A washing machine making loud noise during wash or spin cycles is rarely something to ignore — unusual banging, grinding, or squealing almost always signals a mechanical fault that will worsen over time if left unaddressed. Appliance Repair Service (ApplianceRepair.co.ke) handles noise-related repairs across Nairobi weekly, from apartment blocks in Kileleshwa to standalone homes in Karen and Langata.
Common Causes of a Washing Machine Making Loud Noise
- Worn drum bearings — produce a deep grinding or rumbling noise, especially during spin
- Foreign objects trapped in the drum — coins, buttons, or bra underwires caught between the inner and outer drum
- Unbalanced load — heavy or uneven loads cause banging as the drum spins
- Loose drum paddles or counterweights — internal components that have come loose over time
- Worn drive belt — can cause a squealing or slapping noise
- Transit bolts not removed — on newly installed machines, forgotten shipping bolts cause severe banging
From our technicians: "A washing machine making loud noise that sounds like grinding metal is almost always worn drum bearings. It's a more involved repair, but catching it early prevents the drum from seizing completely."
Our Repair Process
- Noise pattern assessment — identifying whether the noise occurs during fill, wash, drain, or spin
- Drum inspection — checking for trapped foreign objects between the inner and outer drum
- Bearing test — manually rotating the drum to check for grinding resistance or play
- Load and levelling check — confirming the machine is level and the load is balanced
- Belt and paddle inspection — checking for wear or looseness in these components
- Repair and test run — completing repairs and running a full cycle to confirm the noise is resolved
Company advice: "Always empty pockets fully before washing — coins and small hardware are the most common foreign objects we retrieve from between the drum walls during noise-related repairs."
Identifying the Noise Source
| Type of Noise | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Deep grinding, worse during spin | Worn drum bearings |
| Rattling or clanking | Foreign object trapped in drum |
| Loud banging, rhythmic | Unbalanced load or loose counterweight |
| High-pitched squealing | Worn or slipping drive belt |
| Violent banging on a new machine | Transit bolts not removed during installation |
Typical Repair Costs
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| Drum bearing replacement | 4,500 – 8,000 |
| Foreign object removal | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Belt replacement | 1,500 – 2,800 |
| Counterweight/paddle reattachment | 2,000 – 3,500 |
| Transit bolt removal (new installs) | 800 – 1,500 |
Our promise: "We never recommend a full bearing or drum replacement for a washing machine making loud noise without first ruling out simpler, cheaper causes like trapped objects or an unbalanced load."
When to Stop Using a Noisy Machine
If your washing machine making loud noise suddenly gets worse, or you hear a sharp bang followed by a burning smell, switch it off immediately and call a technician rather than continuing the cycle. Most cases of a washing machine making loud noise are safe to finish the current wash, but ongoing use of a machine with worn bearings can cause more extensive, costlier damage.
Why Choose Appliance Repair Service
- Experienced in diagnosing noise faults by sound and cycle stage
- Genuine bearing kits and belts for major brands sold in Kenya
- Careful drum inspection to catch and remove foreign objects safely
- Upfront quotes before committing to bearing or drum work
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to keep using a noisy washing machine? Minor noise from an unbalanced load is generally safe short-term, but grinding or banging should be checked promptly to avoid further internal damage.
2. How do I know if it's the bearings or the belt? Bearings typically produce a deep grinding noise most noticeable during spin, while belt issues usually cause a high-pitched squeal — our technicians confirm this during inspection.
3. Why is my brand-new washing machine making loud noise? This is almost always due to transit bolts not being removed during installation — a quick and inexpensive fix.
4. Can a bearing repair be done without replacing the whole drum? On most models, yes — bearings can be replaced independently, though on some sealed-drum designs a fuller drum assembly replacement may be needed.
5. Will an unbalanced load damage my machine over time? Yes, repeated unbalanced loads accelerate wear on bearings, suspension, and counterweights, so it's worth adjusting how you load the machine.
6. How urgent is a grinding noise repair? We recommend booking within a few days of noticing grinding, as continued use can cause the bearing to seize and increase repair costs.
Book Your Repair Today
Don't ignore a washing machine making loud noise — early repair is almost always cheaper than waiting. Call Appliance Repair Service on 0720048519 to book a technician in Nairobi.
