Whirlpool Washer Dryer: noisy during agitation

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool Washer Dryer making excessive noise during agitation? Sounds like grinding, thumping, or clicking can indicate common issues such as an unbalanced load or worn agitator components. Understanding these causes can help you address the problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

Whirlpool official support notes that some knocking/thumping noises during agitation can be normal as drive system shifts modes, but unbalanced loads and loose hoses can exaggerate noise.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced load or poor load distribution

How to Identify: Noise occurs only when heavy or single bulky items are washed, and noise reduces after redistributing load evenly

Part: Laundry load

Worn or damaged agitator components (e.g., agitator dogs/sliders)

How to Identify: Grinding, clicking or ratcheting noise during agitation; clothes not moving properly in wash

Part: Agitator assembly (agitator dogs/slider)

Worn tub bearings or internal mechanical wear

How to Identify: Deep grinding noise that continues even with balanced load and audible wobbles when manually spinning drum

Part: Tub bearings

DIY Solutions

Redistribute and balance laundry load

Easy 5-10 minutes

Open washer and redistribute clothes evenly around agitator.
Avoid washing single heavy items; add towels to balance small loads.
Restart the cycle and observe noise reduction.

⚠️ Safety First: Do not open washer mid-cycle unless paused and safe to do so.

Inspect and remove foreign objects

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Flashlight

Unplug washer from power.
Open drum and visually inspect for coins, buttons, or debris; remove any found.
Check drain pump access panel (if accessible) and remove debris from pump filter.
Reassemble and test washer.

⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before accessing internal components; sharp edges inside washer can injure.

Professional Repairs

Replace worn agitator components (agitator dogs/slider)

Estimated Cost: $20 - $60 (parts)

Drive pulley or belt replacement

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Bearing or internal mechanical component replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $400+

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after balancing load and removing debris

Deep grinding or loud metal-on-metal sounds even when washer is empty or balanced

Water leaks or performance issues accompany the noise

Preventive Maintenance

Check and level washer periodically: Noise due to imbalance and vibration
Frequency: Monthly
Remove debris from drum and pockets before washing: Noise from foreign objects lodged in drum or pump
Frequency: Each load

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Washer Dryer noisy during agitation?

Common causes include unbalanced loads, worn agitator components, or mechanical wear.

How do I fix Whirlpool Washer Dryer noisy during agitation myself?

Redistribute laundry for balance and inspect for foreign objects in the drum.

How much does it cost to fix noisy during agitation?

Professional repairs can range from $20 to $400+, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for noisy during agitation?

If DIY solutions don't resolve the noise, or if you suspect damaged internal components.

References & Sources

Knocking or Thumping Noise Causes Official
Whirlpool washer noisy troubleshooting guide Community

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

80%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

Worn or damaged agitator dogs
Loose or damaged drive belt
Foreign object caught in the drum or agitator

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect and replace the agitator dogs: Disconnect the power, remove the agitator cap, unscrew the agitator, and replace the worn dogs with new ones. Reassemble and test.
Check and replace the drive belt: Unplug the washer, remove the back panel, inspect the drive belt for wear, and replace it if necessary. Reassemble and test the washer.
Remove any foreign objects: Check the drum and agitator for any items that may be causing noise. Remove any found objects and test the washer.