If you’ve got a loose washing machine drum, you’ll notice your appliance is noisier than usual. You might see that it shakes a lot more during washing cycles too. Ignoring this can cause serious damage to your appliance. 

In this guide, we'll show you how to spot a loose drum. We’ll tell you why it might be happening and when you should call in an expert.

Signs of a loose washing machine drum

These are some of the most common signs of a loose drum:

  • Loud banging or rattling noises during a cycle
  • Your washing machine shakes and vibrates more than usual
  • The drum moves too much, even when gently pushed

Possible causes of a loose washing machine drum

There are a few reasons why you might have a loose drum.

Wear and tear

Washing machine parts eventually wear out and need to be replaced. So a loose drum is normal with older appliances. Simple home maintenance checks can help stop this and extend the life of your washing machine. Things like cleaning the filter and not overloading the drum make a big difference. To help with this, check out our washing machine care tips.

Overloading the drum

Overloading your washing machine puts extra strain on the drum. Over time this can cause it to break down. If your drum is moving too much or making loud noises, it might be because it’s been overloaded. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on load size to avoid damaging it.

Faulty bearings

Bearings help the drum spin smoothly – but like any moving part, they wear out. If you hear a grinding noise when spinning the drum by hand, the bearings might already be worn out. You’ll need to replace the bearings if you want to avoid any further damage to your machine.

Loose weights

Most washing machines have weights to balance the load during cycles. If these weights come loose, they cause loud banging noises. Tightening the weights will balance your appliance again and prevent any more damage happening.

Shock absorber issues

Shock absorbers keep the drum stable during washing cycles. If they wear out or break, your washing machine might shake or make loud banging noises. If there’s a lot of vibration or unusual sounds, it could mean you need some new shock absorbers.

How to fix a loose washing machine drum

Sometimes all it takes is a quick fix at home – while other times, you’ll need the help of a professional. But before you call an engineer:

  • Look for items stuck in the drum – clear any small objects like coins, buttons or shoelaces
  • Check the balance – make sure your appliance is on a flat surface (a spirit level helps)
  • Inspect the drum for movement – there shouldn’t be too much give when pushed gently

Get an expert washing machine repair

So you’ve checked the balance and looked for trapped items – but the drum is still loose? Sounds like it might be a bigger issue. Using an appliance with a loose drum could cause more damage so book a repair with an expert engineer.

About the author

Richard Dellow

Richard has been working as an engineer at Domestic & General for over 4 years and is keen to share some of the ways our customers can avoid paying for an appliance repair.

As the Regional Field Service Manager, Richard works very closely to our network of engineers and is an integral part of helping our customers ‘self-fix’ wherever possible.

With special expertise in maintaining many household appliances, especially gas appliances, Richard is a source of great expertise when it comes to making these essential home appliances run smoothly and for as long as possible.

In his free time, Richard enjoys spending time with his family and loves being outdoors, endurance and trail running are his passions, but loves any opportunity to take part in big challenges.

To make the most of Richard’s appliance wisdom, take a look at the articles below- they might save you a hefty repair fee…

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