Kenmore Washing Machine: making a ticking noise
What is this symptom?
Is your Kenmore washing machine making a ticking noise during operation? This unusual sound, often heard during agitation or spin cycles, may indicate a problem. Common causes include foreign objects caught in the drum or agitator, or potential belt wear and misalignment. Addressing these issues promptly can help prevent further damage.
Important Tips for Kenmore Models
- Some Kenmore models (e.g., 110 series) have reported loose pulley bolts causing rubbing noises.
Possible Causes
Foreign object caught in drum or agitator
How to Identify: Irregular ticking that changes when load shifts or when machine is briefly stopped and spun by hand. Check inside drum for coins, pins or debris.
Part: Drum interior / agitator area
Belt wear or misalignment
How to Identify: Ticking noise accompanied by slipping or rhythmic irregularity in drum movement; belt may appear cracked or loose upon inspection.
Part: Drive belt
DIY Solutions
Remove foreign objects from drum
- Unplug the washing machine.
- Open the drum and inspect thoroughly with flashlight for small objects (coins, pins).
- Remove any debris found.
- Run a short empty cycle to verify noise is gone.
Check for loose pulley bolt underneath
- Unplug the washer and pull it away from wall.
- Remove bottom access panel.
- Locate main drive pulley and inspect for loose or missing bolts.
- Tighten any loose fasteners to manufacturer torque specs.
- Reassemble and test the machine.
Next step
Choose the next step for making a ticking noise
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
Drive Belt
Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.
- Typical part-only price
- $15 - $35
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 20-30 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.
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.
Professional Repairs
Replace tub bearings and seal assembly
Replace drive belt
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Check pockets before wash: Foreign object noise and potential drum damage
Frequency: every wash -
Inspect and clean drum and seals: Debris buildup that can cause noise
Frequency: monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine making a ticking noise?
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine making a ticking noise myself?
How much does it cost to fix making a ticking noise?
When should I call a technician for making a ticking noise?
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
- Foreign object caught in the drum or pump
- Worn or damaged drive block
- Faulty clutch assembly
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect the drum and pump for foreign objects. Remove any items found. Check the filter for blockages.
-
Replace the drive block if it is worn or damaged. This involves removing the agitator and replacing the drive block underneath.
-
Replace the clutch assembly if it is faulty. This requires disassembling parts of the washer to access the clutch.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
making a weird ticking noise while washing
Possible issues include the clutch or a worn-out drive block. Suggestions include using penetrating oil and a rubber mallet to loosen parts.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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