Washing Machine Making Noise During Spin Cycle – Motor Issue Diagnosed and Fixed in Chicago

We received a service call from a customer in Irving park reporting loud grinding and knocking noises coming from their washing machine during operation. Our technician arrived within a couple of hours and began a thorough diagnostic.

After starting the rinse and spin cycle and waiting for the washer to fill and engage, the described noise was clearly audible. It appeared to come from the motor and transmission area. The technician stopped the cycle, drained the water, and tilted the washer back to safely access the components underneath.

With the drive belt removed and the pulleys manually inspected, it was confirmed that the noise originated from the electric motor. To determine the exact cause, the technician disconnected the wiring, unscrewed the mounting bolts, and removed the motor by turning it counterclockwise.

The issue was found in the cooling impeller located at the top of the motor. This plastic fan is simply press-fitted onto a smooth shaft with no locking mechanism. Over time, it had slipped off, causing it to rattle. Unfortunately, the impeller is not available as a separate replacement part, and replacing the entire motor would have been unnecessarily expensive.

To fix it, the technician used abrasive pads to create a snug fit and reinstalled the impeller securely, preventing it from slipping in the future. All parts were reassembled in reverse order.

The washing machine now runs smoothly and quietly. The repair was completed on the first visit — efficiently and affordably.