A grinding or rubbing sound from a Maytag MVW7232 is often normal for a modern washer, and Maytag says it typically happens only during the agitation or wash and the spin parts of the cycle: you may hear the motor as it alternates direction and some gear sounds. It gets worse if the washer is not level or is overloaded, and if you have a drain pan the tub bottom may rub on it, especially with heavy or bulky loads, in which case extend the leveling legs to their maximum height.
Differential
Likely causes of “Maytag MVW7232 top-load washer makes grinding, squealing, clicking or banging noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Normal motor and gear sounds
What separates it The sound is limited to wash agitation or spin and changes as the motor reverses
How to confirm Compare when the sound occurs with Maytag's description of the normal motor and gear sounds
- 2
An unlevel washer
What separates it The noise grows and the cabinet rocks because the washer is unlevel
How to confirm Adjust the leveling legs, until the washer sits firmly and does not rock
- 3
An overloaded basket
What separates it There is louder grinding with a big load because the basket is overloaded
How to confirm Reduce the load, so that the clothes move freely in the basket
- 4
The tub bottom rubbing a drain pan
What separates it A rubbing sound with bulky loads and a pan installed
How to confirm Extend the leveling legs to maximum height, so the tub bottom does not rub the drain pan
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- When in the cycle the sound occurs
- Whether a drain pan is installed
- Whether the sound grows with heavier loads
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCompare the sound to Maytag's description
ReversibleMotor direction changes and gear sounds during agitation and spin are part of normal operation.
Level the washer
ReversibleFollow the installation instructions and adjust the legs so all four feet press the floor.
Lighten the load
ReversibleLighten the load, following the owner's manual loading guide, so that clothes and the basket move freely.
Check a drain pan
ReversibleIf a pan is used, raise the washer using the leveling legs so the tub does not touch it.
Call service if it changes
ReversibleCall service if it changes, since a sound that worsens or turns metallic is a service call.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Drain pan and leveling
- If a drain pan is installed under the washer, Maytag says the tub bottom may rub on it, more often with heavy or bulky loads, and the leveling legs may need to be extended to their maximum height. The washer must sit with all four feet in firm contact with the floor; try rocking it diagonally, corner to corner, and adjust until it does not rock.
- Sounds Maytag calls normal
- Maytag says new washers make different noises from older ones. A grinding or rubbing sound typically occurs only in the agitation/wash or spin parts of the cycle, the motor can be heard as it alternates directions, and some gear sounds are part of normal washer operation. Noise that differs from those patterns, or that begins suddenly, is the point at which to check leveling, load and any drain pan.
- Parts for this problem on the MVW7232 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- drain pump, part number W11396717, at $139.60.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models MHW8630, MHW6630, MHW5630H, MHW5100, MVW8230, MVW7230, MVW6500, MVW6200, MVW5430, MVW4505.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the sound is metallic scraping or gets louder over time, stop and call Maytag service
- !If the tub touches the cabinet, stop using the washer
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Maytag's own article on why the Bulky cycle fills in stages while agitating and how long the fill can take.
Maytag's own table of top-load washer codes and resolutions.
Maytag's own symptom articles for top-load washers, each.
Maytag's model page and manual listing for the MVW7232HW.
A dealer listing giving the MVW7232HW's capacity, width and feature list.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
Is grinding normal on a Maytag MVW7232?+
Some motor and gear sound during agitation and spin is normal, per Maytag.
Why is it louder when the washer is unlevel?+
Unlevel legs let the cabinet vibrate, and Maytag says noise worsens if the machine is unlevel.
Can a drain pan cause a rubbing noise?+
Yes, the tub bottom can rub on it with heavy loads; extend the legs.
Can an overload make noise?+
Yes; an overloaded washer can make a louder grinding noise.
Does noise mean the washer is broken?+
Not by itself; check level, load and pan first.