Kenmore Washing Machine: making a ticking noise

Professional Repair Guide

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.

Urgency: Medium

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

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: flashlight

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.

⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before inspecting the drum.

Check for loose pulley bolt underneath

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: wrench set, screwdrivers, flashlight

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.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected; note fasteners and any displaced parts.

Professional Repairs

Replace tub bearings and seal assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Replace drive belt

Estimated Cost: $30 - $80

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after debris removal and basic bolt check

Noise is regular and grows louder over time

Drum feels loose when moved by hand

There is vibration or additional symptoms like leaking

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?

Common causes include foreign objects caught in the drum or agitator, and belt wear or misalignment.

How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine making a ticking noise myself?

Unplug the washer, check for foreign objects in the drum, and inspect the drive pulley for loose bolts.

How much does it cost to fix making a ticking noise?

Professional repairs like replacing tub bearings can range from $80 to $200, while drive belt replacement costs $30 to $80.

When should I call a technician for making a ticking noise?

If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you encounter complex problems, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Washing machine noise causes and fixes (general) Community

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

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.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

Washing machine help

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.