Kenmore Washing Machine: knocking noise, grinding noise, not spinning properly
What is this symptom?
Is your Kenmore washing machine producing a knocking or grinding noise during wash and spin cycles? This issue often results in ineffective spinning, leaving your clothes wet after the cycle. The sounds may be particularly noticeable during agitation or the spin cycle, indicating potential problems with load distribution or mechanical components.
Possible Causes
Unbalanced Load or Improper Load Distribution
How to Identify: Noise occurs primarily during spin; uneven weight distribution in drum; machine may rock or vibrate excessively.
Part: Load/Drum balance
Faulty Shock Absorbers / Suspension
How to Identify: Excessive vibration, banging or loud knocking during spin; machine may move across the floor.
Part: Shock absorbers or suspension springs
Faulty Lid/ Door Switch (prevents spin start)
How to Identify: Washer fails to enter spin even without noise; no click when closing door; control thinks door is open.
Part: Lid or door switch
Next step
Choose the next step for knocking noise, grinding noise, not spinning properly
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Washer Shock Absorber
Dampens tub movement and vibration during high-speed spin cycles.
- Typical part-only price
- $25 - $100
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 45-90 mins
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.
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.
Door or Lid Switch
Detects whether the appliance door or lid is safely closed before operation.
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.
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.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Preventive Maintenance
-
Level Washer on Floor: Excessive vibration and imbalance issues
Frequency: monthly -
Inspect Belt & Bearings: Grinding noises and spin cycle failures
Frequency: annually
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine knocking noise, grinding noise, not spinning properly?
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine knocking noise, grinding noise, not spinning properly myself?
How much does it cost to fix knocking noise, grinding noise, not spinning properly?
When should I call a technician for knocking noise, grinding noise, not spinning properly?
References & Sources
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 drive belt
- Faulty motor coupler
- Unbalanced load or overloaded drum
- Damaged or worn bearings
- Foreign objects in the drum or pump
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect and replace the drive belt if worn or damaged. Disconnect power, remove the front panel, and check the belt for wear. Replace if necessary.
-
Check and replace the motor coupler if faulty. Disconnect power, remove the motor, and inspect the coupler for damage. Replace if needed.
-
Redistribute the load to ensure it is balanced and not overloaded. Remove excess items and rearrange the remaining clothes evenly in the drum.
-
Inspect and replace bearings if damaged. This may require disassembling the washer significantly, so ensure proper tools and knowledge are available.
-
Check for foreign objects in the drum or pump. Remove any items that could be causing noise or obstruction.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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