Previously, we have seen how to fix a washing machine that won’t spin. As a continuation, today we will troubleshoot a related problem: Washing machine not spinning but making noise.
So, read on to know what might be causing this problem and how you can fix your washer.
Washing machine not spinning but making noise – possible causes (and solutions you can try)
For the most part, that sound you are hearing is the motor running. In other words, the motor is not to blame.
Before proceeding, confirm all wire connections are good – they can come loose due to the vibrations.
If all check out, you can proceed to check the below parts.
The door latch lock assembly might be faulty
In some washers, you might hear several clicks as the door tries to latch/close.
In others (such as some Samsung models), you can hear a continuous buzzing noise and get a door-related error code such as dE1.
If the door appears to close right, odds are that the lock switch is faulty.
In this case, the best course of action will be to test the lock switch for continuity… If it lacks continuity, it means that it’s defective and you should replace it.
Now, to point you in the right direction when it comes to replacing the part, below is a list of our recommended door lock switch replacement parts for the most common washer brands in the market:
| Washing machine brand | Recommended Door lock switch replacement part |
| Samsung | Get it on Amazon |
| LG | Get it on Amazon |
| GE | Get it on Amazon |
| Kenmore | Get it on Amazon |
| Frigidaire, Electrolux | Get it on Amazon |
| Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana | Get it on Amazon |
| Bosch | Get it on Amazon |
The basket drive hub might be defective
The drive hub connects the wash basket to the spin shaft responsible for spinning the basket.
For washer models that have the drive hub, you can locate it beneath your washer’s agitator.
Due to the effects of friction, this part might wear out or crack over time.
For the most part, this will result in your washer not spinning as fast as it should.
However, in extreme cases (where the hub wears out completely), the hub will lose its grip hence it won’t spin the drum.
To know if the hub is to blame, carefully inspect it for telltale signs such as cracks or burning out.
Of course, you the best solution is to replace it (if it’s worn out) – order a replacement hub kit:
Here (May-tag, Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers) and Here (For Cro-sley Washing Machine)
The motor coupling might be worn out
The motor coupling connects the drive motor to the washer transmission.
This helps it to transmit the power from the motor and transfer it to the transmission which in turn causes the drum to rotate.
Over time, the motor coupling will experience wear and tear (due to friction) and it might eventually lose its grip (or break).
When this occurs, your washing machine might stop spinning but it will make noise since the motor is still running.
To know if the motor coupling is worn out, carefully inspect it for cracks or signs of damage.
If it’s worn-out, your best bet will be to replace it – to point you in the right direction when it comes to replacing the motor coupling, below is a list of some good replacement parts for the most common washer brands:
| Washing machine brand | Recommended Motor coupler replacement |
| Samsung | Order it here |
| LG | Order it here |
| GE | Order it here |
| Kenmore and Whirlpool | Order it here |
| Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana | Order it here |
The belt might be loose, worn-out, or broken
In short, it has lost its grip on the drum hence it can’t rotate the drum.
So, disassemble your washer and carefully inspect the current state of its belt.
If the belt is loose, be sure to tighten it using the pulleys.
On the other hand, if it’s worn-out (or broken), your best route will be to replace it – below is a list of our recommended replacement belts for some common washer brands:
| Washing machine brand | Recommended Belt replacement part |
| Samsung | Buy it on Amazon |
| LG | Buy it on Amazon |
| GE | Buy it on Amazon |
| Kenmore, Maytag | Buy it on Amazon |
| Frigidaire, Electrolux | Buy it on Amazon |
| Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Amana | Buy it on Amazon |
The shift actuator (shifter) might be acting up
As a result, it cannot shift the washer from agitate to the spin cycle.
Possible solutions you can try
Start by confirming that the actuator is getting 120v AC when the washer is running.
If not, fix any wire connections that might be loose or broken.
Next, wipe off any dirt or debris that might be covering its sensors (the plastic part of the actuator).
Other than that, test for continuity between the necessary actuator connectors – varies from brand to brand. So, be sure to have the washer’s service manual with you.
If the actuator lacks continuity, it’s an indication that it might be bad and you may have to replace it – check the price of a replacement actuator .
The tub bearings might be gone
Just like some of the previous components, the tub bearings might wear out over time due to friction.
Additionally, since they are mostly metallic, there is a risk of them corroding if water sips through the tub seals.
To know if the tub bearings are to blame, check if they are worn-out or corroded.
If they are, then you should replace them… Though I must say that this will be an involving repair as it will require disassembling most of the washer.
To point you in the right direction, below is a list of our recommended tub bearings replacement parts for some of the most common washer brands:
| Washing machine brand | Recommended Tub bearings replacement part |
| Samsung | Buy it on Amazon |
| LG | Buy it on Amazon |
| GE | Buy it on Amazon |
| Kenmore | Buy it on Amazon |
| Frigidaire, Electrolux | Buy it on Amazon |
| Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana | Buy it on Amazon |
Something else: If the bearings are corroded, you should also replace the tub seals as they might be leaking.
The transmission might be faulty
A good sign that the transmission is bad is if the input shaft rotates but the agitator won’t (also, if the motor can engage but the agitator won’t)
So, if you have tested all the above parts and they are good, check if the transmission rotates… If it isn’t rotating, you may try to replace it (and see how it goes).
In some models, you can manually turn the transmission pulley to see if it’s good – the transmission pulley should turn one way to agitate and turn the other way to spin the inner tub.
If your washer’s transmission pulley won’t turn in the spin direction, it likely means that the transmission is not functional.
Check how much it will cost you at Amazon
Here’s a list (of the most common washer brands) to guide you when shopping for a replacement if you suspect that the transmission is faulty:
| Washing machine brand | Transmission replacement part we recommend |
| Samsung | But it on Amazon |
| GE | But it on Amazon |
| Kenmore | But it on Amazon |
| Frigidaire, Electrolux | But it on Amazon |
| Whirlpool, Maytag | But it on Amazon |
Washing machine not spinning but making noise – parting words
To make troubleshooting easier, you can put your washer into diagnostics mode and check the stored error codes.
These error codes will give you a solid idea of what might be causing your washer to act up.