Rep: 13
1
1
Kenmore 90 Series Washing Machine started making a high pitched whirring noise when running in any modes. Started a few days ago but does not seem to be getting worse.
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As you can see the are lots of things that can cause noise. If you could tell us when this happens or better yet post a sound recording it might be easier to narrow down. At different agitation speeds, does the sound change? Spin cycle noise? Is slow drawing?
Most Frequent Causes for Washer is making loud noise
Cause 1
Tub Bearing
The tub bearing is mounted in the middle of the outer tub. The tub bearing helps to keep the inner tub spinning smoothly. Replacing the tub bearing is a very involved repair and will require disassembling most of the washer. If the tub bearing is defective, we recommend replacing both the outer tub and bearing as an assembly if the manufacturer offers the components together.
Cause 2
Tub Seal and Bearing Kit
The tub bearing is mounted in the middle of the outer tub. The tub bearing helps to keep the inner tub spinning smoothly. If the washer is noisy during the spin cycle or is leaking from the bottom of the tub near the transmission, the tub seal and bearing are likely defective. Replacing the tub bearing is a very involved repair and will require disassembling most of the washer. If the tub bearing is defective, we recommend replacing the outer tub and bearing at the same time.
Cause 3
Rear Drum with Bearing
The rear drum has a bearing or bearings in it to keep the inner tub spinning smoothly. If the tub bearing system is defective the washer can become very noisy. On some machines bearings are sold separately from the rear drum, however we recommend replacing both the outer drum and bearing as an assembly if the manufacturer offers the components together because removing and pressing in the new bearing can be exceptionally difficult. Be aware that replacing the outer tub and bearing is also not easy and can be very costly.
Cause 4
Bearing
The tub bearing is mounted in the middle of the outer tub. The tub bearing helps to keep the inner tub spinning smoothly. Replacing the tub bearing is a very involved repair and will require disassembling most of the washer. If the tub bearing is defective, we recommend replacing both the outer tub and bearing.
Cause 5
Drive Pulley
The drive pulley might be worn out, cracked, loose or bent. Remove the drive pulley and inspect it carefully. If the drive pulley is damaged or defective, replace it.
Cause 6
Pulley
The drive pulley might be worn out, cracked, loose or bent. Remove the drive pulley and inspect it carefully. If the drive pulley is damaged or defective, replace it.
Cause 7
Motor Coupling
The motor coupling might have failed. The motor coupling connects the motor to the washer transmission. If the washer is overloaded, the motor coupling will fail in order to protect both the motor and transmission. The motor coupling can also fail due to normal wear. Inspect the motor coupling to determine if it is broken. If the motor coupling is broken, replace it.
Cause 8
Clutch
The clutch assembly makes the connection between the transmission and the inner tub. It helps the tub to gradually get up to the proper spin speed. As the clutch wears out over time, it may become loud during the spin cycle or just after the spin cycle finishes. The clutch is not repairable—if the clutch is worn out, replace it.
Cause 9
Drive Belt
The drive belt might be defective. Over time, the drive belt dries out and starts to crack. Eventually, a piece of the belt can break off, causing the belt to make a loud noise whenever the motor is running. To determine if the drive belt is broken, inspect the drive belt. If the drive belt is broken or damaged, replace it.
Cause 10
Transmission
The washer transmission might be worn out or defective. Transmissions have gears in them that can fail causing the washer to to be noisy during operation. However, this is almost never the case. Before replacing the transmission, first check all of the other more commonly defective parts.
Cause 11
Drain Pump
If the washer is making a loud noise while draining, the drain pump might be clogged or defective. Sometimes, small objects or articles of clothing can get caught in the drain pump. To determine if anything is blocking the drain pump, remove the drain pump and check the pump for obstructions. If the drain pump is clear of obstructions, but is still noisy during the drain cycle, replace the drain pump.
Cause 12
Drive Motor
The drive motor bearings might be worn out. Washer motors are normally very quiet during operation. To determine if the washer motor is defective, remove the drive belt from the washer and then run the motor. If the motor is still loud, this indicates that the drive motor is defective and needs to be replaced.
Cause 13
Water Inlet Valve
If the washer is noisy or loud, particularly when the washer is filling, the water inlet valve may be at fault. Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside the valve and cause a restriction. If the water inlet valve is restricted, it will make noise during the fill cycle. If the water inlet valve is defective, replace it. Do not attempt to repair the water inlet valve—taking apart the valve makes it susceptible to failure.
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Whining sound is during the spin cycle.
Rep: 13
1
Just have the noise in spin cycle. Repair man said inner basket part. Both spider arm and basket. Here's the problem. Spider arm is available. The full part isn't. Made in China. Because of covid-19 can't get it. Can I get away with replacing the spider arm only? Are they factory balance together? Thank you
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Rep: 13
1
I came across this post when trying to find an answer for my issue - a high pitched buzzing/whirring sound when my Whirlpool Estate Washing machine was agitating or spinning, no noise when it was filling with water. It continued to operate fine, it was just loud. Fearing something might start on fire if I continued to use it, I hired a repair person because I couldn’t lift the cabinet off the washer to try to figure it out myself using the checklist posted here. I’m going to share what was found in case someone else has this type of issue. After removing the cabinet, you could hear where the noise was coming from, under the tub. He disconnected the water pump to see if that was culprit. Noise stopped. Problem isolated on the first try. When he removed the pump , there were not one but two underwires in there. No garments with underwires were washed since the summer (bathing suits) - and after a thorough check of everyone’s wardrobes, none were missing. So, not sure how long they were in there before they made there way down to the pump. He replaced the pump because the wires had done some damage in there. As long as you are pretty strong, or have someone to help you remove the cabinet from the washer, this was a pretty easy fix.
Honestly, during my search I read that my problem could have been something stuck in the water pump, or the motor, or a bearing, and I thought the water pump scenario was the least likely - what could have possibly been stuck? We always check pockets, and no buttons or zippers, etc. were missing. I am happy I was wrong because I think the pump might have been the cheapest of the 3 scenarios. Hope this info helps someone else!
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