How do you check a washing machine drum?

Author: Matilda Terry  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

You can test this by placing your hand inside the machine and pushing against the top of the drum. If there is excessive movement and the drum is noticeably moving away from the door seal, this is also an indicator that the bearings need replacing.

How to tell if a washer drum is bad?

If your washer has a loose drum, the chances are that you are hearing loud banging or grinding noises. You may also see some error codes on your washer's display screen. Alternatively, you may feel that your washing machine is malfunctioning or that it has stopped working altogether.

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 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 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.

How to Diagnose Drum Problems in a Washing Machine

How to test a washing machine drum?

You can test this by placing your hand inside the tub, giving it a spin for yourself and listening out for any grinding noises. Another way to check if your washing machine's bearings are faulty is to see how much movement the drum has.

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 much does it cost to replace a 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.

What does it sound like when bearings go on the washing machine?

Listen for unusual noises

This is the most common way to diagnose faulty washing machine bearings. Start the washing machine and listen for any grinding, rattling or knocking noises during the spin cycle. If you hear any of these noises, it is a good indication that the bearings are faulty.

Can a broken washing machine drum be fixed?

Repairing a broken washing machine drum is a rewarding DIY project that potentially saves you money and extends the life of your appliance. By following the steps in this guide, you can address common issues and get your washing machine back in good working order.

How do you unclog a washing machine drum?

When this happens, you will notice longer cycle times and water left at the bottom of the washer's drum. Start by pouring a half cup of bleach, distilled white vinegar, or a store-bought cleaner in the dispenser. Run a short cleaning cycle with warm water and no clothes in the washer.

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.

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.

How do you know if a drum is bad?

Common symptoms of bad brake drums include scraping noises when the brakes are pressed, soft brake pedals, and a pulsing sensation in the brake. Brake drum replacement typically costs between $50 and $500 depending on the brand and the quality of the materials.

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 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.

How to tell if a washing machine drum is broken?

Loud noises, particularly combined with machine movement, usually indicate an imbalanced load or a problem with the position of the washer drum. Open the lid of the washer to interrupt the cycle and try to rearrange the clothing inside.

How much does it cost to replace a drum bearing on a washing machine?

Washing Machine Bearings Replacement Cost

Expect to pay between $150 and $230 to replace drum bearings, including the cost of labor. Bearings last about 10 years. Call a washer repair contractor near you if it starts making unusual sounds.

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.

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

Replacing a washer drum costs $200 to $500 or more, depending on the make and model. Specialized models might have pricier drum replacements.

How long should a washing machine last?

Average washing machine lifespan

Well, this figure obviously varies depending on lots of different factors - including brand, model, how you use it, and how well you maintain it. But generally, if you look after your washing machine properly you should it expect it to last anywhere between 7 and 12 years.

How do you rebalance a washing machine drum?

Open the door and evenly distribute the load, avoiding heavy items on one side. If your machine has an adjustable weight balance, use it. If not, manually adjust the load. Start a spin cycle and observe for any wobbling or excessive vibration.

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