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
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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