Amana's guide separates normal sounds from ones that need attention on the NTW4516. Normal: a clicking and hum as the lid lock self-tests at the start of the spin, several kinds of humming as the agitator tests load balance, silence while the washer determines the water level or soaks, a continuous pump hum with periodic gurgling during Drain & Spin, and metal snaps or buckles touching the basket. Not normal: clicking or metallic noises from objects caught in the drain system, such as coins that fell between the basket and tub or blocked the pump.
Differential
Likely causes of “Amana NTW4516 top-load washer makes grinding, squealing, clicking or banging noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Normal sensing, lid-lock and pump sounds
What separates it There are hums, clicks and gurgling at known moments because these are normal sensing, lid lock and pump sounds
How to confirm Compare with the guide's list of normal sounds
- 2
Objects caught in the drain system
What separates it There is a clicking or metallic noise during the cycle because objects are caught in the drain system
How to confirm Empty pockets; call for service if items are trapped
- 3
An unlevel washer or a flexing floor
What separates it There is a rattle and rocking during the spin because the washer is unlevel or the floor flexes
How to confirm Level the feet; a 3/4 in plywood sheet under the washer reduces sound on a flexing floor
- 4
Metal on clothing
What separates it There are clicks when zippers or snaps touch the basket because of metal on the clothing
How to confirm Nothing to fix; zip and snap items before washing
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- What the sound is like and when it occurs
- Whether the pockets were emptied before the wash
- Whether the floor under the washer flexes
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedMatch the sound
ReversibleMatch the sound, by comparing it with the guide for the lid lock click, the balance hums and the pump gurgle.
Empty pockets
ReversibleEmpty pockets, since loose coins can fall between the basket and the tub, or block the pump.
Level the washer
ReversibleLevel the washer, so that the front and rear feet are in firm contact with the floor.
Check the floor
ReversibleIf it flexes or sags, a 3/4 in (19 mm) piece of plywood under the washer reduces sound.
Call service if it stays
ReversibleCall service if the noise stays, since trapped items may need a technician to remove them.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Sounds Amana lists as normal
- The guide's list of normal sounds for this washer includes a clicking and hum at the start of the spin as the lid lock self-tests, different humming as the agitator tests balance or moves the load, silence while it determines the water level or lets clothes soak, and a series of clicks and whirring as sensing determines whether the load is off balance.
- Parts for this problem on the NTW4516 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- washing machine drain pump assembly, part number WPW10661045, at $53.20; drive belt, part number W11239857, at $47.40.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the NFW5800 front-load washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If clicking or metallic noise persists after you empty pockets, it may be an object in the pump; call Amana service
- !If the sound becomes a loud scrape, stop the washer
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Amana's own table of top-load washer codes and resolutions.
Amana's own symptom articles for top-load washers, each.
A dealer listing giving the NTW4516FW's capacity, cabinet size and feature list.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Is clicking normal on the NTW4516?+
Yes, at the start of the spin as the lid lock self-tests, and during load-sensing spins.
Why does the pump gurgle?+
The guide says a continuous hum with periodic gurgling or surging is normal as the final water is removed during Drain & Spin.
What causes metallic noises?+
Objects caught in the drain system, or metal snaps and buckles on clothing touching the basket.
Can the floor cause noise?+
Yes; a flexing floor may need a plywood sheet under the washer.
Why does the washer go quiet?+
It may be determining the correct water level or allowing time for clothes to soak.
When should I call service?+
When metallic noise persists after emptying pockets.