Grinding that tracks drum speed can come from a trapped object, damaged drive component or bearing—not from normal water movement. With power off, look at the gasket fold, drum holes and the removable filter for coins, underwire or debris. Run an empty spin and listen; a sound that is unchanged with no load points at the bearing and needs service.
What this covers
- Washing machines · noise
What it does not cover
Differential
Likely causes of “Washing machine makes a grinding noise during spin”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A coin, wire or small object is trapped between the drum and the tub
What separates it A metallic grinding that follows the drum speed, louder at high spin and present with even a small load.
How to confirm With power off, look at the gasket fold, drum holes and the removable filter for coins, underwire or debris.
- 2
A drum bearing is wearing out
What separates it A rumble or grinding that builds over weeks, is louder as speed rises and continues when the machine is completely empty.
How to confirm Run an empty spin and listen; a sound that is unchanged with no load points at the bearing and needs service.
- 3
The machine is unlevel or the drum is unbalanced by one heavy item
What separates it The sound comes and goes with a bunched item, and the cabinet rocks a little during spin.
How to confirm Rebalance the load and check that all four feet are firmly on the floor with a level.
- 4
Shipping hardware is still installed on a new machine
What separates it The grinding and shaking began on the first spins after delivery, and rear bolts or transit blocks were not removed.
How to confirm Check the installation record and the manual's unpacking diagram for shipping bolts.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the sound occurs empty, only with a certain item, or once per drum revolution.
- The spin speed at which it starts and whether it changes with the load.
- Whether the machine is new or has recently been moved.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedObserve before changing anything
ReversibleStop the cycle and record whether the sound occurs empty, only with one item, or once per drum revolution.
Isolate the failing boundary
ReversibleAfter disconnecting power, inspect the drum, gasket and removable filter for coins, wire or debris without opening panels.
Apply the narrow correction
ReversibleRemove only visible accessible objects and run a brief empty spin; persistent metal contact needs repair.
Verify the result and stop at the boundary
ReversibleStop immediately for binding, metal shavings, smoke or a burning odor.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop immediately for binding, metal shavings, smoke or a burning smell.
- !A grinding that continues with the machine empty means a bearing or drive fault; leave it for service.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Can I keep using a washer that grinds during spin?+
Not for long. If the sound is from a trapped object, remove it. If the sound continues empty, continued use can damage the drum, tub and seals, so book service.
Why does it grind?+
A trapped object or worn bearing.
What can I check?+
Pump filter.
Is it urgent?+
Yes.