Maytag Washing Machine: bearing noise during spin cycle
What is this symptom?
Experiencing a loud grinding or rumbling noise from your Maytag washing machine during the spin cycle? This unsettling sound, often worsening with speed, typically indicates worn tub bearings or mechanical issues. Addressing this promptly can prevent further damage.
Important Tips for Maytag Models
- Some Maytag top-load washers have bearings integrated into the transmission, making bearing replacement more complex and potentially requiring full transmission replacement.
- Maytag official guidance highlights worn drum bearings and shock absorbers as common causes of loud spin-cycle noise.
Possible Causes
Worn tub/drum bearings
How to Identify: Grinding or rumbling metal-on-metal noise during spin; drum feels rough or uneven when spun by hand; possible water leaks near base of washer. (iFixit
Part: Tub bearings (rear drum bearings)
Unbalanced load or uneven weight distribution
How to Identify: Thumping or banging noises and excessive vibration during spin that changes when load is redistributed. (Hello Portable
Part: Drum load distribution
Drive pulley or belt issues
How to Identify: Squealing, scraping, or intermittent noise during spin; visible wear on belt/pulley when inspected. (iFixit
Part: Drive belt and pulley
Faulty suspension/shock components
How to Identify: Banging or loud knocking paired with excessive drum movement during spin.
Part: Suspension rods/shock absorbers
Foreign objects trapped between drum and tub
How to Identify: Rattling or clanking sounds, especially if items like coins or small metal objects are visible or found on inspection. (Hello Portable
Part: Drum/tub interface
DIY Solutions
Redistribute laundry for balance
- Pause cycle and open washer lid or door
- Evenly distribute clothes inside the drum, mixing heavy and light items
- Restart spin cycle and observe noise level
Manually test drum and inspect for loose parts
- Unplug the washer
- Spin drum by hand and listen for rough or grinding sounds
- Inspect visible components (belt/pulley) under washer for looseness or wear
Next step
Choose the next step for bearing noise during spin cycle
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
Drum Bearing Kit
Supports the spinning drum and ensures smooth, quiet rotation during cycles.
- Typical part-only price
- $40 - $95
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Estimated time
- 120-180 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.
Drive Belt
Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.
Washer Shock Absorber
Dampens tub movement and vibration during high-speed spin cycles.
Washer Suspension Rod Kit
Supports and stabilizes the washer tub during agitation and spin.
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 seals)
Replace drive belt/pulley or suspension components
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Balance loads properly: Unbalanced spin noise and excessive wear on bearings and suspension
Frequency: Every wash -
Regularly inspect drum for foreign objects: Rattling noises from trapped items
Frequency: Monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Maytag Washing Machine bearing noise during spin cycle?
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine bearing noise during spin cycle myself?
How much does it cost to fix bearing noise during spin cycle?
When should I call a technician for bearing noise during spin cycle?
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 drum bearings
- Loose or damaged drive belt
- Faulty motor coupler
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect and replace the drum bearings. Start by unplugging the machine, removing the outer casing, and accessing the drum. Check for any play in the drum and replace the bearings if they are worn or damaged. Reassemble the machine and test.
-
Check and replace the drive belt. Unplug the machine, remove the back panel, and inspect the drive belt for wear or looseness. Replace it if necessary, ensuring it's properly tensioned. Reassemble and test the machine.
-
Inspect the motor coupler for damage. Unplug the machine and access the motor by removing the lower panel. Check the coupler between the motor and transmission for cracks or wear. Replace if damaged. Reassemble and test.
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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