How do I know if my washing machine drum is broken?

Author: Shemar Langworth  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Checking the drum for damage. Another thing to look out for is direct damage to the drum itself. If you find that any items of your laundry are coming out of the washing machine ripped or torn, this can be because trapped items have damaged the perforations in the tub.

Is it worth replacing a drum on a washing machine?

Repairing a broken washing machine drum is a rewarding DIY project that potentially saves you money and extends the life of your appliance.

What does a broken washing machine drum sound like?

'One of the most common causes of a noisy washing machine is a problem with the drum bearings,' says Barry. 'These bearings allow the drum to spin smoothly and quietly, but over time they can become worn or damaged, resulting in a loud, thumping noise.

Can I still use my washing machine if the drum is loose?

As long as the drum rotates and spins, you can use, putting up with the noise, vibration and increased energy consumption. You need to get the machine repaired sooner or later or replace it and get a new machine.

How to tell if a washer drum is loose?

If the washers are loose, the counterweight will be loose as well. Then, if you shake the weight with your hand, you will be able to hear that it's loose as it will be quite noisy.

How to Diagnose Drum Problems in a Washing Machine

How much does it cost to replace the drum in a washing machine?

Washing machine drum replacement cost falls between $350 and $550. Replacing the inner drum of a washer is one of the more costly repairs. Drums only require replacement if the tub has become damaged or has a manufacturer defect.

Is it worth replacing washing machine drum bearings?

If your appliance is relatively new, and the cost of bearing replacement is reasonable, it can be a worthwhile investment to restore optimal functionality. On the other hand, if fixing the bearings costs much less than buying a new washer, it's definitely worth considering the repair option.

How do I know if my washing machine drum is stuck?

If you spin the drum by hand and feel a lot of resistance, making the drum difficult to turn, it may mean that there's something stuck between the inner drum and the outer drum.

Can overloading a washing machine break the drum?

Don't Overload The Machine

A king-size duvet is definitely too large for an average washing machine, once filled with water you'll find that you'll easily go over the 8 kg limit for that machine, and if you continually overload the machine with laundry, this will break the bearings and the drum shaft.

What damages washing machine drum?

Metal objects such as coins, keys, and screws can damage the inner drum and outer tub of your washing machine.

How much does it cost to replace drum bearings?

Drum Bearings Replacement

Your washing machine's drum bearings last around 10 years. If you hear unusual sounds and recentering the load doesn't fix it, a repair will cost $150 to $200.

What does a broken washing machine belt sound like?

There will be a few telltale signs when the drive belt in your washer starts to fail, the most annoying of which is the screeching or squealing sound it will make.

What is the most expensive part to replace on a washing machine?

Drum. Unfortunately, the drum is the most expensive of all the possible washing machine replacement parts. Expect to spend at least $400 on a washing machine drum replacement. Water Inlet Valve.

What happens if you don't replace drum?

Many consumers have the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality. But the replacement of a drum unit is vital to laser printers' health. A degraded drum unit can cause streaks, smudges, and blank spots on your printed page even if you just inserted a new printer toner.

What causes a washing machine drum to drop?

Some of the most common causes of a loose washing machine drum include the following: Faulty bearings: These are often the biggest culprit. The quickest way you can diagnose this issue is to switch off your washing machine at its power source and then spin the drum gently by hand.

How do I know if my washing machine drum bearings have gone?

If your washing machine is being excessively noisy during cycles, or if the drum is moving around more than it should, it means your washing machine's bearings have likely gone and need replacing.

Why do washing machine drums break?

One of the most common issues affecting washing machine drums is unbalanced loads. When clothes inside the drum are unevenly distributed, it can cause the machine to shake violently during the spin cycle. This leads to an unsettling racket – along with posing a risk of damage to other internal components.

What causes a washing machine drum not to spin?

A displaced or faulty spin switch is the most likely cause. This small switch should be pressed down by the lid when it's closed. If it isn't pressed down, your machine may prevent the spin cycle as a safety measure. To troubleshoot this, hold the switch down with your finger (with the lid open) and start a spin cycle.

Is it expensive to fix the drum on a washing machine?

Washing Machine Repair Cost by Part

The specific part that needs fixing determines your repair cost. For example, replacing an inlet valve might cost under $100, while repairing a drum can cost between $400 and $900.

Can a washing machine drum go out of balance?

It's most likely the bearings are going out! These crucial components ensure that the drum spins smoothly and without excess vibration. So, when the bearings break down, they can't support the drum properly, leading to an off-balance and noisy cycle.

How easy is it to replace washing machine drum bearings?

Replacing Drum Bearings. Of all repairs that can be done to a washing machine this can be one of the most physically difficult to successfully complete as, more often than not these days it requires a complete stripdown of the machine.

Is it cheaper to buy a new washer or fix it?

If a washer no longer performs effectively or repair costs exceed half its value, a replacement can be more economical. Frequently recurring issues indicate underlying problems that are likely to persist and can lead to ongoing repair expenses.

How long should washing machine drum bearings last?

With regular use and proper care, washing machine bearings can typically last 5-10 years, or around 1,000-2,000 wash cycles. However, this is just an estimate, and individual bearings may last longer or shorter, depending on the specific factors mentioned above.

When should I replace my drum?

In an ideal situation, a drum unit requires replacement after your laser printer has printed roughly around 12,000 letters or A4 size pages.

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