Is your Whirlpool washing machine making noise? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide gives you a list of things to look for if your machine is noisy…
Table of Contents
Whirlpool Washing Machine Making Noise During Cycles — How To Fix
Is your Whirlpool washing machine making noise during cycles? Here are the problems you should look for…
1. Drum Weights Are Loose (Front Loaders)
The weights are mounted on the drum and help keep it balanced. If the bolts securing the weights are loose, the machine will end up producing a lot of noise during cycles. Follow the steps below to fix this issue…
Rear Weight
Follow the steps below to properly secure the rear weight on your Whirlpool front loader washing machine…
Step 1. In order to avoid electrical damage, make sure to unplug your washing machine from the power outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Pry out the four transit caps in the slots on the rear panel. With a 1/4 inch nut-driver, loosen the screws securing the rear panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel upwards, then pull it off the machine.
Step 3. Firmly tug the weight at the back of the tub to ensure it is properly attached. If the weight feels a bit loose, secure it using a 13mm socket wrench.
Step 4. Once the weight is properly secured, remount the rear panel on the cabinet, then apply the screws to secure it. Snap the transit caps into the slots on the rear panel.
Step 5. Plug your appliance back into the electrical outlet, then try running a cycle to see if the noise has stopped.
Front Weights
Secure the front weights in your Whirlpool washing machine with the following steps…
Step 1. Make sure to unplug your washing machine’s power cord from the electrical outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent electrical damage.
Step 2. Go to the back of the washer, then loosen the three bolts holding the top panel using a 1/4 inch socket wrench.
Step 3. Pull the top panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the machine. Go to the front of the washer, then slide the soap tray out. Press the button inside the tray to completely release it from the housing.
Step 4. Using a Torx screwdriver, loosen the two screws next to the dispenser opening. Loosen the screws at the top of the control panel.
Step 5. Carefully pry the control panel off, then set it on top of the cabinet. Get someone to help you tip the machine backwards and support it.
Step 6. Take out the four screws at the bottom of the front panel using a 1/4 inch socket wrench. Carefully set the machine back onto its feet.
Step 7. Open the door of your washing machine, then use your Torx screwdriver to loosen the nuts holding the door lock to the front panel.
Step 8. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver underneath the wire around the door boot seal. Work the screwdriver around until the wire pops off (be careful not to damage the seal).
Step 9. Peel the door boot seal off the front panel. Using a 5/16 inch nut-driver, take out the bolts at the top of the front panel. Carefully lift the panel upwards, then pull it off the cabinet.
Step 10. Try tugging the top and bottom weights mounted at the front of the drum. If the weights feel loose, secure them properly using a 13mm socket wrench.
Step 11. Once the weights are properly secured, lift the front panel and mount it on the cabinet. Tighten the screws at the top of the panel using your 5/16 inch nut-driver.
Step 12. Open the door of the machine, then push the door lock back into place. Secure the door lock by applying the screws with your Torx screwdriver.
Step 13. Fit the door boot seal around the front panel. With your flat-blade screwdriver, fit the retaining wire around the door boot seal.
Step 14. Tip the machine backwards carefully, then tighten the four bolts at the bottom of the panel. Set your washing machine back on its feet.
Step 15. Snap the control panel back onto the front of the cabinet, then reapply the screws with your Torx screwdriver. Slide the soap tray back into the dispenser.
Step 16. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then use your 1/4 inch nut-driver to apply the screws at the back. Plug your washer into the outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that the noise has stopped.
2. Motor Defect
A defect in the drive motor can cause your Whirlpool washing machine to make noise. Here’s how to find out if the motor is at fault…
Front Loaders
To find out if your front loader washing machine motor is making noise, take the following steps…
Step 1. Before taking any other steps, ensure that your washing machine is disconnected from the electrical outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Pry out the four transit caps in the slots on the rear panel. Loosen the screws holding the rear panel to the cabinet using a 1/4 inch nut-driver.
Step 3. Lift the rear panel off the cabinet, then set it aside. Carefully unhook the drive belt from the drive pulley and motor pulley.
Step 4. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet and try running a cycle.
Step 5. Pay attention to the motor during the cycle. If the motor makes a lot of noise when running, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 6. If the noise isn’t from the motor, disconnect the appliance from the outlet. Loop the drive belt back around the motor pulley an drive pulley (ensure that the grooved side is turned inwards.
Step 7. Remount the rear access panel on the cabinet, then tighten the bolts using your nut-driver. Snap the transit caps into the slots on the rear panel.
Top Loaders
To check if the motor in your top loader washing machine is making noise, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Unplug your machine from the outlet, then turn the water faucets off before starting this procedure in order to prevent any chances of electrical damage or water leakage.
Step 2. With a pair of pliers, release the spring clamp holding the drain hose to the port at the back of the cabinet. Pull the drain hose off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Using pliers if needed, disconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the washer (keep a rag nearby in case water spills out).
Step 4. Tilt your washing machine backwards carefully, then set it on the floor (get someone to help you).
Step 5. Loosen the screws holding the belt guard to the bottom of the tub using a 5/16 inch nut-driver.
Step 6. Take the drive belt off the transmission pulley and motor pulley. Carefully lift the washing machine back onto its feet.
Step 7. Reconnect the water inlet hoses to the ports at the back of the machine. Plug your washer back into the electrical outlet and turn it on.
Step 8. Try setting your machine to a spin cycle. Listen to the motor carefully during the cycle; if you notice a lot of noise coming from the motor during the cycle, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 9. If the noise isn’t from the motor, unplug the power cord from the outlet and disconnect the water inlet hoses.
Step 10. Tip your appliance backwards once more and set it on the floor. With the grooved side turned inwards, loop the drive belt around the two pulleys.
Step 11. Put the belt guard back on, then secure it by applying the bolts with your 5/16 inch nut-driver.
Step 12. Get someone to help you lift your appliance back onto its feet. Reattach the main outlet hose to the port at the back of the cabinet, then slide the retaining clamp into place to secure the connection.
Step 13. Reconnect the HOT and COLD water supply lines to the inlet ports (ensure that the hoses are secured properly so there’s no chance of water leakage). Turn the water taps back on, then reconnect the power cord to the outlet.
Check out these other articles…
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Whirlpool Washing Machine Motor [Issues, Solutions & Guide]
Whirlpool Washing Machine Timer [Problems, Solutions & Guide]
Whirlpool Washing Machine Just Hums [Proven Solutions]
Washer/Dryer Combo (Washer Motor)
Follow the steps below to find out if the washer motor in your Whirlpool washer/dryer combo is making noise…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrical damage, ensure that your washing machine is disconnected from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Loosen the screws holding the dryer’s lower access panel using a Philips screwdriver. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Pull the two access panel clips out of the slots and set them aside. Loosen the screws holding the two access panels underneath the dryer compartment using a 1/4 inch nut-driver.
Step 4. Take the two access panels off, then set them aside. Pry out the two retaining clips holding the top panel to the cabinet using a flat-blade screwdriver.
Step 5. Pull the top panel forwards a bit, then lift it off the cabinet. With a 5/16 inch nut-driver, take out the screws holding the support bar to the front panel. Move the bar out of place.
Step 6. Use your nut-driver to loosen the bolts at the back of the front panel. Pull the front panel upwards, then detach it from the cabinet.
Step 7. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, pry off the upper and lower retaining clips holding the drain pump to the motor shaft.
Step 8. Go to the back of the machine and plug the power cord into the outlet. Turn the washer on and try running a cycle.
Step 9. Pay attention to the motor during the cycle; if it makes a lot of noise, the part will need to be replaced.
Step 10. If the motor isn’t making noise, disconnect the power cord from the outlet. Remount the drain pump on the motor shaft and snap the two retaining clips on.
Step 11. Lift the front panel and mount it on the cabinet. Secure the front panel by applying the screws a the back using your nut-driver.
Step 12. Move the support bar back into place, then tighten the nut to secure it. Remount the top panel on the cabinet and push it forwards.
Step 13. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, push the two retaining clips into the slots on the top panel.
Step 14. Put the two access panels back in place, then tighten the four bolts using your 1/4 inch nut-driver. Push the two access panel clips into the slots on the top panel.
Step 15. Put the dryer’s lower access pane back on, then tighten the screws using a Philips screwdriver. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet.
Washer/Dryer Combo (Dryer Motor)
Follow the steps below to find out if the dryer motor in your washer/dryer combo machine is making noise…
Step 1. Ensure that the appliance is unplugged from the power outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent any chances of electrical damage.
Step 2. Loosen the nuts securing the lower access panel to the dryer compartment using a Philips screwdriver. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Insert a putty knife into the gap above the dryer’s lower front access panel. Using the putty knife, pry the panel off the front of the cabinet and set it aside.
Step 4. With a 1/4 inch nut-driver, loosen the three screws at the top of the control panel. Pry the panel off and set it on top of the cabinet.
Step 5. Take out the screws holding the air duct to the machine. Loosen the screws securing the heater shield.
Step 6. Open the door of the dryer compartment, then take the lint filter out. Unplug the door switch wire connector from the control panel. With your nut-driver, loosen the two screws at the top and bottom of the panel.
Step 7. Lift the dryer’s front panel off the cabinet and set it aside. Reach underneath the drum, then unhook the drive belt from two pulley wheels.
Step 8. Carefully lift the belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set them aside. Plug the washer’s power cord into the electrical outlet.
Step 9. Lift the control panel, then use the selector knob to turn the dryer on. Pay attention to the motor when it starts running; if you notice an excessive amount of noise, the part is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Step 10. If the noise isn’t coming from the motor, lift the belt and drum, then guide them back into the cabinet.
Step 11. Reach under the drum, then carefully loop the drive belt around the two pulleys in a zig-zag formation.
Step 12. Remount the dryer’s front panel on the cabinet. Using your nut-driver, apply the two screws at the top and bottom of the panel.
Step 13. Plug the door switch wire connector back into the control board. Snap the control panel onto the front of the cabinet, then tighten the three screws at the top.
Step 14. Put the heater shield and air duct back in place. Use your nut-driver to apply the bolts.
Step 15. Open the dryer’s door, then slide the lint filter back into place. Put the lower access panel on the cabinet.
Step 16. Secure the lower panel by applying the bolts with your Philips screwdriver. Plug the appliance back into the power outlet.
3. Inner Tub Defect (Front Loaders)
Your front loader washing machine has a spider arm at the back of the inner tub. If this part gets cracked, it will cause your machine to make a lot of noise. It’s important to inspect this part before further damage occurs. The steps below show you how to do this…
Step 1. Before starting this procedure, ensure that your washing machine is disconnected from the outlet, and the water valves are turned off in order to prevent leaks or electrocution.
Step 2. Using a pair of pliers if needed, disconnect the two water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the cabinet.
Step 3. With a Torx-20 screwdriver, take out the three screws at the back of the machine securing the top panel. Slide the assembly backwards, then lift it off the machine.
Step 4. Using the Torx screwdriver, loosen the bolts securing the rear panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel upwards, then detach it from the machine.
Step 5. With your screwdriver, loosen the nuts holding the upper and lower rear support braces to the cabinet. Take the braces off and set them aside.
Step 6. Go to the front of the appliance, then slide the detergent tray out of the housing. Press the little tab inside the tray to completely release it from the dispenser.
Step 7. Using a Torx screwdriver, loosen the bolt next to the dispenser opening. Pry the control panel off the front of the cabinet.
Step 8. Unplug the control panel’s wire connector from the main control board. Release the control panel wire from the retainers at the side of the cabinet.
Step 9. Pull the control panel assembly off the cabinet and set it aside. Open your washing machine’s door, then loosen the bolts holding the door lock to the cabinet using a Torx screwdriver.
Step 10. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver underneath the retaining band around the door boot seal. Work the screwdriver around until the wire pops off. Peel the door boot seal off the front panel.
Step 11. Using your screwdriver, loosen the three screws at the bottom of the washer’s lower front access panel. Pry the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 12. Use your screwdriver to take out the two screws at the top and bottom of the front panel. Lift the panel off the cabinet carefully, then set it aside.
Step 13. Pull the inlet tube and window washer tube off the ports at the top of the door boot seal.
Step 14. Using your Torx screwdriver, loosen the bolts holding the top frame brace to the cabinet. Lift the top frame brace off the cabinet, then pull the window washer tube out of the retainer.
Step 15. Pull the dispenser’s hose out of the port at the top of the drum. Using a 7mm socket wrench, loosen the bolt holding the inner retaining band to the door boot seal.
Step 16. Peel the door boot seal off the drum opening, then set it aside. With a 13mm socket wrench, loosen the bolts holding the top and bottom counter-weights to the front of the drum.
Step 17. Carefully lift each weight off the drum and set it aside. Go to the back of the tub, then unhook the drive belt from the two pulleys.
Step 18. Using your 13mm socket wrench, loosen the bolts holding the rear counter-weight to the drum. Lift the weight off and set it aside
Step 19. Loosen the bolt holding the drive pulley to the back of the outer tub using a 24mm socket wrench (use the end of a hammer to jam the pulley in order to make this step easier).
Step 20. Take the pulley off the inner tub’s shaft and set it aside. With a Torx screwdriver, loosen the screw holding the grounding wire near the bearing hub at the back of the tub.
Step 21. Disconnect the second grounding wire from the motor assembly (ensure that you note where the connector goes).
Step 22. Using your 13mm socket, loosen the bolts securing the motor assembly to the bottom of the tub. Carefully lift the drive motor off the tub mounts, then set it on the floor of the cabinet.
Step 23. With your Torx screwdriver, loosen the nuts holding the pressure tube assembly to the back of the outer tub.
Step 24. Pull the green wire out of the slots at the back of the tub (make sure to take note of how the wire is routed).
Step 25. Go to the front of the machine, then place a container on the floor in front of the pump filter.
Step 26. Turn the pump filter knob, then let any water stuck in the machine drain out into the container. Once all the water has drained out, put the pump filter back in place.
Step 27. Using pliers, release the spring clamp holding the sump hose to the bottom of the tub. Pull the hose off the machine (some water may spill out, so we recommend keeping a rag nearby).
Step 28. Go to the back of the tub, then release the clamp holding the second outlet hose to the upper rear section of the tub. Detach the hose from the outer tub.
Step 29. Grab the top of one of the shock absorbers. Rotate the top, then pull it out of the mount at the bottom of the tub (repeat this process with the three remaining shocks).
Step 30. Go to the front of the outer tub, then unplug the temperature sensor wire connector from the lower front section. Release the temperature sensor wires from the retainers at the bottom of the tub.
Step 31. Pry the wire harness retaining bracket out of the slots at the side of the cabinet (if needed, use a flat-blade screwdriver).
Step 32. Lift each of the two suspension springs out of the slots of the cabinet. Carefully guide the tub out of the cabinet, then set it face-down on the floor.
Step 33. Unhook the suspension springs from the mounts on the tub. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, pry off all the retaining clips holding the two halves of the outer tub together.
Step 34. Pull the two halves of the outer tub apart. Pull the inner tub out of the rear half of the outer tub.
Step 35. Carefully inspect the inner tub shaft for cracks or any signs of damage. If you notice any damage, you’ll need to replace the shaft as soon as possible in order to prevent other issues. Depending on the model of your washer, you may need to replace the entire inner tub.
Step 36. Once you are satisfied that the inner tub shaft is in good condition, reposition it in the rear half the outer tub.
Step 37. Put the front half of the outer tub on the assembly. Using a hammer, carefully snap the retaining clips on to secure the two halves of the tub.
Step 38. Reattach the suspension springs to the tub assembly. Lift the tub and guide it back into the cabinet.
Step 39. Lift each of the two springs, then hook them onto the mounts on the cabinet. Lift each of the shock absorbers, then push them into the mounts at the bottom of the tub. Rotate the shocks to secure them.
Step 40. Go to the front of the tub. Lift the two front counter-weights, then remount them on the tub. Secure the weights by applying the bolts with your 13mm socket wrench.
Step 41. Go to the back of the machine and mount the rear weight on the tub. Apply the bolts using the 13mm socket.
Step 42. Attach the outlet hose to the port at the upper rear section of the tub. Slide the spring clamp into place to secure the connection.
Step 43. Reattach the sump hose to the port at the bottom of the tub assembly. Using your pliers, slide the retaining clamp into place.
Step 44. Remount the drive motor onto the bottom of the tub. Secure the motor by applying the bolts with your 13mm socket. Plug the grounding wire back into the motor.
Step 45. Use your Torx screwdriver to apply the bolt to secure the second grounding wire near the bearing hub. Snap the wire into the slots on the tub.
Step 46. Put the pressure tube assembly back in place at the back of the tub, then secure it by applying the screw with the Torx screwdriver.
Step 47. Place the drive pulley back on the inner tub shaft, then use your socket wrench to tighten the bolt.
Step 48. With the grooved side turned inwards, loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and drive pulley.
Step 49. Mount the two rear braces onto the cabinet. Secure the braces by applying the screws using your Torx screwdriver.
Step 50. Mount the rear panel on the cabinet. Use your Torx screwdriver to apply the screws on the panel.
Step 51. Go to the front of the tub, then refit the door boot seal around the tub opening. Fit the inner retaining band around the door boot seal, then secure it by tightening the bolt using your 7mm socket wrench.
Step 52. Move the detergent dispenser back into place, then reconnect the hose to the port at the top of the tub.
Step 53. Snap the wire harness retaining bracket into the slots on the cabinet. Get the top frame brace, then push the window washer tube into the retainer.
Step 54. Mount the top frame brace onto the cabinet, then apply the nuts using your Torx-20 screwdriver.
Step 55. Reconnect the inlet hose and window washer tube to the ports at the top of the door boot seal.
Step 56. Plug the temperature sensor’s wire harness back in, then snap the wire into the retainers on the outer tub.
Step 57. Lift the washer’s main front panel and remount it on the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying the two screws at the top and bottom using your screwdriver.
Step 58. Snap the lower front access panel back on, then apply the three screws at the bottom.
Step 59. Open the door of your washer. Reach behind the front panel, then move the door lock assembly back into place. Secure the door lock to the front panel by applying the bolts with your screwdriver.
Step 60. Fit the door boot seal around the front panel. Using either needle-nosed pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver, carefully fit the outer retaining band around around the door boot seal.
Step 61. Snap the control panel back onto the front of the cabinet, then use your Torx screwdriver to apply the nut next to the dispenser opening.
Step 62. Slide the soap tray back into the dispenser assembly. Remount the top panel on the cabinet, then use your screwdriver to apply the bolts at the back.
Step 63. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet, then make sure everything works properly by running a cycle.
Note: The steps above are applicable only to older Whirlpool washing machines.
