Hoover Top Loader Hnt6414 Knocking Noise On Spin

[mrzach2010]

The best machine I have ever had, but has started making a racket on spin and seems to be a complete mystery. It is more of a tapping noise which gets louder as the spin increases. This is with a full or empty drum. Washing cycles are fine. I don't think it is the bearings as it isn't a rumble ( I have even had the belt off and the drum turns fine without noise). I have had the back off and can see nothing knocking. When I turn the drum by hand it does make a slight clunk at the same point in each turn. I wondered if it was the door flaps because it is at the point where they go into the tub backwards, but they seem as good as ever. One of the paddles is slightly loose but nothing major. Any ideas as I really don't want to get rid of this, and top loaders are so expensive!

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

A metalic tapping noise sounding like someone hitting the tub with a metal screwdriver can be the heating element being hit by the drum, although mostly this only happens when there's a load in, and particularly with a heavy load. This would normally be a metalic tapping noise about 3 times a second. If it's an old washing machine with a metal outer tub the heater brackets used to rust and drop off on Hoover front loaders. Not sure if it happens on top loaders though. Other than that it's going to be a question of trying to see and hear where the noise is coming from with the back off (if it comes off).

[mrzach2010]

Thanks for your quick reply. I have had the back off, and it sounds like its coming from inside the drum/inner tub area. All I can think of is the inner door/s have become loose and are moving slightly due to centrifuge? I am puzzled, but can't put up with the row so think it will end up on ebay when I have found another machine!

[mrzach2010]

I thought I would just check the pulley bolt and can you believe this was loose, almost loose enough to turn by hand. Now tightened, the machine has no knocking! Never thought a loose pulley bolt would do that - just hope no more damage has been done whilst this worked itself loose.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Thanks for posting the results of your investigation, which will help others.