Tapping noise when drum turns
I've just finished a new washing machine help article on Whitegoodshelp. I recently had to repair my son's washing machine. It was making a strange tapping, rattling sound when the drum revolved. It was much louder on the spin cycle. At first I was puzzled and was unsure what the noise could be. When I pulled out the washing machine and took off the back panel I could see that the drum pulley was loose. It was still securely fastened with the pulley bolt, but the centre of the pulley had badly worn.
Full story with videos and sound can be found here rattling tapping and grinding noise on spin
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Tapping/rattling noise traced to worn drum pulley
- The problem
- Washing machine made a strange tapping/rattling noise as the drum revolved, much louder on spin.
- Likely cause
- Confirmed fault was a loose drum pulley caused by badly worn pulley centre. The pulley bolt was still secure, but the pulley had play on the shaft. The accepted reply also noted that shaft or drum spider damage could give similar symptoms, but that was not confirmed here.
- What fixed it
- The thread identifies the fault as a worn drum pulley and recommends replacing the pulley promptly. If there is any doubt about damage to the shaft, bearings or other internal parts, further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
- Checks to try
- Back panel removed for inspection
- Drum pulley observed to be loose
- Pulley bolt checked and found still securely fastened
- Pulley centre found to be badly worn
- Parts or tools mentioned
- drum pulley
- pulley bolt
- back panel
Safety: Isolate the washing machine from the mains before removing any panels or inspecting inside.
1 Answer
A loose or worn drum pulley is a very plausible cause of a tapping or rattling noise that gets worse on spin, so your findings make good sense. The higher the speed, the more the pulley can rock on the shaft and make that metallic tapping or grinding sound.
A few useful checks for anyone with the same symptom:
1. Isolate the washing machine from the mains before removing any panels or inspecting inside.
2. Remove the back panel and watch the large drum pulley while slowly turning the drum by hand. - It should run true without wobbling. - Any sideways movement, knocking, or visible oval wear around the centre points to pulley damage.
3. Check the pulley bolt. - Sometimes the bolt simply works loose. - If the bolt is tight but the pulley still rocks, the centre of the pulley may be worn or damaged as in your case.
4. Inspect for secondary damage. - Look for black dust, metal filings, belt wear, or scoring around the shaft. - Also check the belt hasn’t been damaged by the pulley running out of line.
5. Check the drum shaft spider area if unsure. - A worn pulley can be the fault, but if the shaft itself is damaged or the drum spider has failed, fitting a new pulley alone may not cure it.
If the problem is confirmed as a worn pulley, replacing it promptly is wise before it damages the shaft or throws the belt off. If there is any doubt about the shaft, bearings, or other internal parts, it’s best to get a qualified appliance engineer to inspect it.
Thanks for sharing the fault and fix — it’s a very useful one because these noises can easily be mistaken for bearings or something trapped in the drum.
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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