Why is My Washer Making a Grinding Noise When Spinning

If your washer is making a grinding noise during the spin cycle, the most likely causes include worn bearings, trapped debris, or a damaged drive component. These issues range from simple DIY fixes to more serious mechanical failures that require professional help.

Expert Insight: “Nine out of ten washers I inspect with a grinding sound have something small—like a coin or a zipper—trapped near the drum or pump. But ignoring it can wear down the bearings or damage the motor over time.” — Jared Wells, Senior Technician at HomeFix Solutions

Why Does My Washer Grind When Spinning?

Most Common Reasons:

1. Worn drum bearings – You’ll hear a loud, deep grinding, especially at high spin speeds.

2. Foreign object stuck in drum or pump – Think coins, keys, bra wires.

3. Worn drive belt or pulley – Creates a rubbery scraping sound.

4. Loose or broken motor mounts – Can rattle or grind under load.

Each of these can cause damage if not addressed quickly — and worse, you may face a full washer replacement if a major part fails.

Case Study – Front-Loader Grinding Fixed in 15 Minutes
A customer with a Samsung front-load washer reported a loud grinding during spins. Turned out to be a coin stuck between the tub and the drum — a 10-minute, $0 fix that saved a $250 bearing replacement.

Common Causes of Grinding Noise in a Washer

If your washing machine sounds like it’s chewing gravel during the spin cycle, it’s not just annoying — it’s a red flag. Below are the most common causes behind grinding or scraping noises and how each issue typically presents itself.

Worn Drum Bearings

What it sounds like:

A deep, metallic grinding or rumbling noise, especially when the drum is spinning fast.

Why it happens:

Drum bearings allow the drum to spin smoothly on its axis. Over time, these bearings can wear out due to moisture, detergent buildup, or simply age.

Expert Tip: “If the grinding gets louder over time and the drum feels loose when pushed, it’s likely the bearings. Replacing them early can prevent motor damage.” — Chris Langford, NASTeC Certified Repair Tech

When to fix it:

Immediately. If not replaced, the drum shaft can warp or seize entirely.

Foreign Objects Stuck in Drum or Pump

What it sounds like:

A sharp scraping, rattling, or clicking sound that changes as the drum spins.

Why it happens:

Small items like coins, hairpins, or bra wires often slip between the inner drum and outer tub or clog the drain pump.

How to check:

• Run your hand around the rubber door seal.

• Look through the drain filter or remove the lower front panel if accessible.

Real Example: “We removed a baby sock from a customer’s pump filter that was causing a horrendous noise and drainage problems. Fix cost: $0.” — HomeFix Solutions, Repair Log

Damaged Drive Pulley or Belt

What it sounds like:

A rubbery squeal or low scraping noise, often at the start of a spin cycle.

Why it happens:

The drive belt connects the motor to the drum. If it slips, frays, or misaligns, it can create friction and grinding noises.

Signs to look for:

• Visible wear on the belt

• Burning rubber smell

• Drum doesn’t spin freely

Faulty Motor Coupler or Clutch Assembly (Top-Load Washers)

What it sounds like:

A clicking or grinding when shifting into or out of the spin cycle.

Why it happens:

A worn-out coupler can’t absorb torque properly. Clutches, especially in top-loaders, may fail to engage or disengage correctly.

Diagnosis tip:

Open the back panel and inspect the rubber/plastic coupling between the motor and transmission.

Broken Shock Absorbers or Suspension Rods

What it sounds like:

Banging, grinding, or thumping when the drum spins at high speed.

Why it happens:

These parts stabilize the drum. If broken or disconnected, the drum may crash into the outer shell during spinning, causing loud noises and vibrations.

Who it affects:

Mostly front-load washers, but some high-efficiency top-loaders use similar systems.

Bonus Insight: “About 30% of washer noise issues we diagnose involve no broken parts at all — just an unbalanced load or debris in the drum.” — Natalie Greene, Appliance Engineer & Educator

How to Diagnose and Fix It Yourself — Or Know When to Call a Pro

Not every grinding noise means a trip to the repair shop. In many cases, you can pinpoint (and fix) the issue in under 15 minutes — no technician needed.

Below is a safe, step-by-step guide to troubleshoot the problem and determine whether it’s a DIY fix or time to call in expert help.

How to Troubleshoot a Grinding Washer Noise at Home

1 – Stop the Washer and Unplug It

Before anything else, cut power to the machine to avoid shocks or accidental starts. Pull it out from the wall slightly so you can access the sides or back if needed.

Expert Tip: Never open the back panel while the washer is plugged in. Even when idle, capacitors can store charge.

2 – Check the Drum for Loose Items

Run your hand gently along the inner drum seal and look between the tub and door gasket. You might find:

• Coins

• Hairpins

• Zippers

• Underwires or loose buttons

These are often responsible for high-pitched scraping sounds, especially during spinning.

3 – Examine the Drain Filter or Coin Trap

If accessible, open the washer’s drain filter panel (usually at the front-bottom). Remove any trapped lint, baby socks, or debris that may have clogged the pump and caused a grinding noise.

Real Example: “A family brought in a washer that ‘sounded like a chainsaw.’ It was a quarter stuck in the drain pump impeller.” — Jared Wells, Technician

4 – Rotate the Drum by Hand

Spin the drum manually:

• If it feels rough, gritty, or wobbly → Possible bearing damage

• If it spins freely but clicks → Something stuck between drum layers

5 – Inspect the Drive Belt and Pulley (Optional)

If you’re comfortable:

1. Remove the back panel.

2. Check the belt for cracks, fraying, or looseness.

3. Examine the drive pulley for wear or wobble.

Not sure? It’s okay — skip to the next section on when to call a professional.

When to Call a Professional Technician

Sometimes, the safest and most cost-effective option is expert help — especially when:

• You hear loud metal-on-metal grinding

• The drum feels loose or moves excessively

• There’s a burning smell or visible belt damage

• The washer refuses to spin

Cost Estimate Breakdown (2024–2025 Averages)