompanied by vibration, slipping, or failure to agitate properly

Preventive Maintenance

  • Avoid overloading and ensure balanced loads: Noise due to imbalance and reduces stress on agitator parts
    Frequency: every wash
  • Periodically inspect agitator components for wear: Progressive wear leading to squeaking and agitation issues
    Frequency: Every 6-12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine squeaking during agitation?
The squeaking may be due to worn agitator coupling or dogs, friction in drive components, or an unbalanced load.
How do I fix Amana Washing Machine squeaking during agitation myself?
To fix it, redistribute the laundry load evenly or inspect the agitator for looseness and worn parts.
How much does it cost to fix squeaking during agitation?
Professional repairs typically cost between $20 - $80 for parts like the agitator coupling and $40 - $150 for drive components.
When should I call a technician for squeaking during agitation?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect complex drive component problems, 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?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged nylon cam
  • Faulty idler pulley
  • Worn snubber ring

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the nylon cam. Remove the agitator, check the cam for wear, and replace if necessary.

  2. Check the idler pulley for damage. If it appears worn or is not spinning freely, replace it.

  3. Examine the snubber ring for wear. If it is worn, apply cornstarch to reduce noise or replace it if necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Amana washing machine

Community Discussions

Hearing a slight squeak during agitation

Check nylon cam, idler pulley, and snubber ring; use cornstarch for snubber, replace pulley if needed.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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