Loud washer noises, like banging and grinding, are an unmistakable change from the familiar sounds we expect. Why is my GE washer making noise? Overloading your washer regularly can put strain on parts and cause strange noises or even a major breakdown. Restore your peace and quiet and pinpoint the source of the sound with these troubleshooting tips.
How to Quiet a GE Washer Making Noise
Often, a GE washer making noise requires a part replacement to silence the sound and save the life of your machine. While some parts are specific to top or front loading washers, the most common culprits are universal to both models. We’ll list the most likely reasons a GE washer makes loud noise when agitating to initiate the right repair.
Loading Too Many Items
Exceeding the capacity of your GE washing machine can cause several problems, such as unusual noises and long-term damage. When you exceed the recommended load size and weight, the drum can become unbalanced, leading to excessive vibrations that can damage the machine’s internal components. This can result in costly repairs or even the need for a new washer.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load size and weight and ensure that you don’t exceed the washer’s capacity.
Worn Tub Bearing
Is your GE washer making grinding noise when it spins? It’s possible the tub bearing has worn out. This bearing enables the inner tub to rotate smoothly on both top and front-loading machines. Over time, the bearing can break, causing the inner tub to rub against the outer tub, making a grinding noise.
In front load washers, you can test the bearing by rotating the washer drum by hand. If you hear a squeaking noise, it’s possible it may just require some lubrication. However, grinding and rubbing noises indicate that the bearing is broken and requires replacement. This is an extremely complex repair that should be handled by a professional service.
Damaged Drive Belt
A GE washer making noise that sounds like squealing likely has a damaged drive belt. This rubber belt is suspended on a pulley, connecting the tub to the drive motor or transmission in front and top load washers. Wear and tear can cause the belt to loosen or fray, resulting in a squealing sound. When the belt breaks completely, the tub may not spin at all. If an inspection shows damage or breakage, the belt must be replaced.
Drive Pulley is Faulty
If your drive belt appears to be working normally, check the drive pulley as well. This pulley suspends the belt as it spins, supporting the weight of the washtub. If the pulley is loose, you’ll find your GE washer making noise that’s louder than usual when it spins. However, if the pulley is cracked or broken, the tub may not spin at all. While a loose pulley can be tightened, it must be replaced if damaged.
Tub Suspension Springs Have Failed
Top load washers utilize metal suspension springs to keep the tub centered as it spins. Even if just one of the springs breaks or becomes dislodged, you’ll hear your GE washer banging during the wash cycle. Replacing the spring(s) should solve the problem.
Shock Absorbers are Worn Out
Similarly, a front load washing machine making noise when spinning may have worn shock absorbers. These plastic pieces secure the outer tub to the frame of the washer and, if worn, also result in a loud banging sound during spinning. Even if just one shock absorber wears out, it’s best to replace all of them at once.
Defective Drain Pump
Both top and front load washers have drain pumps that expel water from the tub during the wash cycle. As water drains out, it carries dirt, debris, and even small articles of clothing with it that can clog the pump. On front loading machines, cleaning the drain pump filter should be part of regular washer maintenance to prevent pump clogs. Otherwise, these blockages can result in loud spin cycles as the tub struggles to drain, even causing washing machine leaks.
Refer to your user manual to locate the drain pump on your model machine and inspect it for clogs, removing any visible blockages. If there are no obstructions and the pump is still noisy during a wash cycle, it may require professional replacement.
The experienced technicians at Dave Smith Appliance Service make us Toledo’s premiere GE washer repair service. Schedule your professional assessment today!
