Maytag Washing Machine: loud rattling noise
What is this symptom?
Experiencing a loud rattling noise from your Maytag washing machine during wash or spin cycles? This disruptive sound, often described as banging or shaking, indicates potential issues that need attention. Common causes include an unbalanced load or worn tub bearings, which may lead to further complications if not addressed.
Important Tips for Maytag Models
- Maytag’s Advanced Vibration Control systems help redistribute unbalanced loads automatically, but loud noises may still occur if balance is poor or parts wear out
- Shipping bolts must be removed after installation; failure to remove can cause loud noise
Possible Causes
Unbalanced or overloaded wash load
How to Identify: Noise occurs mainly during spin cycle; load feels uneven if felt by pausing cycle and opening lid; heavy items clump on one side
Part: Wash drum/load distribution
Loose items (coins, keys) inside drum or pump area
How to Identify: Rattling continues even at low spin speeds; small metal items visible inside drum or found in drain pump filter
Part: Drum/pump interior
Faulty or worn tub bearings
How to Identify: Grinding or rumbling noise especially at high spin speeds; drum feels loose when moved manually; loud noise not resolved by balancing load
Part: Tub bearing assembly
Drive pulley or belt issues
How to Identify: Loud squealing, thumping or rattling associated with motor movement; noise present during agitation and spin; visible wear or cracks on pulley or belt
Part: Drive pulley/drive belt
Suspension/shock absorber failure
How to Identify: Loud banging or rattling with excessive movement of drum; washer shakes or moves during spin
Part: Suspension rods or shock absorbers
Drain pump obstruction or fault
How to Identify: Noise mainly during drain cycle; rattling or grinding from lower front of washer
Part: Drain pump
DIY Solutions
Redistribute wash load and rebalance washer
- Stop the cycle and open the washer lid/door
- Remove or rearrange laundry so heavy items are evenly distributed around the drum
- Restart the cycle and observe noise level
Remove foreign objects from drum and drain pump
- Unplug washer and turn off water supply
- Inspect inside drum for loose items
- Locate and open drain pump filter access (if applicable)
- Remove debris or objects found in filter or pump area
- Reassemble and test washer
Level the washer
- Check washer level front-to-back and side-to-side using a level
- Adjust the leveling feet by turning until washer is stable and level
- Tighten lock nuts on feet if present
- Test with a small load
Next step
Choose the next step for loud rattling 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
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 pulley or belt
Replace suspension/shock absorbers
Service or replace drain pump
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Check and level washer periodically: Load imbalance and excessive vibration
Frequency: monthly -
Clean drain pump filter regularly: Foreign object rattling and pump noise
Frequency: every few months -
Inspect drum for loose objects after each load: Rattling from debris
Frequency: every cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Maytag Washing Machine loud rattling noise?
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine loud rattling noise myself?
How much does it cost to fix loud rattling noise?
When should I call a technician for loud rattling 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
- Loose or damaged drum support or suspension springs
- Foreign objects trapped in the drum or pump
- Worn or damaged drive belt
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect and tighten the drum support and suspension springs. Disconnect the power, remove the front panel, and check for any loose screws or damaged components. Tighten or replace as necessary.
-
Check for foreign objects in the drum or pump. Open the door and inspect the drum for any items. If necessary, remove the drain filter and check the pump for blockages.
-
Inspect and replace the drive belt if worn or damaged. Disconnect the power, remove the back panel, and check the condition of the drive belt. Replace it if it shows signs of wear.
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
loud rattling/tapping noise when agitating
Tightening the center screw at the bottom of the washer resolved the noise issue.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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