Whirlpool Washer Making Grinding Noise [100% Fixable]

Are you someone noticing the Whirlpool washer making grinding noise? Well, it does not happen for a single reason. In fact, we took several hours to find all the potential reasons behind a grinding noise.

These include an overloaded drum, an imbalanced load, & foreign objects that get stuck inside the drum. Some crucial components (e.g. tub bearing, u-joints, & agitator dogs) may wear over time, which will cause a grinding noise. 

Now that you shortly know why grinding noise appears, it becomes necessary to learn how to deal with them safely. So let us break down the troubleshooting details without further delay!

What Are the Common Types of Whirlpool Washing Machine Noises?

As you know, the Whirlpool washing machine is not prone to generate noise for only a reason! Plus, it will not produce the same type of noise every time it gets messed up.

Here are the common types of noises you may notice in your Whirlpool washer:

Clicking Sound

Have you ever heard the noise of an old movie projector? Well, this is how the “clicking sound” appears, especially when the water inlet valve becomes damaged!

Over time, the valve is prone to be dirty by contact with dust or get rusted. If you notice a weird sound, and at the same time, the tank is not getting filled with water, it is time to check the water inlet valve.

Clanking or Banging Noise

Zippers and detached buttons often affect the door seal by getting stuck right there, which eventually causes a kind of “scratchy sound!” So when any of these objects start spinning fast, you will hear a rapid clanking noise.

In case it happens, do not dare to run your Whirlpool washing machine anymore. Rather, get it solved immediately by contacting a technician, and then start up the washer.

Grinding Noise

As the name suggests, you may hear a “grinding” noise due to a rusted or damaged drum bearing. This will not allow the drum to rotate in the way it requires, which ultimately causes such a peculiar sound!

Alongside the damaged bearing, issues with overloaded drum, imbalanced washer, and damaged drive pulley are equally liable for grinding noise.

As today’s topic is quite related to it, we will have a comprehensive discussion on its causes and troubleshooting.

Squealing & Rumbling

Even though it is common for the washer to generate a rushing sound during the cycle, hearing a squealing sound is not normal. This occurs when the water pressure ratio is significantly higher than usual.

Besides, your Whirlpool washer may start roaring. This will be excessively loud and noticeable. Damaged drive pulley and drum bearing defects are the real culprit behind the rumbling sound!

Troubleshooting and Fix for Whirlpool Washer Making Grinding Noise Issue

Without detecting the reason why your Whirlpool washer is making a grinding sound, no one can deal with the issue. Sometimes, slight fixing might be okay to get rid of the sound, while in other cases, it is necessary to go for a straight replacement.

So, sit tight, and let’s get straight into the details –

1 – Overload/Imbalanced Load (Reduce/Redistribute the Load)

An overloaded tub will always fail to move or function in the way it needs. Besides, it gives extra pressure to other related components of your Whirlpool washing machine, which causes damage from time to time!

And guess what? Those damaged components (e.g. drive pulleys) are responsible for grinding noise. To fix it, you must reduce the load of the washer to maintain the stability.

In that case, take a look at the owner’s guide and meet the load size requirement. In most cases, it is not recommended to cross the 2/3 full.

When it comes to imbalanced load, it refers to keeping one side of the washer’s drum overloaded with clothes. This will create an inappropriate distribution, resulting in unexpected shaking and grinding violently!

So, to get rid of it, simply pause the cycle, open the lid, and then distribute the cloth evenly.

2 – Foreign Objects Stuck Inside (Remove Stuck Objects)

During the wash or spin cycle, chances are any foreign objects may get stuck in between the outer and inner drum. In that case, it is pretty common to notice grinding noise. In fact, your Whirlpool washer may start acting abnormally too!

Not only the drum, but other places like washing machine seals and heaters are also prone to get affected by stuck objects. In order to eliminate such stubborn components from the drum, all you need is to,

• Get the washer unplugged.
• Find out the probable objects around the drum’s lining.
• Take the drum paddles off.
• Get the fasteners unscrewed to locate the potential stuck objects.

The given tutorial might be helpful for you to remove a stuck object from your washer:

3 – Faulty Tub Bearing (Replace It)

The prime purpose of a tub bearing is to let the washing machine’s tub spin gently. Rust build-up and overloading are the two common reasons why the bearing gets bad. And when it turns bad, the washer starts making grinding sounds!

To overcome the situation, you must replace it following the owner’s direction. And the replacement should be done by someone expert as you may find it a bit challenging!

4 – Worn-out Components (Replace the Object/Consult Professionals)

Like the above component, other objects can equally be affected for several reasons. For instance, the agitator dogs might turn defective due to aging. Besides, the U-joint can fail to work properly because of the overloading issue.

You should also pay attention to the drive belt if you notice grinding noise repeatedly. After a certain period, each of the above objects needs to be replaced for smooth functionality.

Talking about the tub seals, it equally needs a replacement, possibly after a constant use of around 10 years.

5 – Broken Coupler (Replace the Coupler)

Are you still noticing the issue with grinding noise, even after fixing the above parts? Let’s not forget about checking the condition of the motor coupler available in the direct-drive Whirlpool washer.

In a nutshell, the motor coupling is responsible for making a connection between the washing machine’s transmission and motor.

If the washer gets heavily loaded with clothes, the coupler may turn damaged. Due to prolonged exposure, it is also prone to wear down.

So, you must inspect the coupler closely to make sure whether it gets broken or not. If so, replace it without thinking twice about consulting a technician.

FAQs

You might have more queries regarding other types of noises noticeable on your Whirlpool washer. So let us answer some noise-related questions on your Whirlpool washing machine:

Final Words

Issues with the Whirlpool washer making grinding noise are not uncommon. However, the good news is that all the components that cause grinding noise are easily replaceable, although some may cost you a pretty penny! 

Just a friendly reminder – some cheap Whirlpool washers might be naturally a bit noisy. So do not make mistakes by replacing any component without proper inspection.