Why is my washing machine loud during spin cycle?

Is your washing machine loud during spin cycle? This can be alarming—and frustrating. While some noise is normal during high-speed spinning, loud banging, grinding, or thumping sounds are usually a sign that something isn’t right.

Whether your washer is loud during the spin cycle occasionally or every time you run a load, understanding the cause can help you prevent bigger problems down the road. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common reasons your washing machine is making noise when spinning, what you can safely fix yourself, and when it’s time to call a professional.

What's Normal vs. Not Normal?

Washing machines naturally make more noise during the spin cycle because that’s when the drum rotates at high speeds to remove water from your clothes. A steady humming or light vibration is completely normal.

However, you may have a problem if you notice:

• Loud banging or thumping
• Grinding or rumbling sounds
• Squealing or screeching noises
• Excessive shaking or movement

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my washing machine making a banging noise when spinning?”—you’re not alone. Let’s look at the most common causes.

Common Causes of a Washing Machine Loud During Spin Cycle Issue

1. Unbalanced or Overloaded Washer

This is the most common reason for a washing machine loud during spin cycle problem.

When clothes are unevenly distributed or packed too tightly, the drum can become off-balance. This causes the machine to shake, bang, or even “walk” across the floor.

What you can do:

• Pause the cycle and redistribute the clothes evenly
• Avoid overloading the washer
• Wash bulky items (like blankets) separately
  
  

2. Washer Isn’t Level

If your washing machine isn’t sitting evenly on the floor, it can vibrate excessively during spin.

What you can do:

• Check that all four feet are firmly on the ground
• Adjust the leveling legs if needed
• Make sure the floor is stable and not uneven

3. Worn or Broken Suspension Components

Top-load washers use suspension rods, while front-load washers use shock absorbers to keep the drum stable. If these parts wear out, the drum can move excessively during spin, causing loud banging noises.

If your washer sounds like it’s slamming around, this is a likely cause.

👉 This is not a DIY-friendly repair for most homeowners. It’s best to call a professional technician.

4. Damaged Drum Bearings

Drum bearings help the washer spin smoothly. Over time, they can wear out, especially if water leaks into them.

Signs of worn bearings:

• Loud grinding or rumbling noise
• Noise gets worse as the spin speed increases

As the bearings continue to deteriorate, the sound often becomes louder and more pronounced during high-speed spins, and ignoring the issue can eventually lead to damage to the drum or motor.

👉 Bearing replacement is a complex repair and should be handled by a professional.

5. Loose or Damaged Drive Belt

Some washers use a belt to rotate the drum. If the belt becomes loose, worn, or damaged, it can lead to a washing machine loud during spin cycle issue.

👉 A technician can inspect and replace the belt if needed.

6. Foreign Objects Inside the Drum

Small items like coins, buttons, or even bra wires can get stuck inside the drum or between the drum and tub, causing rattling or scraping noises.

What you can do:

• Check pockets before washing
• Inspect the drum for visible objects
• Listen for rattling to identify this issue

7. Motor or Pulley Issues

If your washer is making unusual noises during spin, the motor or pulley system could be worn or failing.

👉 These components require professional diagnosis and repair.

How to Fix a Loud Washing Machine When Spinning

If you’re trying to fix a loud washing machine when spinning, start with the simple solutions:

• Redistribute the load
• Reduce the load size
• Make sure the washer is level
• Check for loose items inside the drum

If the noise continues after these steps, the issue is likely due to a worn or damaged internal component.

When to Call a Professional

If your washer is loud during the spin cycle and:

• The noise is getting worse
• You hear grinding or metal-on-metal sounds
• The washer is shaking violently
• Simple fixes didn’t solve the problem

…it’s time to bring in an expert.

Ignoring the issue can lead to more serious damage and higher repair costs over time.

Related Issue: Washer Not Spinning?

If your washer is noisy and also struggling to spin properly, you may be dealing with a related problem. Check out this post for more info: Washing Machine Not Spinning

Still Have a Washing Machine Loud During Spin Cycle Problem? Contact Allsafe Appliance

A loud washing machine isn’t just annoying—it’s often a warning sign that something needs attention. If you’re unsure what’s causing the noise or want a reliable fix, the experts at Allsafe Appliance are here to help.

Our experienced washer repair technicians can diagnose the issue and get your washer running smoothly again.