Frigidaire Washing Machine: loud banging, not spinning fast, clunking sounds

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing loud banging, clunking, or thumping noises during the spin cycle of your Frigidaire washing machine? This symptom often indicates an unbalanced load, a leveling issue, or worn drum bearings. If your washer isn't spinning fast or shows signs of vibration and imbalance, it's essential to identify the cause for an effective fix.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Foreign objects like coins and fasteners are explicitly noted as causes for rattling/clanking noises in Frigidaire washers.
  • Drive pulley, motor coupling, and suspension parts are common replacement parts specific to Frigidaire repair lists.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced laundry load

How to Identify: Banging occurs only with certain loads, machine rocks or vibrates excessively, quiet or normal when empty or with balanced load.

Part: Drum / load distribution

Washer not level or feet not adjusted

How to Identify: Machine rocks when pushed lightly, noise reduces when machine is levelled.

Part: Leveling legs / feet

Worn or failing drum bearings

How to Identify: Rumbling, grinding or loud noise that increases with speed; drum feels loose with movement by hand. (Appliance Parts Pros

Part: Drum bearings

Failed suspension or shock absorbers

How to Identify: Drum excessive movement during spin, banging against sides, worse on fast spin. (修理诊所

Part: Suspension springs / shock absorbers

Damaged drive pulley or belt

How to Identify: Noise from lower part of machine; belt wear visible on inspection. (修理诊所

Part: Drive pulley / belt

Foreign objects in tub or pump

How to Identify: Metallic clanking; items like coins seen inside drum or removed from pump filter. (修理诊所

Part: Drum or pump area

DIY Solutions

Redistribute laundry to balance load

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Pause the cycle and open washer door.
  2. Rearrange clothes evenly around drum, mixing heavy and light items.
  3. Restart spin cycle and observe noise reduction.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force open door during spin cycle; stop machine first.

Level the washer

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Spirit level, Wrench
  1. Place spirit level on top front-to-back and side-to-side.
  2. Adjust washer feet using wrench until level is achieved.
  3. Check stability by gently rocking machine.
  4. Test spin cycle for improvements.

Remove foreign objects from drum and pump

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight, Towel
  1. Check inside drum for coins, small metal items and remove.
  2. Unplug washer and locate drain trap (if applicable) to remove foreign objects caught in pump.
  3. Ensure no debris remains before testing machine.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug power before accessing pump or internal areas.

Professional Repairs

Replace worn drum bearings

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

Replace suspension/shock absorbers or suspension rods

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Replace drive pulley or belt

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after balancing load and leveling
Significant grinding or rumbling indicating internal wear
Visible leaks or drum looseness when tested by hand

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check load balance before starting spin: Unbalanced load noise and wear
    Frequency: per wash
  • Clean out foreign objects regularly: Clanking and rattling noises
    Frequency: monthly
  • Level washer when relocated: Excessive vibration and banging
    Frequency: as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Washing Machine loud banging, not spinning fast, clunking sounds?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, leveling issues, worn drum bearings, or foreign objects in the tub.
How do I fix Frigidaire Washing Machine loud banging, not spinning fast, clunking sounds myself?
Redistribute laundry for balance, level the washer, or remove foreign objects from the drum and pump.
How much does it cost to fix loud banging, not spinning fast, clunking sounds?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $500, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for loud banging, not spinning fast, clunking sounds?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if drum bearings or suspension components need replacement.

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: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged shock absorbers
  • Unbalanced load in the drum
  • Faulty drive belt or motor coupling

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn shock absorbers. Start by unplugging the machine, removing the top panel, and accessing the shock absorbers. Replace them with new ones if they show signs of wear or damage.

  2. Redistribute the load in the drum. Open the lid and rearrange the clothes to ensure an even distribution. Run a spin cycle to test if the banging noise persists.

  3. Check and replace the drive belt or motor coupling. Disconnect the power, remove the access panel, and inspect the drive belt for wear. Replace if necessary. If the motor coupling is damaged, it will need to be replaced as well.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Frigidaire front-loading machine - a shock absorber is broke...

Community Discussions

loud banging during spin, didn't spin as fast as usual, loud clunking sounds when spinning inner basket

Replace the broken shock absorber and check for bearing issues.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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