Nothing surpasses the convenience of today’s washing machines, especially those from leading brands like Maytag. However, as with any appliance, these washing machines can show signs of wear and tear over time. A Maytag washer making noise often signals the first signs of a problem. But don’t worry! Most of these noisy washer issues are simple enough even for beginners to figure out on their own.
The Most Common Causes of Your Maytag Washer Making Noise
Today’s Maytag washing machines are more advanced than ever before. Luckily, there are still only a few potential causes if you have a Maytag washer making noise. If you’re hearing any of these noises, one of these common issues is likely to be the culprit:
Maytag Washer Squealing
Overloading your Maytag washing machine can result in squealing noises and gradual damage to the appliance. When the drum is packed with too many clothes, the motor labors to move the hefty load, creating uncomfortable vibrations and loud sounds.
This additional strain can hasten wear and tear on critical components such as the motor, bearings, and suspension system, subsequently shortening the lifespan of your washing machine. As a rule of thumb, when loading your Maytag washer, you should avoid filling the drum to its maximum capacity. Instead, aim for about 75% full, allowing your clothes enough space to move freely within the drum.
Maytag Washer Making Noise During Wash Cycle
If you’re hearing noise during the wash cycle, the first part to check is the drive pulley. Washers use a belt that goes around the drive motor and pulley to make the tub spin.
After many uses though, drive pulleys often get bent, cracked, and generally worn out which can create noise while the unit is running. If you find your Maytag washer making loud noise when spinning due to a defective drive pulley, it will need to be replaced. Inspecting the drive pulley necessitates some disassembly of your washer, so don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
Maytag Washer Banging on Spin Cycle
Should you find your Maytag washer making loud, banging noises during the spin cycle, one potential cause could be a loose washer basket or drum. This can be particularly common in older washers where the shock absorbers or drum bearings have worn out, causing the basket or drum to become off-balance.
Verify that the basket or drum is properly centered in the washer opening. If there’s noticeable misalignment, it may be causing the washer to bang on a spin cycle. This issue can lead to significant damage over time if not addressed promptly, not to mention the unbearable noise it produces during operation. Worn-out shock absorbers or drum bearings might require professional attention for repair or replacement.
Another potential cause of a washer making banging sounds could be that your washer is not leveled correctly. A washer that isn’t properly balanced can rock, bounce, or even move across your laundry room floor during a cycle. To check if an unleveled washer is the root cause of the noise, look to see if your washing machine is sitting flat on the ground. To ensure the washer is perfectly level, you can use a carpenter’s level on top of the machine, adjusting the washer’s legs until the bubble is centered.
Maytag Washer Making Grinding Noise During Spin Cycle
Your washer’s tub bearing is mounted in the center of the outer tub, and its job is to keep the inner tub spinning smoothly and quietly. Unfortunately though, overloading your washer or even using low-grade detergents can damage the bearing.
This can cause a screeching or grinding noise during use, but beware! Changing this part is a complex process. If you find that your tub bearing is defective, we recommend that you call the professionals at Caesar’s Appliance Repair right away.
Motor Coupling Failure
Another potential source of a washer making loud noise during spin cycle issue is a failed motor coupling. The last thing you want is a broken drive motor or transmission, which is why the motor coupling connects the two and is designed to fail in case of overloading.
This helps to prevent a much bigger repair, but it can also be noisy if you continue to use the washer once it fails. Inspect your washer’s motor coupling and replace as needed.
Clutch Assembly Worn Out – Scraping Sounds
One of the uglier sounds a washer can make is the scraping sound from a damaged clutch assembly. The clutch engages the washer’s transmission with the inner tub during its spin cycle and helps the tub spin at the proper speed.
Again, excessive overloading over time can create friction and put stress on your washer’s clutch assembly. If you find that your clothes are still soaking wet after washing or find your Maytag washer making noise just before or after the spin cycle, inspect the clutch and replace if necessary.
The various noises your Maytag washer might make – from grinding sounds and squealing to loud bangs during the spin cycle – often signal that something’s amiss. The good news, however, is that many of these causes of a Maytag washer making noise are common and diagnosable. Remember that ignoring these noises might lead to more severe damage in the long run, so addressing them as soon as they arise is crucial. The longevity and efficiency of your Maytag washer are tied to how well you maintain and care for it. And even if you do need fast washing machine repair service, remember Caesar’s Appliance Repair is always here to help!