Amana V Washer: Abnormal Noise or Vibration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single most common cause of a new washer noise?

Something that came out of a pocket and reached the pump. It is the first check on this page because it costs nothing and it resolves a large share of cases.

How do I tell a bearing from an unbalanced load?

Run the machine empty. A bearing still roars with an empty drum and the noise tracks the speed. An unbalanced load cannot make any noise with nothing in the drum.

Do all the models in this family behave the same way?

The model matrix on this page lists the models covered. The cycle-stage logic holds across all of them; which drive arrangement and which pump are fitted does not.

Will clearing the filter fix a grinding noise?

If the grinding is at the drain stage, very likely. If it is at spin and tracks the drum speed, clearing the filter is worth doing but it will not be the cause.

Can a foreign object damage the machine?

Yes. An object circulating in the pump chips the impeller, and one trapped between drum and tub cuts a groove and eventually punctures. Both get more expensive the longer they run.

Why does the machine only bang on some loads?

Because balance depends on what is in the drum. A single towel or a duvet cannot be distributed, so the drum runs eccentric and strikes the cabinet at speed.

Is a new machine supposed to be this loud on spin?

High spin speeds are audible on any machine, but the sound should be smooth and should rise and fall evenly. Banging, scraping and roaring are not part of it.

Do transit bolts cause noise?

On a machine that has recently been moved or installed, absolutely. Bolts left in, or feet that were never levelled afterwards, produce violent spin noise from day one.

Will a quieter detergent or a lower spin help?

A lower spin reduces the symptom without touching the cause, which is reasonable as a stopgap. It is not a repair, and a bearing will keep deteriorating at any speed.