When a washer makes a buzzing sound, the most common fault is that there is something stuck in the pump and blocking it. The buzzing sound occurs as the drain pump tries to run but something is blocking it and the “buzzing” noise occurs. As a blocked pump is the most probable cause for a buzzing washer, there can also be a other problems that can cause this noise. We will list the most common reasons for this problem beginning with the most probable first. If your washing machine is NOT buzzing but instead your washer is not spinning or draining during the cycle, then a different troubleshooting method is needed.
MOST PROBABLE REASONS FOR A BUZZING SOUND IN WASHING MACHINE:
- Blocked Drain Pump: An object has lodged itself inside of the drain pump. There can be items such as a small sock, a coin, a toothpick, or something small in your clothes pockets when you wash them. These items can fall out of the pockets and end up in the drain pump causing it to become blocked and make the buzzing noise you hear. Here is an audio recording of a blocked drain pump. Unfortunately, the only way to fix this problem is to take the washing machine apart and open up the pump and remove the object causing the buzz sound. To find directions to take your specific washing machine apart, do a Google search for Make and Model of your washer.
- Motor Coupling Broken: The motor coupling has broke and the motor turns but nothing happens. This will also cause a buzzing noise which can also be described as a vibrating noise. To fix this issue you will need to take the washer apart. Here is a video to show you what to look for if your washer motor coupler is broken. Once you know that the motor coupling is broken and needs replaced, we recommend ordering the part online. Simply do a search for “washing machine model motor coupler” and you will find the part needed for your specific washing machine.
- Washer Drive Block Loose or Worn: The washer drive block is not tight or has worn out. The part will need to be replaced to fix this problem. Here is an audio clip of a worn washer drive block to help you to diagnose that this is your actual issue. To further assist you with this issue, here is a video to show you how to replace a washer drive block.
- Worn Agitator Dogs: When these are worn, you will hear a clicking or crunching noise. These small plastic parts are used to turn the top of the agitator in one direction. This pushes the clothes down to the bottom part of the agitator to be washed. Here is what your washing machine will sound like when the agitator dog ears are worn. To replace these, order them online (about $5 bucks) and then install them in your washer. Here is a video to show you how to remove and replace washing machine agitator dogs.
- Washer Motor Burned Out: This may result in a buzzing noise depending on circumstances. The way to tell a bad motor is a distinct burning smell. This usually means your washing machine is old and the motor has died from old age. You may need to start thinking about buying a new washing machine. if that is not possible, you can buy a new washer motor for around $100 and install it yourself. Here is video showing how to remove a washing machine motor.
CAUTION: When troubleshooting your washing machine problems, always be safe by unplugging the machine and using common sense. Think SAFETY!
The website RepairClinic has thousands of parts for your washing machine and has many troubleshooting methods to fix any appliance. Another DIY appliance website is AppliancePartsPros which can assist you greatly when needing washing machine parts.
If you have another probable cause for a buzzing washing machine, please leave a comment below to assist others.
Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
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Sean Stephenson,
If the door on your front load washer is drooping, be sure the hinge portion is tight and secure. If the hinge is bent or has loose hardware, it will cause the door to droop and may be causing the buzzing noise while the washer runs. Check hinge for loose hardware or possibly being bent downward. Secure the hardware or replace door hinge. If buzzing persists, check to be sure door locking mechanism is secure and properly in place.
-RR
Keith,
Is the washer working properly besides the buzzing noise? If the timer motor is buzzing, that may be an indication that there is a bad spot on the timer motor. You can try opening up the control panel and inspecting the wires and the timer control and motor. If all the wire harnesses are secure in the control panel, and the buzzing persists, you may want to remove and replace it. If the washer is still working properly, you can leave it as is but in the near future it may fail and the washer will not go into certain cycles.
-RR
I have a GE top load washer that is making a buzzing sound around the control switch. It happens most of the time the wash is running in about every mode although I did not hear the buzzing in the rinse fill cycle. Any thoughts?
I have had the exact same problem with my Frigidaire Affinity washer front load. Just replaced the plastic door clip and locking mechanism or switch. The door itself is dropping and getting hung up if not lifted up while closing, hence why I replaced door clip and lock mechanism in the first place. The parts were from Frigidaire direct and therefore OEM replacement parts. Definitely installed correctly. I am getting a very loud and obnoxious buzzing or vibrating noise coming from front of machine immediately after turning on. My wife is pregnant and won’t be happy until I resolve the issue. It’s very irritating to me and I can’t imagine how she feels listening to the noise every load of laundry. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Yvonne,
If the door buzzes be sure you put the correct OEM door switch in your Frigidaire washer. Some generic washer parts MAY NOT fit perfectly and therefore buzzing and vibration will occur. Either way be sure it is secure and tight or vibration may occur. Re-tighten the screws holding it in place. Also, be sure it is correctly in place and seated properly. If you do have an OEM part, and it is installed correctly, and the buzzing vibration persists, then yes a new strike may be needed. Also be sure the hinges on the washer door are tight as if these become loose the door can droop down and not line up perfectly and therefore cause the buzzing sound from vibration.
-RR
I just replaced the door lock assembly on my Frigidaire infinity washer. Spin works now, but the door lock area makes a loud buzzing sound. I took it back apart and checked everything and put back together tightly. It buzzes worse. If I push on the door or hold it up slightly, it might stop briefly but starts up again. Seems to be a vibration buzz. Only read one other person online with this problem and it only said make sure it is tight and replace the striker. Have ordered striker. Any other ideas in the meantime?
Steve,
Is the sound more of a buzzing (electrical) or a humming (vibration) sound? Sounds like you may need to inspect and test the motor. If the lid switch is working properly and the washer changes, works okay sometimes and sometimes not, test the motor and cap if applicable. When you say it sometimes shuts off, at what exact point does it USUALLY shut off? Can you supply us with your Whirlpool Top Load serial number?
-RR