Troubleshooting Whirlpool/Maytag Washer That Is Making Noise

When a Whirlpool or Maytag washer is in good working order, it should operate with little or no noise at all. So, when a washer starts making an unusual noise, that’s a clear sign that something isn’t right.

Front-load and top-load washers will have different reasons for making grinding, humming, or squealing noises. Grinding is generally a sign that a part has worn out. Humming, on the other hand, is caused by something getting stuck or jammed. Lastly, squealing could be caused by a part like a belt that’s become stretched out.

In this article, we’re going to take a more in-depth look at the reasons behind why your Whirlpool or Maytag washer might be making noise.

We’ll look at those reasons based on the noise they make, whether it’s a grinding noise, humming, or buzzing, as well as a squealing or squeaking noise.

If you’re hearing a grinding noise coming from your Whirlpool or Maytag washer, it could be that the gear case or tub bearings have worn out. Besides that, it’s also possible that a wash plate or agitator is also problematic.

Gearcase Has Worn Out

(This applies to front-loading washers only)

What it is: The gearcase or transmission is a crucial part of a front-loading washing machine.

This part is responsible for driving the agitator, which loosens up the dirt from any clothes in the washer.

At the same time, it also helps to spin the washer’s basket and either direction as needed during the washing cycle.

Why it fails: The gearcase is one of the most hardworking components in any front-loading Whirlpool or Maytag washer.

This part wears out faster than other parts, and even more so if the machine is under exceptionally heavy use.

Besides that, it’s also possible that the seals around the gearcase could wear out as well, allowing moisture into the gearcase or rubber seal has worn out and speeding up its wear and tear further.

How to fix: Replacing a worn-out gearcase can be pretty challenging, as it’s attached directly to the back of the drum.

That means the process will include removing access panels on the machine and dismounting the basket as well.

Once that’s done, it’ll be much easier to remove the existing gearcase.

Tub Bearings Have Worn Out

What it is: The tub in your Whirlpool or Maytag washer relies on bearings to work correctly.

Those are metal rings that allow the tub to spin smoothly in both directions, especially at higher speeds like during the spin cycle.

Why it fails: Tub bearings, like any other moving washer part, will wear out eventually.

You’ll know that’s the case when it sounds like a plane taking off as the tub tries to spin.

Some tub bearings will wear out faster with heavier use, or moisture finds its way to them and causes rusting.

How to fix: Worn out bearings can’t be fixed, so they’ll need to be replaced with new ones.

They’re located in the tub behind the basket, which makes reaching them quite challenging.

Replacing tub bearings will require removing the tub entirely from the washer. Once that’s done, the worn-out bearings will be much easier to remove and replace.

Wash Plate Or Agitator Is Problematic

(This applies to front-loading washers only)

What it is: Inside a Whirlpool or Maytag washer tub, you’ll find either a wash plate or agitator.

Both of them serve the same purpose: to loosen and shake up any dirt from the fabric that you put into the machine. 

Why it fails: Even though the wash plate or agitator might seem like simple components in a washer, they can cause grinding noises if they were to become problematic.

For instance, water could have found its way to the metal parts underneath the wash plate or agitator, leading to rust.

That could cause the grinding noises that happen as the tub spins during the washing cycle.

How to fix: Thankfully, replacing a wash plate or agitator is a very straightforward process. You won’t even have to remove any access panels to perform this fix.

When a Whirlpool or Maytag washer is in good working order, it should operate with little or no noise at all. So, when a washer starts making an unusual noise, that’s a clear sign that something isn’t right.

Front-load and top-load washers will have different reasons for making grinding, humming, or squealing noises. Grinding is generally a sign that a part has worn out. Humming, on the other hand, is caused by something getting stuck or jammed. Lastly, squealing could be caused by a part like a belt that’s become stretched out.

In this article, we’re going to take a more in-depth look at the reasons behind why your Whirlpool or Maytag washer might be making noise.

We’ll look at those reasons based on the noise they make, whether it’s a grinding noise, humming, or buzzing, as well as a squealing or squeaking noise.

If you’re hearing a grinding noise coming from your Whirlpool or Maytag washer, it could be that the gear case or tub bearings have worn out. Besides that, it’s also possible that a wash plate or agitator is also problematic.

Gearcase Has Worn Out

(This applies to front-loading washers only)

What it is: The gearcase or transmission is a crucial part of a front-loading washing machine.

This part is responsible for driving the agitator, which loosens up the dirt from any clothes in the washer.

At the same time, it also helps to spin the washer’s basket and either direction as needed during the washing cycle.

Why it fails: The gearcase is one of the most hardworking components in any front-loading Whirlpool or Maytag washer.

This part wears out faster than other parts, and even more so if the machine is under exceptionally heavy use.

Besides that, it’s also possible that the seals around the gearcase could wear out as well, allowing moisture into the gearcase or rubber seal has worn out and speeding up its wear and tear further.

How to fix: Replacing a worn-out gearcase can be pretty challenging, as it’s attached directly to the back of the drum.

That means the process will include removing access panels on the machine and dismounting the basket as well.

Once that’s done, it’ll be much easier to remove the existing gearcase.

Tub Bearings Have Worn Out

What it is: The tub in your Whirlpool or Maytag washer relies on bearings to work correctly.

Those are metal rings that allow the tub to spin smoothly in both directions, especially at higher speeds like during the spin cycle.

Why it fails: Tub bearings, like any other moving washer part, will wear out eventually.

You’ll know that’s the case when it sounds like a plane taking off as the tub tries to spin.

Some tub bearings will wear out faster with heavier use, or moisture finds its way to them and causes rusting.

How to fix: Worn out bearings can’t be fixed, so they’ll need to be replaced with new ones.

They’re located in the tub behind the basket, which makes reaching them quite challenging.

Replacing tub bearings will require removing the tub entirely from the washer. Once that’s done, the worn-out bearings will be much easier to remove and replace.

Wash Plate Or Agitator Is Problematic

(This applies to front-loading washers only)

What it is: Inside a Whirlpool or Maytag washer tub, you’ll find either a wash plate or agitator.

Both of them serve the same purpose: to loosen and shake up any dirt from the fabric that you put into the machine. 

Why it fails: Even though the wash plate or agitator might seem like simple components in a washer, they can cause grinding noises if they were to become problematic.

For instance, water could have found its way to the metal parts underneath the wash plate or agitator, leading to rust.

That could cause the grinding noises that happen as the tub spins during the washing cycle.

How to fix: Thankfully, replacing a wash plate or agitator is a very straightforward process. You won’t even have to remove any access panels to perform this fix.