Fisher & Paykel Washing Machine: grinding noise during spin cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you hearing a loud grinding noise from your Fisher & Paykel washing machine during the spin cycle? This can indicate issues such as worn drum bearings, unbalanced loads, or foreign objects caught between the drum and tub. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent further damage and ensure your washer operates smoothly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Fisher & Paykel Models

Check that transit bolts have been removed if newly installed; improper leveling can exacerbate noise.

Possible Causes

Worn Drum Bearings

How to Identify: Grinding/rumbling that grows louder with higher spin speeds; rough feel when manually spinning drum; excessive drum play or wobble when lifted.

Part: Drum bearings (rear tub bearings)

Foreign Objects Between Drum and Tub or in Pump

How to Identify: Rhythmic grinding or scraping sound that may change as the drum rotates; possibility of finding coins, buttons, hairpins inside drum holes or pump area.

Part: Drum interior or drain pump area

Failing or Slipping Drive Belt / Pulley

How to Identify: Grinding or squealing noises linked with belt rubbing or slipping; may accompany vibration; belt wear visible on inspection.

Part: Drive belt and drive pulley

Unbalanced Load or Leveling Issues

How to Identify: Noise occurs only with uneven laundry loads; machine vibrates or shakes excessively; adjusting clothes reduces noise.

Part: Machine level and load distribution

Suspension/Spring or Shock Absorber Wear

How to Identify: Vibration, knocking or rhythmic noise with movement; machine may ‘walk’ or rock during spin.

Part: Suspension springs/shock absorbers

DIY Solutions

Check and Redistribute Laundry Load

Easy 5–10 minutes

Pause washer mid‑cycle or end current cycle.
Open door and redistribute clothes evenly around drum.
Avoid washing single heavy items alone; balance larger items with smaller items.
Restart spin cycle to test for noise reduction.

⚠️ Safety First: Pause machine and avoid reaching into moving parts.

Remove Foreign Objects from Drum and Pump Area

Moderate 15–30 minutes

Tools Needed: Flashlight, Screwdriver or access tools, Towel or shallow tray for water

Unplug washer and turn off water.
Inspect inside drum and around rubber seal for trapped objects.
Access pump filter (if present) via lower front panel and carefully drain water.
Remove debris or objects found in pump or drum area.
Reassemble and test spin cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power and water before accessing internal panels.

Next step

Choose the next step for grinding noise during spin cycle

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Check during diagnosis

Most relevant component to inspect

Drum Bearing Kit

Supports the spinning drum and ensures smooth, quiet rotation during cycles.

Typical part-only price: $40 - $95
DIY difficulty: Hard
Estimated time: 120-180 mins

Optional: enter your model number

Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Drain Pump

Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.

$35 - $80 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price

Possible related component

Drive Belt

Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.

$15 - $35 · Easy · 20-30 mins

Check fit & price

Possible related component

Washer Shock Absorber

Dampens tub movement and vibration during high-speed spin cycles.

$25 - $100 · Medium · 45-90 mins

Check fit & price

Model number required

Model-compatible Washing Machine parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.

Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.

View maintenance supply

Maintenance supply

Braided Washer Inlet Hoses

A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.

View maintenance supply

Maintenance supply

Washer Drain Hose Holder

Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace Drum Bearings

Estimated Cost: $300 - $600

Replace Drive Belt or Pulley

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Replace Suspension or Shock Absorbers

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after removing foreign objects and balancing loads

Grinding continues and machine shows wobble/resistance when manually spinning drum

Signs of water leakage or visible damage to internal components

Preventive Maintenance

Check pockets before laundry: Foreign objects causing grinding noise
Frequency: Every load
Level machine and check feet: Excess vibration and related noise
Frequency: Monthly or after moving machine
Run cleaning cycle and inspect pump filter: Debris buildup causing noise issues
Frequency: Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Fisher & Paykel Washing Machine grinding noise during spin cycle?

Common causes include worn drum bearings, unbalanced loads, and foreign objects trapped in the drum or pump.

How do I fix Fisher & Paykel Washing Machine grinding noise during spin cycle myself?

You can redistribute the laundry load for balance or check for foreign objects in the drum and pump area.

How much does it cost to fix grinding noise during spin cycle?

Professional repair costs range from $100 to $600 depending on whether you need to replace bearings, belts, or other components.

When should I call a technician for grinding noise during spin cycle?

Call a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect major repairs like bearing replacements.

References & Sources

Why Is My Washing Machine Making A Grinding Noise Community

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

Worn or damaged bearings
Foreign object trapped in the drum or pump
Damaged or misaligned drive belt

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect and replace worn or damaged bearings. Disassemble the washing machine, remove the drum, and replace the bearings. Ensure proper lubrication and reassemble the unit.
Check for and remove any foreign objects. Open the door and inspect the drum for items like coins or small clothing pieces. Also, check the pump filter for blockages.
Inspect and replace the drive belt if damaged or misaligned. Remove the back panel, check the belt for wear, and replace it if necessary. Ensure it is properly aligned during reassembly.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

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

Fisher & Paykel WH1060P1 grinding/scraping sound when spinni...

Community Discussions

grinding/scraping sound when spinning

The main shaft has developed a crack, causing water to leak into the bearing and leading to premature wear.

Fisher & Paykel Washing Machine: grinding noise during spin cycle

What is this symptom?

Important Tips for Fisher & Paykel Models

Possible Causes

Worn Drum Bearings

Foreign Objects Between Drum and Tub or in Pump

Failing or Slipping Drive Belt / Pulley

Unbalanced Load or Leveling Issues

Suspension/Spring or Shock Absorber Wear

DIY Solutions

Check and Redistribute Laundry Load

Remove Foreign Objects from Drum and Pump Area

Choose the next step for grinding noise during spin cycle

Drum Bearing Kit

Other parts options

Drain Pump

Drive Belt

Washer Shock Absorber

Model-compatible Washing Machine parts

Maintenance supplies

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Braided Washer Inlet Hoses

Washer Drain Hose Holder

Professional Repairs

Replace Drum Bearings

Replace Drive Belt or Pulley

Replace Suspension or Shock Absorbers

When to Call a Professional

Preventive Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Common Issues Reported by Users

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect and replace worn or damaged bearings. Disassemble the washing machine, remove the drum, and replace the bearings. Ensure proper lubrication and reassemble the unit.

Check for and remove any foreign objects. Open the door and inspect the drum for items like coins or small clothing pieces. Also, check the pump filter for blockages.

Inspect and replace the drive belt if damaged or misaligned. Remove the back panel, check the belt for wear, and replace it if necessary. Ensure it is properly aligned during reassembly.

Community Discussions

User Comments (0)