Maytag Washing Machine Making Noise: Locate the Sound Safely

Use only checks that match the exact appliance or system and its official guide.

1. Check 1

   Note whether the noise occurs during fill, wash or agitation, drain, spin, or door or lid locking, and describe it as a click, hum, whir, bang, thump, grind, rub, squeal, or metal scrape.

   Expected result: Maytag identifies motor sounds during agitation and spin and pump humming during drain as possible normal operating sounds, while grinding or rubbing is usually tied to agitation or spin.

   Next step: Stop for impact, metal friction, leaking, smoke, burning, arcing, or violent movement; otherwise continue with the matching external check.

   Why this matters

   Why: The phase and sound type separate normal motor or pump operation from load, installation, hose, or mechanical concerns.

2. Check 2

   With the washer stopped and the load accessible, redistribute loose clothing and remove only an obvious overload or single bulky item when the tub or basket is stationary.

   Expected result: Maytag says an uneven or bulky load can create movement, noise, and vibration during spin, and an overloaded washer can make grinding louder.

   Next step: Use the model's loading guidance and do not add water to correct balance; stop and request service if the basket still strikes or the washer walks.

   Why this matters

   Why: A noise that changes when a safe load is balanced points toward load distribution; the same noise with a normal load points toward installation or service.

3. Check 3

   Check that the washer is level and that all four feet are firmly on the floor; look for a rocking cabinet or a damaged drain pan beneath the machine.

   Expected result: Maytag links an unlevel washer to louder grinding, vibration, and out-of-balance movement; a tub bottom can also rub against a drain pan under heavy or bulky loads.

   Next step: Follow the exact installation instructions for any foot adjustment; if the floor, pan, or cabinet is damaged, keep the washer stopped and arrange service.

   Why this matters

   Why: A stable floor contact and clear pan relationship can explain noise that appears mainly during spin without proving a failed internal part.

4. Check 4

   Inspect visible drain and inlet hoses at the rear and sides for a loose loop, contact with the cabinet, a kink, or a connection that could move as water flows; do not pull the washer out across a wet floor.

   Expected result: Maytag notes that hoses can bang against the rear cabinet during fill or vibration and that hose contact can transmit noise through the washer.

   Next step: Secure only an accessible hose position as the model instructions allow; stop for a wet connection, leak, or damaged hose and request service.

   Why this matters

   Why: A hose striking the cabinet is an external sound source, unlike a scrape that remains after hose clearance and load correction.

5. Check 5

   For a front-load washer, confirm that shipping materials were removed at installation; for either design, check the outside of the tub area and floor for an object, panel, or drain pan that could be contacted during movement.

   Expected result: Maytag says shipping materials left in a front-load installation can cause excessive noise, and a drain pan can rub against the tub bottom on some models.

   Next step: Do not remove panels or reach into moving parts; correct only a clearly accessible external obstruction and stop if contact or damage remains.

   Why this matters

   Why: An installation remnant or external contact can mimic a drive or bearing fault, but a persistent internal scrape needs professional diagnosis.

6. Check 6

   Listen from a dry, safe position for the point at which the sound changes: motor direction, pump drain, high-speed spin, door or lid lock, or the transition between wash and spin.

   Expected result: Maytag describes direction-changing motor and gear sounds during agitation, pump humming during drain, and load-related vibration during spin; a new sound isolated to one transition is more useful than a general loudness judgment.

   Next step: Do not lean over a moving basket or run a damaged washer for a closer listen; record the safe observation and arrange service for metal friction, impact, or repeated noise.

   Why this matters

   Why: The transition identifies whether to follow the normal-operation, hose, balance, drain-pan, or service branch.

7. Check 7

   Record the full model number, top-load or front-load design, load type, cycle phase, noise description, whether the machine moved, and any leak or error indication for Maytag support or a technician.

   Expected result: Maytag directs owners to use the model number for manuals and installation information, and its noise pages route persistent problems to service.

   Next step: Keep the washer out of service for persistent noise with a normal load, movement, leaks, heat damage, smoke, or electrical symptoms.

   Why this matters

   Why: The model and event sequence let service distinguish normal operating sounds from a fit-specific installation or internal fault.