A Whirring Sound in the Dishwasher

Pump

• The pump on your dishwasher is attached to a motor. The pump pushes water up through the spray arms. The pump also forces water out of the dishwasher to drain it. The pump is behind an access panel at the bottom of the dishwasher. Remove the lower dish rack, spray arms and supports. Pull up the access panel and remove the pump cover. Clean out any debris on the inlet screen. Examine the impeller on the pump which pushes water towards the dishwasher drain for any broken or loose blades. Replace the impeller if it is loose or broken. Put the pump cover back on and reassemble the spray arms, supports and lower rack.

Cooling Fan

• The dishwasher motor also has a cooling fan. The blades on this fan can crack, break or come loose and cause a whirring sound to come from the dishwasher. Remove the lower dish rack, spray arms and supports. Pull up the access panel and examine the motor's cooling fan. Replace the fan if the blades are bent or broken. Reassemble the spray arms and supports and close the access panel. Push the lower dish rack back into place.

Heater Fan

• The heater or drying fan pushes hot air over the dishes in the dishwasher during the drying cycle. It is located near the heating element under the lower spray arm. The heater fan's bearings can rust and wear out with use. The blades on this fan can also come loose or break. Both problems can cause loud noises. If the bearings are the problem, the fan's motor should be replaced. If the fan blades are loose or damaged, the fan should be replaced.

Spray Arms

• The spray arms on your dishwasher are usually placed at the bottom of the dishwasher. However, some models also have spray arms mounted above the upper dish rack. The spray arms constantly move during the wash and rinse cycles and can work loose, causing a whirring sound. The holes on the spray arms can also become clogged by debris. You may also hear a whirring sound as the dishwasher attempts to pump water past the debris. Tighten the spray arms and clear their water holes of debris with a toothpick to stop the noise.