Maytag Washing Machine: making noise during spin cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine making loud noises during the spin cycle? Unusual sounds like thumping, banging, or grinding can indicate issues such as an unbalanced load or worn bearings. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent further damage and ensure your washer operates smoothly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag washers have features like Advanced Vibration Controlâ„¢ Plus and balancing rings, but loud noises beyond normal operational sounds may indicate issues like worn bearings or suspension components.
  • Some Maytag top-load washers have non-serviceable tub bearings integrated into transmission requiring full transmission replacement if bearings wear.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or uneven load distribution

How to Identify: Noise occurs primarily with large/heavy single items or visibly uneven loads; washer may vibrate or rock.

Part: Laundry load/distribution

Worn or damaged tub/drum bearings

How to Identify: Grinding/rumbling noise when manually spinning drum; noise persists regardless of load distribution.

Part: Tub bearing assembly

Foreign objects in drum or pump

How to Identify: Rattling or clunking sounds; visual inspection reveals coins, buttons, or debris.

Part: Drum/pump area

Faulty or worn drive pulley or drive belt

How to Identify: Squealing, thumping, or scraping noise from bottom of washer; visible belt damage or loose pulley nut when inspected.

Part: Drive pulley/belt

Worn suspension/shock absorbers or suspension rods

How to Identify: Loud banging, rocking, or excessive drum movement during spin; drum bounce test shows excessive movement.

Part: Suspension system

Damaged clutch or motor coupling

How to Identify: Noise coincides with engagement of spin; clicking or failure to spin sometimes accompanies noise.

Part: Clutch/motor coupling

DIY Solutions

Redistribute laundry and balance load

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Stop washer mid-cycle and open door.
  2. Redistribute wet clothes evenly around the drum to balance weight.
  3. Avoid washing a single heavy item alone; add similar weight items if necessary.
  4. Restart spin cycle to check if noise persists.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure cycle is paused and drum is stationary before reaching in.

Check for foreign objects in drum and drain pump

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight, Small container or tweezers
  1. Unplug washer and open drum.
  2. Visually inspect drum interior and gasket for coins, keys, or debris.
  3. Locate and open drain pump filter (front-load models) and remove any trapped debris.
  4. Reassemble and test spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working on internal components.

Inspect and adjust washer leveling

Easy 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: Level tool, Wrench
  1. Place bubble level on top of washer.
  2. Adjust each foot by turning until machine is level side-to-side and front-to-back.
  3. Tighten foot locks and run a test spin cycle.

Inspect drive belt and pulleys for wear

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Socket set, Flashlight
  1. Unplug washer and access back panel.
  2. Inspect drive belt for cracks, fraying, or slack.
  3. Check drive pulley for wobble and ensure nut is tight.
  4. Replace belt or pulley as needed then reassemble.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure washer is unplugged and stable.

Professional Repairs

Replace tub bearings and seals

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Replace suspension/shock absorbers or suspension rods

Estimated Cost: $80–$200

Replace drive pulley or belt

Estimated Cost: $30–$120

Replace clutch or motor coupling

Estimated Cost: $50–$200

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after load balancing and checking for foreign objects
Grinding or rumbling noise indicating possible bearing failure
Suspension or drive system components appear damaged or worn
Internal components need replacement (bearings, clutch, pulley)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Level washer periodically: Uneven load vibration and noise
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check pockets before washing: Foreign object noise
    Frequency: each load
  • Inspect belts and suspension components: Wear-related spin cycle noise
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine making noise during spin cycle?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, worn tub bearings, and foreign objects in the drum.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine making noise during spin cycle myself?
Redistribute laundry, check for foreign objects, and inspect the washer's leveling.
How much does it cost to fix making noise during spin cycle?
Professional repairs range from $30 for a drive belt to $400 for tub bearings.
When should I call a technician for making noise during spin cycle?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if unusual noises persist, it's time to call a technician.

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

  • Loose or worn-out drive belt
  • Unbalanced load or improperly loaded drum
  • Faulty motor coupler
  • Worn bearings or tub seal
  • Loose or damaged suspension springs

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and tighten the drive belt. Unplug the washer, remove the back panel, and inspect the belt for wear or looseness. Replace if necessary.

  2. Redistribute the load in the drum. Open the washer door, rearrange the clothes evenly, and run a short spin cycle to test.

  3. Inspect and replace the motor coupler. Disconnect the power, remove the cabinet, and check the coupler for damage. Replace if needed.

  4. Examine the bearings and tub seal for wear. If they are worn, you will need to disassemble the washer to replace them.

  5. Check the suspension springs for damage. If they are loose or broken, they will need to be replaced to stabilize the drum.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag MVW7232HW1 washing machine making loud noise in the l...

Community Discussions

making loud noise in the last minute of the wash

Tightening a loose torx bolt under the washer resolved the noise issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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