Ratting noise at very start of cycle, before drum spins
I have a 4 year old zanussi lindo 300 and it has started making an unusual noise. The noise is a ratting sound which happens at the very beginning of the cycle, before the drum even starts moving or water comes in. Once the water starts filling and drum starts moving the noise stops and everything continues normal. I am worried that if I don't address the cause of the rattling sound, more damage will occur. I've searched endlessly on Google but can't find anything specifically relating to noises before the drum starts moving. I have attached a short video where you can hear the noise quite clearly. Any ideas would really be appreciated! Thanks in advance.
20201205_130526_1_2.mp4
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.
Zanussi Lindo 300 rattling noise only at programme start
- The problem
- A 4-year-old Zanussi Lindo 300 makes a rattling noise right at the start of a cycle, before water enters or the drum moves. Once filling starts and the drum begins turning, the noise stops and the machine then runs normally.
- Likely cause
- The accepted reply says the timing most strongly suggests a component briefly energised during the machine’s initial checks. The most likely cause suggested was the drain pump, with other possible causes being the water inlet valve or the door interlock. No exact fault was confirmed.
- What fixed it
- Recommended action was to isolate the machine from the mains and check the drain pump filter and filter housing for debris, and check whether the pump impeller feels loose or rough. It was also suggested to check the water supply tap, inspect the inlet hose for kinks, clean the inlet mesh filter, and try to localise whether the noise comes from the pump area, inlet valve area, or door lock area. The thread was marked solved, but no final confirmed repair was posted.
- Checks to try
- Check and clean the pump filter
- Look for debris in the filter chamber
- Gently spin the pump impeller and note if it feels loose or rough
- Check the water tap is fully on
- Inspect the inlet hose for kinks
- Clean the small mesh filter in the hose/valve connection
- Localise whether the noise comes from the bottom front, top/rear, or door area
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before inspection. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
That timing is useful. If the noise is happening right at programme start, before fill or drum movement, it’s usually from a component the control briefly powers up during its initial checks rather than from the motor or bearings.
A few things to check:
1. Drain pump noise Many Zanussi/Electrolux machines briefly run the drain pump at the start of a cycle. A rattling or chattering sound can be the pump impeller, a small obstruction, or something caught in the filter housing. - Isolate from the mains first. - Check and clean the pump filter. - Look for coins, hair grips, bra wires or debris in the filter chamber. - Try spinning the pump impeller gently with a finger; a little magnetic resistance is normal, but it shouldn’t feel loose or rough.
2. Water inlet valve buzzing/chattering Even if water hasn’t visibly entered yet, the inlet valve can sometimes energise briefly and make a rattling/buzzing noise if the water pressure is poor or the valve is starting to fail. - Check the tap is fully on. - Inspect the inlet hose for kinks. - Clean the small mesh filter in the hose/valve connection.
3. Door interlock The door lock engages right at the beginning. If the sound is from the front near the lock area, it could be the interlock mechanism chattering before it fully locks.
4. Localise the sound Try to note whether it comes from: - bottom front = pump - top/rear = inlet valve - door area = interlock
If the machine otherwise washes normally, it may not be urgent, but it is worth checking now to avoid a pump or valve failing completely later. Please isolate it from the mains before inspecting anything internal, and use a qualified engineer for any mains-related checks or if the source still isn’t clear.
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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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