Maytag Washing Machine: making clicking noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine making a clicking noise during the spin or agitation cycles? This repetitive sound is often caused by foreign objects in the drum, a worn clutch assembly, or items leaning against the washer. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure your machine operates smoothly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official docs note normal clicking from door lock during cycle start but repeated clicking likely indicates other causes.

Possible Causes

Foreign object in drum or between tub and drum

How to Identify: Clicking only during drum rotation; inspect drum interior visually for coins, pins, or small debris.

Part: Drum interior / between inner and outer tub

Worn or damaged clutch assembly

How to Identify: Clicking before/during spin, often with clothes still wet after cycle; may coincide with error codes on newer models.

Part: Clutch assembly

Motor coupling or shift actuator wear

How to Identify: Noise during transition between cycles or while shifting from agitate to spin.

Part: Motor coupling / shift actuator

Items leaning on outside of washer or hoses hitting cabinet

How to Identify: Clicking sound without internal issues, often during high spin; check outside items leaning or hoses vibrating.

Part: External environment

DIY Solutions

Check and remove foreign objects from drum

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight, long tweezers or magnetic pick-up tool
  1. Stop washer and disconnect power.
  2. Inspect drum interior thoroughly with flashlight.
  3. Remove visible foreign objects like coins, pins, or debris.
  4. Run a short rinse/spin cycle to confirm noise is gone.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before inserting hands or tools into drum.

Ensure nothing is leaning against washer and secure hoses

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Check around washer for brooms, racks, or hoses that may touch unit.
  2. Reposition these items to eliminate contact with cabinet.
  3. Run washer to see if noise persists.

Professional Repairs

Replace clutch assembly

Estimated Cost: $100–$250 (parts) plus labor

Replace motor coupling or shift actuator

Estimated Cost: $80–$180 plus labor

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after clearing debris and securing environment
Clicking accompanied by failure to complete cycles or wet clothes after spin
Internal part wear suspected (clutch, coupling)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check pockets before laundry: Foreign object noise and potential damage
    Frequency: every load
  • Keep area around washer clear: External vibration/contact noise
    Frequency: ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine making clicking noise?
Common causes include foreign objects in the drum, worn clutch assembly, or items leaning against the washer.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine making clicking noise myself?
Check for and remove foreign objects from the drum and ensure nothing is leaning against the washer.
How much does it cost to fix making clicking noise?
Replacing the clutch assembly costs $100–$250 plus labor; motor coupling or shift actuator replacement costs $80–$180 plus labor.
When should I call a technician for making clicking noise?
If DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue or if the problem seems complex, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Loose or damaged drive belt
  • Foreign object caught in the drum or pump
  • Faulty motor coupling

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and tighten or replace the drive belt. Disconnect power, remove the back panel, check the belt for wear, and replace if necessary.

  2. Check for foreign objects in the drum or pump. Open the door, inspect the drum for items, and check the drain pump for blockages.

  3. Replace the motor coupling. Disconnect power, remove the cabinet, and replace the coupling if it is damaged.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Help with washer codes

Community Discussions

clicking noise

Use the Sense and Start buttons in diagnostics to find error codes.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!