Kenmore Washing Machine: noisy

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine making loud or unusual noises during operation? Noises like rumbling, banging, or squeaking can indicate issues such as an unbalanced load, worn bearings, or improper leveling. Identifying the cause is crucial to ensuring the longevity of your appliance and preventing further damage.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore 110 Series reported to have internal bolts (e.g., on pulley) that can loosen and cause noise

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or incorrect laundry load

How to Identify: Noise during spin/agitation that changes when load is redistributed or reduced

Part: Laundry load distribution

Worn or faulty tub bearings / seal

How to Identify: Loud rumbling or grinding that persists regardless of load distribution; noise increases during spin; may indicate internal wear

Part: Tub bearings and seal

Worn drive pulley / loose internal bolt

How to Identify: Odd banging or unusual noises; possibility of loose bolt reported in specific Kenmore 110 series cases

Part: Drive pulley / internal mounting hardware

Improper leveling or unstable installation

How to Identify: Noise and vibration that persist on certain cycles and improve when leveling feet are adjusted

Part: Machine feet / installation

Worn suspension/shock absorbers (vertical machines)

How to Identify: Excessive vibration and banging during spin even with balanced loads

Part: Shock absorbers/springs

Foreign objects in pump or drum

How to Identify: Clicking or rattling noises, especially small objects knocking during cycles

Part: Pump/filter / drum interior

DIY Solutions

Redistribute Laundry and Avoid Overloading

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Stop machine mid-cycle
  2. Open drum and redistribute clothes evenly
  3. Avoid exceeding machine capacity or mixing large and small items
⚠️ Safety First: Pause power before opening machine if needed

Level Washing Machine

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Level tool or smartphone app, Adjustable wrench
  1. Use level to check machine orientation
  2. Adjust leveling feet to remove tilt
  3. Retest spin cycle to confirm reduced noise
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is unplugged when adjusting feet

Remove Foreign Objects from Drum/Pump

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Bucket
  1. Unplug machine
  2. Open pump access panel
  3. Check pump/filter and drum edges for small items
  4. Remove debris before reassembling
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power and water before accessing pump area

Professional Repairs

Replace Tub Bearings and Seal

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200 for parts

Replace Suspension/Shock Absorbers

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120 for parts

Repair Internal Pulley/Bolt Issues

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100 for parts

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after load redistribution and leveling
Grinding or metal-on-metal sounds
Leakage along with noise
Bearing or internal part failure suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Level machine periodically: Noise from imbalance
    Frequency: monthly
  • Clean pump/filter regularly: Rattling from foreign objects
    Frequency: every 3 months
  • Avoid overloading: Excess vibration and strain on components
    Frequency: Every wash

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine noisy?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, worn bearings, and improper leveling.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine noisy myself?
Redistribute laundry, level the machine, or remove foreign objects.
How much does it cost to fix noisy?
Professional repairs range from $30 to $200 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for noisy?
Call a technician if noises persist after DIY fixes or if complex repairs are needed.

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: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Off-balance load
  • Worn or damaged suspension springs
  • Faulty drive belt
  • Loose or damaged drum bearings
  • Foreign objects in the drum or pump

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for off-balance load: Open the washer door, redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum, and run a spin cycle to see if the noise persists.

  2. Inspect and replace worn suspension springs: Unplug the machine, remove the front panel, and check the springs for wear. Replace if necessary.

  3. Examine and replace the drive belt: Disconnect power, remove the back panel, and check the belt for fraying or damage. Replace if needed.

  4. Check drum bearings: If noise persists, inspect the drum bearings by removing the drum. Replace if they are loose or damaged.

  5. Remove foreign objects: Inspect the drum and pump for any foreign objects that may be causing noise and remove them.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Need Advice on Old Noisy Kenmore Washing Machine

Community Discussions

making loud noises

Check for off-balance load or broken suspension springs; easy fixes.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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