Frigidaire Washing Machine: grinding noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you hearing a grinding, scraping, or rumbling noise from your Frigidaire washing machine during wash or spin cycles? This metallic sound may indicate friction between moving parts or foreign objects stuck in the drum or pump. If the issue occurs during agitation or high-speed spinning, it’s crucial to address it promptly to avoid further damage.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire troubleshooting notes specifically highlight foreign objects, worn bearings, drive pulley/belt and suspension issues as noise sources

Possible Causes

Foreign objects in drum or pump

How to Identify: Noise often intermittent, metallic, may change with load; objects felt through drum holes or found in pump trap

Part: Drum interior / pump

Worn or damaged drum bearings

How to Identify: Grinding or rumbling increases with spin speed; drum may feel rough or loose when rotated manually; noise prominent during spin. (owner.

Part: Drum bearings / seal

Worn or damaged drive pulley or belt

How to Identify: Grinding or squealing accompanied by drum spin issues; visible wear on belt/pulley upon inspection.

Part: Drive pulley / drive belt

Motor coupling failure

How to Identify: Grinding noise during agitation or spin with erratic drum movement; machine may struggle to spin.

Part: Motor coupling

Suspension / shock absorber issues

How to Identify: Excessive vibration and grinding as drum contacts tub sides; imbalance symptoms prevalent.

Part: Suspension rods or shock absorbers

DIY Solutions

Remove foreign objects from drum and pump

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight, screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer.
  2. Manually rotate drum and inspect for objects stuck between drum and tub.
  3. Check accessible pump trap or drain filter and remove debris.
  4. Run empty cycle to confirm noise eliminated.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before inspection

Inspect and replace drive belt or pulley

Advanced 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, replacement belt/pulley
  1. Unplug washer and access back panel.
  2. Inspect drive belt for wear, cracks, or looseness.
  3. Inspect drive pulley for damage or wobble.
  4. Install new belt or pulley per model instructions.
  5. Reassemble and test washer.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure part compatibility; keep power disconnected

Professional Repairs

Replace drum bearings and seal kit

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Motor coupling or suspension replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Grinding noise persists after removing foreign objects and inspecting belt/pulley
Drum feels loose or excessively rough when rotated manually
Noise accompanied by leaking or significant vibration

Preventive Maintenance

  • Empty pockets before laundry: Foreign object related noises
    Frequency: Every load
  • Level washer and balance loads: Imbalance and suspension stress leading to noise
    Frequency: Each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Washing Machine grinding noise?
Common causes include foreign objects in the drum, worn drum bearings, or damaged drive pulleys.
How do I fix Frigidaire Washing Machine grinding noise myself?
Unplug the washer, check for foreign objects, and inspect the drive belt or pulley for wear.
How much does it cost to fix grinding noise?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $350 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for grinding noise?
Call a technician if DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if you suspect serious damage.

References & Sources

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-out drive belt causing slippage and grinding noise
  • Damaged or worn-out pulley leading to misalignment and noise
  • Loose or damaged agitator dogs causing grinding during agitation

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the drive belt. Disconnect the power, remove the front panel, check the belt for wear, and replace if necessary.

  2. Check the pulley for wear and secure the pulley nut. Access the pulley by removing the outer casing, inspect for damage, and tighten or replace as needed.

  3. Examine the agitator dogs for wear and replace them if necessary. Remove the agitator cap, unscrew the agitator, and replace the dogs.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Frigidaire washing machine grind

Community Discussions

grinding noise during agitate cycle

The issue was identified as a worn-out pulley and a loose pulley nut.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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