Why Is My Electrolux Washing Machine Making a Loud Noise?
Open the drum and check for coins, bra wires, or other small objects trapped between the drum and the door seal — removing them usually stops the noise immediately (takes about 5 minutes).
Fault description
A loud noise from your Electrolux washing machine is one of the most common complaints homeowners report, and it can range from a rhythmic banging during spin to a constant grinding or rumbling throughout the cycle. The noise often points to a mechanical issue inside the drum assembly, the motor system, or the machine's suspension — all of which take a beating over thousands of wash cycles.
In many cases the cause is straightforward: an unbalanced load, a foreign object caught in the drum, or worn drum bearings. The good news is that several of these issues can be identified and resolved without specialist tools. Working through the checks below in order will help you pinpoint the source quickly and decide whether it's a job you can handle yourself or one that needs a service technician.
Causes
- Foreign object trapped in the drum or pump — Coins, bra underwires, buttons, and small clips can slip through the drum holes and become lodged between the drum and the outer tub, or travel into the drain pump. This creates a rattling, scraping, or clicking noise that is often loudest during spin.
- Worn or failed drum bearings — The drum bearings allow the inner drum to spin smoothly inside the outer tub. When they wear out — usually after several years of use — they produce a loud rumbling or roaring sound that gets worse as the spin speed increases.
- Unbalanced or overloaded drum — A heavy, unevenly distributed load causes the drum to wobble violently during spin, producing a loud banging or thumping noise. Washing a single heavy item like a duvet on its own is a common trigger.
- Worn or damaged drive belt — The drive belt connects the motor to the drum. Over time it can stretch, crack, or partially slip off its pulley, causing a squealing or slapping noise during the wash and spin phases.
- Faulty or worn shock absorbers and suspension springs — Shock absorbers dampen drum movement during spin. When they wear out, the drum moves excessively and can knock against the cabinet, producing a loud banging noise particularly at high spin speeds.
- Loose or worn motor brushes — Electrolux washing machines with brushed motors can develop a harsh grinding or buzzing noise when the carbon motor brushes wear down. The noise typically appears during agitation and spin and may be accompanied by reduced spin performance.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Check for foreign objects in the drum
Before running any cycle, reach inside the drum and feel around the rubber door seal, pressing it back gently to look for trapped objects. Rotate the drum slowly by hand and listen for scraping. Remove anything you find. Also check pockets before every wash to prevent recurrence.
- 2
Redistribute or reduce the load
If the noise happens during spin, pause the cycle and open the door. Rearrange the laundry so it is spread evenly around the drum rather than bunched on one side. If the machine is overloaded, remove some items and run two smaller loads instead. Never wash a single heavy item alone — add a couple of towels to balance the weight.
- 3
Check that the machine is level
Place a spirit level on top of the machine and check it front-to-back and side-to-side. If it is not level, adjust the feet by turning them clockwise to raise or anti-clockwise to lower. Tighten the lock nuts once the machine is stable. An unlevel machine will rock and bang during spin even with a balanced load.
- 4
Inspect and clean the drain pump filter
A rattling noise that is loudest during draining often points to debris in the pump filter. Locate the filter access panel at the bottom front of the machine, place a towel and shallow tray underneath, then slowly unscrew the filter cap to drain residual water. Pull out the filter, remove any debris, rinse it under a tap, and refit it securely.
- 5
Spin the drum by hand to test the bearings
With the machine empty and switched off, open the door and spin the drum by hand. A healthy drum spins freely and quietly. A rumbling, grinding, or rough feeling as it turns is a strong indicator of worn drum bearings. Also push the drum up and down — more than a few millimetres of movement suggests bearing wear.
- 6
Inspect the drive belt
Unplug the machine and carefully pull it away from the wall. Remove the back panel (usually held by several screws). Locate the drive belt running around the drum pulley and motor. Check for cracks, fraying, or signs that it has slipped. A worn belt should be replaced — search for your model number to find the correct part.
- 7
Check the shock absorbers
With the back panel removed, locate the shock absorbers connecting the outer tub to the machine frame. Push the tub firmly and release it — it should return smoothly with minimal bounce. If it bounces several times or you can see oil leaking from the absorber body, the shock absorbers need replacing. This is a moderately straightforward DIY repair with the correct replacement parts.
When to call a service technician
If the drum feels rough or loose when you spin it by hand, or if you hear a deep, constant rumbling that worsens with spin speed, the drum bearings have most likely failed. Bearing replacement requires dismantling a significant portion of the machine and pressing out the old bearings — this is a job best left to a service technician to avoid damaging the outer tub or drum shaft.
You should also call a service technician if the machine vibrates so severely that it moves across the floor despite being level and properly loaded, if you notice burning smells alongside the noise, or if the drum has stopped turning altogether. These symptoms suggest motor or structural damage that goes beyond routine maintenance.
Prevention
The parts most commonly replaced on Electrolux washing machines presenting with loud noise are the drum bearing and seal kit, the drive belt, and the shock absorbers. Using genuine or quality-equivalent parts ensures the correct fit and helps the machine run quietly for longer. Always quote your full model number when ordering to make sure you get the right specification.
To reduce wear on these components, avoid overloading the drum, always check pockets before washing, and run a monthly drum-clean cycle to prevent debris build-up. Keeping the machine level and on a solid floor also significantly reduces stress on the bearings and suspension over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Electrolux washing machine make a loud noise only during spin?
Noise that appears specifically during spin is most often caused by worn drum bearings, failed shock absorbers, or an unbalanced load. The spin cycle puts the most mechanical stress on these components. Try redistributing the load first — if the noise persists with a balanced load, the bearings or shock absorbers are the likely culprit.
Is it safe to keep using my washing machine if it is making a loud noise?
It depends on the cause. A minor rattle from a trapped coin is unlikely to cause further damage if dealt with quickly. However, continuing to run the machine with failed drum bearings can cause the drum shaft to damage the outer tub, turning a moderate repair into a much more expensive one. It is best to diagnose and fix the noise promptly.
How do I know if it is the drum bearings that are causing the noise?
Spin the empty drum by hand with the machine switched off. If you feel resistance, roughness, or hear a rumbling sound, the bearings are likely worn. You can also push the drum up and down — excessive play of more than a few millimetres is another clear sign. A loud roaring noise that increases with spin speed strongly supports a bearing diagnosis.
Can a washing machine make a loud noise because of the installation?
Yes. If the transit bolts were not removed when the machine was first installed, the drum is locked in place and will make an extremely loud banging noise from the very first cycle. Check the back of the machine for any remaining transit bolts and remove them. Also ensure the machine is sitting level on a firm floor, as an uneven surface amplifies vibration significantly.
How much does it typically cost to fix a noisy Electrolux washing machine?
The cost varies widely depending on the cause. Replacing a drive belt or shock absorbers is relatively affordable, with parts typically costing between £15 and £50 and the job being manageable as a DIY repair. Drum bearing replacement is more involved — parts and labour from a service technician can range from £100 to £200 or more depending on the model and your location.