Whirlpool Washing Machine: clicking noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a clicking noise from your Whirlpool washing machine? This sound may occur during various stages of operation, including agitation and spinning. It can be rhythmic or intermittent, often indicating issues such as a normal lid lock sound or foreign objects in the drum. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine the best course of action.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Whirlpool official guides state some clicking at cycle start is the normal sound of the lid or door locking.

Possible Causes

Normal lid lock/door lock mechanism

How to Identify: Clicking occurs only at the start of a cycle around 10 seconds after start and no other performance issues are present.

Part: Lid lock switch or door lock actuator

Foreign object in drum or drain pump

How to Identify: Clicking during agitation or spin, often irregular and may stop after removing object; check drum and pump for small objects like coins, buttons.

Part: Drain pump/Impeller or drum interior

Drive pulley or transmission engagement parts (e.g., splutch/clutch)

How to Identify: Clicking during spin/agitation with load turning inconsistently or slipping; may require accessing underside or belt area.

Part: Drive pulley/Splutch/Clutch assembly

Worn or damaged drive belt

How to Identify: Rhythmic clicking associated with motor belt tension and spinning; visible wear on belt upon inspection.

Part: Drive belt

Tub bearings or suspension wear

How to Identify: Clicking that becomes grinding or louder over time, often with excessive vibration during spin; drum may feel loose.

Part: Tub bearings/Suspension rods

DIY Solutions

Check for Normal Lid Lock Sound

Easy 1-2 minutes
  1. Start a wash cycle and listen for clicking within the first 10–15 seconds.
  2. If the clicking is only at start and ceases, this is normal lid/door lock engagement.

Inspect Drum and Remove Foreign Objects

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Unplug the washer for safety.
  2. Manually inspect drum interior for small objects between drum and tub.
  3. Check and clear any debris from drain pump access (if accessible).
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug machine before reaching inside pump or drum area.

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 30-45 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Wrench
  1. Unplug washer and remove access panel.
  2. Inspect drive belt for wear or damage.
  3. Replace belt with correct part if worn.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before panel removal.

Next step

Choose the next step for clicking 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.

Check during diagnosis

Most relevant component to inspect

Door Lock Assembly

Secures the door shut during operation for safety and signals the control board to run.

Typical part-only price
$30 - $75
DIY difficulty
Easy
Estimated time
10-20 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.

Find a part that fits my model

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.

Possible related component

Drain Pump

Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.

$35 - $80 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Drive Belt

Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.

$15 - $35 · Easy · 20-30 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Washer Suspension Rod Kit

Supports and stabilizes the washer tub during agitation and spin.

$35 - $120 · Medium · 45-90 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

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.

Find a part that fits my model

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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.

Maintenance supply

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Braided Washer Inlet Hoses

A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Washer Drain Hose Holder

Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace Drive Pulley or Splutch/Clutch Assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Replace Tub Bearings or Suspension Components

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Persistent clicking after removing foreign objects
Noise during spin with load imbalance unresolved
Associated grinding, vibration, or failure to complete cycles

Preventive Maintenance

  • Remove loose objects from pockets before washing: Foreign objects causing clicking or damage
    Frequency: Per load
  • Ensure machine is level on floor: Unbalanced loads and excess component wear
    Frequency: Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Washing Machine clicking noise?
The clicking noise may be due to the normal lid lock mechanism, foreign objects in the drum, or drive components.
How do I fix Whirlpool Washing Machine clicking noise myself?
Start by checking for normal lid lock sounds and inspect the drum for foreign objects. You can also replace a worn drive belt.
How much does it cost to fix clicking noise?
Professional repairs for issues like drive pulley replacement can cost between $80 and $200, while tub bearing replacements range from $150 to $350.
When should I call a technician for clicking noise?
If the noise persists after DIY checks or if you're unsure about performing repairs, it's best to consult a technician.

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

  • Foreign object stuck in the drum or pump
  • Worn or damaged drive belt
  • Faulty motor coupling

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for foreign objects: Unplug the washing machine, remove the drum, and inspect for any items stuck in the drum or pump. Remove any debris found.

  2. Inspect and replace the drive belt: Unplug the machine, remove the back panel, and check the condition of the drive belt. If worn or frayed, replace it with a new one.

  3. Test and replace the motor coupling: Unplug the machine, remove the motor, and check the motor coupling for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

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

  1. Old Whirlpool Washing Machine Clicking when in "Light" mode ...

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