A High-Pitched Noise in a Beaumark Washer

Washtub Bearing

• If the lubricant surrounding the washtub’s bearing dries, the loss of grease could cause the bearing to make a high-pitched squeal each time it rotates the tub. The bearing is a ball-and-socket joint that supports the tub’s movements. The ball portion is designed to move with the tub when it spins clockwise and counterclockwise. The component is at the base of the washtub under the agitator on a top-load Beaumark washer; tilt the washer on its side to view it. The bearing is in the back of the tub on a front-load washing machine, and you can access it by removing the rear panel. Place two drops of high-temperature lubricant obtained from an appliance store on the bearing to stop the noise.

Belt

• An elastic belt spins the washtub in the washing machine’s cabinet. Over time, the belt can lose some of its elasticity and begin to slip. Additionally, a belt’s rubber fibers could start to fray and the belt could split in two pieces, which could cause the tub to come to a grinding halt. Prior to a tub’s spinning weakening or stopping, however, the belt will usually produce a high-pitched squeaking sound. Open the back panel of your Beaumark washer, or lift off the cover to survey the belt for damage. If the belt looks in decent shape, give it a tug to gauge its elasticity; it shouldn’t have any give. If you can stretch the belt easily or it appears to be eroding, replace it.

Tensioner

• Beaumark washers have wheeled tensioners that pull the belt in an opposite direction of a spinning washtub so that the belt can maintain a firm grasp of the tub. The wheel, however, can become rigid over time and let out a screeching sound each time it struggles to turn during the agitation and spin cycles. The tensioner is usually found near the motor below the washtub and can be accessed by removing the bottom panel. Manually move the wheel. If the wheel makes a high-pitched noise and is hard to turn, have it replaced. Contact Beaumark for a service appointment if you’re uneasy performing the repair.

Considerations

• A Beaumark washing machine that isn’t level could produce a lot of noise when it spins. The rapid movement of the washtub during the spin cycle is enough to make the washer wobble back-and-forth, according to General Electric, the manufacturer of most Beaumark appliances. Depending how unsteady the washer, the wobbling could be fairly intense, causing the washer to make a lot of strange high-pitch sounds that will usually come to an abrupt end when the cycle finishes. Lay a level on top of the washer. If it’s not even, either adjust the washer’s leveling legs or add shims underneath to make it stable.