Kenmore Washing Machine: making noise during spin cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine making loud noises during the spin cycle? Common sounds like banging, grinding, or squealing indicate potential issues like an unbalanced load or worn bearings. Addressing these noises promptly can help avoid further damage and ensure your laundry runs smoothly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Shipping bolts or foam blocks from transport not removed can cause noise; check and remove if present.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or uneven laundry load

How to Identify: Noise stops or lessens when the load is redistributed; washer vibrates or rocks significantly during spin.

Part: Drum/load distribution

Worn or damaged tub/drum bearings

How to Identify: Grinding, rumbling, or roaring noise increasing with spin speed; drum has play when moved by hand.

Part: Drum bearings/tub seal

Faulty suspension/springs/shock absorbers

How to Identify: Banging or thumping noise with excessive drum movement; machine shakes side to side. (Hello Portable

Part: Suspension rods or shock absorbers

Drive belt, drive pulley or motor coupling wear

How to Identify: Squealing or slapping noises; noise persists independent of load; belt visibly worn. (Hello Portable

Part: Drive belt/pulley/motor coupling

Foreign objects stuck in drum/pump

How to Identify: Clanking or rattling sounds; object located inside drum or pump area. (Hello Portable

Part: Drum interior/pump filter

Cracked spider arm (front load) or clutch wear (top load)

How to Identify: Severe banging or metal‑on‑metal sounds not resolved by load balancing.

Part: Spider support arms or clutch assembly

DIY Solutions

Redistribute or rebalance laundry load

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Stop the washer mid‑cycle
  2. Open the drum and move items so heavy and light pieces are evenly spread
  3. Restart the spin cycle to test noise reduction
⚠️ Safety First: Do not open lid while filled with water if water level is above safe point

Remove foreign objects from drum and pump

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight, Screwdriver (for pump access if needed)
  1. Unplug the washer
  2. Inspect drum interior and around door seal for small objects
  3. If noise persists, access and clean pump filter or inspect pump area per manual
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing internal components

Inspect and tighten/replace drive belt or pulley

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Wrench set
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Remove rear or bottom panel per model instructions
  3. Inspect belt/pulley for wear or looseness
  4. Tighten or replace belt as needed
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct belt tension

Professional Repairs

Replace tub bearings and seals

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace suspension/shocks or spider support arms

Estimated Cost: $80 - $300

Replace motor coupling, drive pulley or clutch

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after rebalancing and basic checks
Grinding noises indicating internal wear
Leakage from tub area near transmission

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and balance laundry loads: Unbalanced spin cycle noise
    Frequency: Every load
  • Inspect drum and remove objects before washing: Foreign object noise and potential part damage
    Frequency: Each use
  • Periodic inspection of belt and suspension: Wear‑related noise issues
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine making noise during spin cycle?
The noise may be caused by an unbalanced laundry load, worn tub bearings, or faulty suspension components.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine making noise during spin cycle myself?
You can rebalance the load, remove foreign objects from the drum, or inspect the drive belt and pulley.
How much does it cost to fix making noise during spin cycle?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $400 depending on the required parts and labor.
When should I call a technician for making noise during spin cycle?
If DIY fixes do not resolve the issue or if you suspect major component failure, it’s best to consult a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

60%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged bearings
  • Foreign objects trapped in the drum or pump
  • Faulty drive belt or motor coupling

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn or damaged bearings. To do this, remove the outer tub and check the bearings for wear. If they're damaged, replace them with new ones.

  2. Check for foreign objects. Open the door and inspect the drum and pump for any items that may be causing noise. Remove any debris found.

  3. Examine the drive belt or motor coupling for wear. If either is damaged, replace it by removing the back panel and accessing the motor.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore top loader ticking/buzzing when trying to spin up th...

Community Discussions

ticking/buzzing noise when trying to spin up the drum

Possible bad agitation cam inside the transmission; consider replacing the motor.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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