Maytag Washing Machine: loud rattling noise

Professional Repair Guide

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.

Urgency: Medium

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

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Stop the cycle and open the washer lid/door
  2. Remove or rearrange laundry so heavy items are evenly distributed around the drum
  3. Restart the cycle and observe noise level
⚠️ Safety First: Pause washer safely before opening lid/door

Remove foreign objects from drum and drain pump

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight, Screwdriver, Bucket or towel
  1. Unplug washer and turn off water supply
  2. Inspect inside drum for loose items
  3. Locate and open drain pump filter access (if applicable)
  4. Remove debris or objects found in filter or pump area
  5. Reassemble and test washer
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug appliance before maintenance

Level the washer

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Level tool, Wrench
  1. Check washer level front-to-back and side-to-side using a level
  2. Adjust the leveling feet by turning until washer is stable and level
  3. Tighten lock nuts on feet if present
  4. Test with a small load
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off while adjusting feet

Professional Repairs

Replace tub bearings and seals

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400+

Replace drive pulley or belt

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Replace suspension/shock absorbers

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Service or replace drain pump

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Persistent loud rattling after load balance, foreign object removal, and leveling
Grinding noises indicating possible bearing or drive component failure
Excessive drum movement or shaking suggesting suspension damage

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?
Common causes include an unbalanced load, loose items in the drum, faulty tub bearings, or drive pulley issues.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine loud rattling noise myself?
Redistribute the load, remove loose items, or level the washer for a quick fix.
How much does it cost to fix loud rattling noise?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for loud rattling noise?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if you suspect tub bearing or suspension problems.

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: DIY

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. New Maytag top load washing machine rattling (video link)

Community Discussions

loud rattling/tapping noise when agitating

Tightening the center screw at the bottom of the washer resolved the noise issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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