Washer

Washing Machine Making Loud Noise During Spin Cycle

A banging, thumping, or grinding washer during spin usually isn't random — the type of noise tells you roughly how serious the problem is, from a two-minute fix to a part that needs replacing.

Banging or Thumping: Check the Load First

By far the most common cause is an unbalanced load — heavy items like towels or a comforter bunching up on one side of the drum. Pause the cycle, open the lid or door, and redistribute the load evenly. If the banging stops on the next spin, that was it.

Banging That Happens Even With a Balanced Load

If you've redistributed the load and it still bangs, worn suspension springs (top-load washers) or shock absorbers (front-load washers) are the next most likely cause. These parts keep the drum steady as it spins and wear out over years of use — the washer will feel like it's trying to walk across the floor during spin.

A Grinding or Roaring Noise That Gets Louder

This is the one to take seriously. A grinding or roaring sound that increases with spin speed, especially on a washer 5 years or older, usually means the drum bearing is failing. Bearings support the drum and take constant wear — once one starts to fail, it won't fix itself and tends to get worse quickly. This repair involves more labor than a spring or shock, so it's worth having a technician confirm it before it fails completely and risks water leaking past the seal.

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