My Washer Bangs Really Loud When Spinning

Loud Banging on Spin Cycle

• A loud banging during the spin cycle indicates that the load of laundry is not balanced inside the drum. This usually means the load has been clumped to one side by poor loading, but the natural process of washing may also cause laundry imbalance. This is an extremely simple issue to address. Stop the cycle -- opening the door is invariably all that is required to do this -- and redistribute the load. Move the laundry so that it is more evenly spread around the drum. The contents must not be bulked to any one part of the drum.

  If you're washing a large, extremely heavy article, such as a comforter or sleeping bag, lift the item entirely out of the drum and then reinstall it. This can be messy, but a little water on you and the floor is vastly preferable to causing mechanical failure by ignoring the problem.

Banging When the Load is Balanced

• Drum weights can become loose in their hangers or brackets, causing banging noises. Drum weights are attached to the drum's underside. They balance out some of the shaking inherent in the spin cycle. If drum weights become loose, gray dust is found beneath the machine because the weights are typically made of concrete.

Split in the Drum

• If the noise persists after the clothes have been realigned, it could be a split drum. Drain the water and remove the clothes. Rotate the drum by hand. If a loud clack is heard once every rotation, the drum has split. That means the drum's seam has come apart, and the edge of the split metal is contacting with the drum housing as it spins past.

Drum Bearing

• A deep, incessant rumbling through the spin cycle indicates that the drum bearing yupon has worn out. Empty the machine of laundry and water. Remove the drive belt. Spin the drum by hand. If a rumbling or grinding noise is heard, the drum bearing must be replaced. Confirm the diagnosis by lifting the drum. If it can be raised and lowered more than a fraction of an inch, you can be sure the drum bearing is out.