Why a scraping washer happens#
A scraping washer usually points to a failing drum spider — the cast arm behind the drum has corroded and cracked, so the tub runs off-centre and scrapes as it spins. A hard object trapped in the drum is the everyday second cause, and worn tub bearings the third. The ranked table below sorts them. A scrape that only shows at high spin, with a bit of play when you rock the drum, points at the spider, while a scrape you can trace to something loose in the tub is far simpler. Most of these come down to one worn part, not a machine that is finished.
What a scraping really means, ranked by odds#
A washer scraping is a noise whose exact pitch and timing point toward the failing part. You will usually catch the scraping during the high-speed spin, when the drum is turning fastest.
| Likely cause | What's happening | How likely | First thing to check | Fix it yourself? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loose drum spider | the cast drum spider arm has corroded and cracked, unbalancing the tub | Most likely | rock the drum and watch for play at the rear hub | No — pro repair |
| Foreign object in drum | a coin, wire or clip is trapped and tumbling inside the drum | Possible | check the drum, gasket and pump filter for stray items | Yes — often DIY |
| Worn tub bearings | the tub bearing has worn until the spinning drum grinds on its shaft | Less likely | spin the empty drum by hand and feel for grinding | No — pro repair |
Typical repair cost: $150–450, depending on which part has failed.
Do You Have the Right Tools?
Bearing puller set ($120), drum spider wrench ($85), multimeter ($85), and diagnostic software. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Safe checks, then the cost call#
Kill the power at the breaker and let the drum stop before you reach inside. Start with the easy suspect: check the drum, the door gasket folds and the pump filter for a coin, wire or clip, since a trapped object is the one cause you can usually clear yourself. With the tub empty, spin it slowly by hand and listen — a steady scrape with a little wobble at the rear hub suggests the spider, while a rougher grind that never eases hints at the bearings. Both of those sit deep in the machine and are pro work. Once the spider or bearings are on the table, put the tools down; a confirmed repair here typically runs $150–450, generally worth it on a washer with good years left, and a technician can pin the exact part in a single visit.
Common questions when the scraping starts#
Why is my washer making a scraping noise?#
Most often a cracked drum spider throws the tub off-centre, with a trapped object the next cause. The ranked table sorts them. Checking the drum and filter for stray items is the quick first step.
Could loose drum spider be the cause of the scraping?#
Yes — it tops the list. A corroded spider arm unbalances the tub so it scrapes on spin. Rocking the drum and feeling for play at the rear hub is the telltale check, and repair is pro work.
Does foreign object in drum also make a washer scraping?#
Often, and happily it is the easy one. A coin or clip caught in the drum or filter scrapes as it tumbles. A look through the drum, gasket and pump filter usually turns it up, and clearing it is a homeowner job.
What about worn tub bearings — can that do it?#
They can, lower down. A worn bearing lets the spinning drum grind on its shaft. Spinning the empty drum by hand and feeling for roughness catches it. Like the spider, it is an internal repair for a pro.
Is the scraping dangerous?#
A light scrape from a loose object is harmless once removed, but a failing spider or bearing left to run can damage the tub. If the noise pairs with wobble or leaks, switch off and have it checked before the next wash.
Appliance Repair Technician & Diagnostics Specialist · 10 years experience
Electronics and diagnostics specialist with 10 years of experience in modern smart appliance repair, specializing in LG and Samsung.
