Washing Machine Noisy Then Started Smoking

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Noisy spin followed by smoke likely points to drum bearing failure

The problem

The washing machine became noisy on spin, then stopped fully draining after the spin cycle, leaving some water in the drum. On a later attempt it ran until mid-spin, then started billowing smoke, and was switched off immediately.

Likely cause

The strongest diagnosis in the discussion is failing drum bearings or a worn drum shaft. This could allow the drum to move during spin and rub against the door seal, creating friction, rubber debris and apparent smoke. A burned-out pump or motor was mentioned as possible but less likely.

What fixed it

Check the door seal near the drum lip for torn rubber or sticky rubber marks, spin the drum by hand for a rumbly noise, and check whether the drum can be lifted up and down. If excessive movement or bearing noise is found, replacement of the machine may need to be considered because some newer machines require the complete tub assembly when bearings fail. The exact repair was not confirmed.

Checks to try

• Check the door seal where it sits close to the drum lip for torn rubber
• Check for sticky rubber marks on the lip of the drum
• Spin the drum by hand and listen for a rumbly or noisy sound
• Check whether the drum can be lifted up and down