As electric motors wear out, you may notice strange noises coming from the washer during operation: Humming or buzzing sounds. Squeaking or screeching noises. Loud banging or clanking.
Signs of a failing washing machine motor include unusual noises, a burning smell, the drum not spinning, inconsistent washing cycles, and the machine fails to start.
The main indicator of worn bearings is if your washing machine drum is making a grinding noise while turning. You can test this by placing your hand inside the tub, giving it a spin for yourself and listening out for any grinding noises.
A typical washing machine motor is built to last the lifespan of the whole unit. However, there are factors that can speed up the time it takes for the motor to burn out, which will leave you needing a replacement.
A direct drive washing machine motor will have a life expectancy of at least ten years, possibly up to 15, although of course there may be some minor repairs needed during that time.
Major repairs, such as replacing the motor or transmission, may make replacement more economical, especially for middle-aged machines. Conversely, minor repairs on well-maintained machines with plenty of expected useful life remaining are often more economical.
The washer is vibrating excessively. There are water leaks. The drum doesn't spin properly. The drain pump is clogged.
What is the most expensive part to replace on a washing machine? A washing machine motor is one of the most expensive parts to replace. You're looking at an average cost in the region of £325 – which might warrant you replacing the machine with a newer, more energy-efficient model instead of repairing it.
A washing machine motor can go bad due to various factors, such as prolonged use, wear and tear, overheating, or overloading. Poor maintenance, like neglecting regular cleaning, can also lead to debris buildup, which strains the motor.
Depending on the fault, it may be possible to repair the motor rather than having to replace it.
While it might seem alright to use your washing machine with worn-out bearings for a short while, it's generally not advised due to several risks: More wear and tear: Faulty bearings can make the drum wobble excessively, putting extra strain on other parts like the basket, shaft, outer drum, and even the motor.
The main answer for your question, “why is my washing machine noisy” might include an unbalanced load in a spin cycle, loose drum bearings, a blocked filter or a trapped item such as a coin.
A very common cause of a humming machine is a jammed up pump. The pump might be trying to rotate, but something is caught in it. In most cases, a piece of garment is the cause. Your machine may have to be disassembled to remove it - our engineers can help fix this fast.
Spin Screeches & Thumps
But if it's not because of an unbalanced load or a machine that's not level, damaged drum bearings might be the cause. These support the washing machine's drum and can wear out or get damaged over time. Or you might be hearing a loud screeching sound. That could be a loose or damaged belt drive.
Washer Won't Spin or Agitate Clothes
One of the most obvious signs of motor trouble is when the washer fails to perform its wash and spin cycles. This includes: The washer drum not spinning at all. Drum spinning weakly or slowly.
A drive motor or the drive motor pulleys can become worn out or broken over time. Pulleys can become rusted and degraded, which can create excessive friction and cause the pulleys to begin to burn and melt. Idler pulleys can become seized up or jammed, which can cause the drive belt to malfunction and overheat.
The first indicator of whether you should repair your washer is how old the machine is. Typically, the shelf life of a washer is about 10 years, depending on how much wear and tear it has. So, if your washer machine is still reasonably young, and you spent a decent penny on it, it's definitely worth repairing.
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.
The lifespan of a washing machine, no matter the brand, is typically 11-14 years. This number is found assuming one load of laundry is done every day.
A broken motor coupler, failed lid switch or bad timer could also prevent this type of washer from spinning. On top-load, vertical modular washers (washers whose lid is always locked during the entire wash cycle), a failed shifter assembly or worn drive belt can prevent the washer from spinning the wash load.
While, in most cases, it's better to replace an older washing machine, if the repairs are simple, then they may be more cost-effective. If you're repairing only a simple issue with your washing machine, then it might not cost you very much. It's worth contacting an electrician to take a look at the issue.