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.
My Kitchenaid Superba only hums in the wash cycle. If I allow it to continue to hum the washer will shut down completely after a few minutes. I’m guessing that this a safety function to prevent further damage. If, while the washer is still humming, I shut the machine down manually, I can turn the dial to spin, it will spin and drain like it should. I’m thinking it is the motor?? Your thoughts.
Thank you for the reply RR! Your advice was the “push” I needed. I replaced the motor and haven’t had an issue since. My late reply was due to the lack of time available as I’ve been busy catching up on laundry. My family thanks you too. Chris O
Patti,
May have a clutch or agitator dogs issue (plus your broken belt)… What is the model number of your washing machine?
-RR
Belt broke on my top load washing machine. We replaced the belt now the washing machine will fill but once it goes into the wash cycle, it clicks but won’t agitate. Same on the rinse cycle. If we turn the agitator as it is filling, by hand, it will start but once it gets to the rinse spin cycle it will not start on its own. Lights are flashing. We have to unplug it, plug it back in turn the agitator by hand and it will finish the cycle. Each time it gets to the point were it is suppose to agitate or spin, it will click and then try to start a few times. Then the lights flash. Thanks for any help on this.
ChrisO,
From the detailed description you have provided…
Sounds like the washer drive motor is occasionally overheating from larger loads, therefore tripping the thermal overload circuit in the motor and making it stop working for a short period of time. Usually 30 minutes pass and the motor resets itself. That is why you can restart the washer after some time has passed. Try reducing the size of your laundry loads. If the issue happens even on small loads, then replace the motor or the thermal circuit as it could be faulty and therefore causing your intermittent issue.
-RR
Washing machine has a Humming noise. But not with every load of wash. Kenmore Elite clothes washer, top-load, direct drive, model 110-24952300. Family of six (and the laundry is building up!).
The humming sound occurs after the machine fills the tub with rinse water and attempts to engage the rinse / spin cycle. Again, this is intermittent. For example, today I ran the washer empty following a new part. Ran fine. We washed a load of table linens. Ran fine. I threw in a load of towels. Filled, agitated, drained, filled again, then hummed. The smell of a hot electrical motor was present, but not overloaded. This happens occasionally and I’ve been thinking that the motor is getting overheated after a heavy load or a few small loads and shuts down. Why do I think this? Because I can push timer switch in to turn it off, let it stand for 15-30 minutes, pull the timer switch out and the motor engages and resumes its cycle thru completion. Initial troubleshooting started with a new lid switch following little research effort. Same problems. Read nearly every DIY webpage and video and replaced a few parts to no avail!
Here’s what I’ve done:
-Replaced lid switch – $35;
-Inspected pump and discharge lines – clear, impellers look good and spins freely (water is discharged without any apparent impediment, again the issue is intermittent)
-Inspected Timer, cleaned a few suspect terminals (no changes in behavior, so I dont think I screwed that up);
-Tested capacitor for continuity, good;
-Tested motor switch cycle combinations for continuity (4?), good (BTW, I’m a novice with a multi-leader tester);
-Inspected motor coupling, looks great;
-Inspected clutch, found I could move the cam with a little effort and the shoes / pads were slightly worn – replaced it for $45, no change (all symptoms I researched for a worn clutch indicate “slow spin speed” and / or wet clothes at the end of cycle – neither of which were evident);
-Brake cam looks fine;
-Transmission – doesn’t make a squeak, rattle, or banging sound, good(?)
So, what does that leave?? I think something is burdening the motor that I cant identify or the motor’s mechanical (internal) components aren’t functioning properly causing it to overheat and shut down.
What you got?? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
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.