Loud Banging When Spinning

[derekheiron]

I have had my Meile washing machine for around 10 years without problems, the machine has started banging loudly when spinning. The drum runs freely and there is no play in the bearings, I have replaced the dampers and can see nothing broken. Can anyone help?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

"Banging" could be various things so it's hard to get an idea without a more specific description. Washing machine noise problems are covered in depth here - http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/washing-machine-is-noisy/

[derekheiron]

The loud banging noise only occurs when the drum is loaded, and only as the spin speed increases, it is fine when it is empty and at low speed.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Everything I can think of to help with a noisy washing machine went into my article Derek

http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/washing-machine-is-noisy/

It's a long article but I tried to cover everything, make sure you read all the right column too. I'd look at the possibility of a loose tub weight or cracked drum spider but check them all out. It's all about process of elimination.

[edhorwood]

Just out of interest, when you put a load into the machine and start a wash cycle, does the drum drop much when you watch through the door? When you changed the dampers did you have to remove the heavy weights? if so, did you ensure they were done up tight on re-assembly?

[derekheiron]

Hi, The drum doesn't drop when loaded, there is no play at all when you try to lift the inner drum. There was no need to remove any weights when changing the dampers, however, I have checked every nut and bolt I can get at to make sure they are all tight. I have run out of ideas now and am looking for a replacement.

[edhorwood]

This is why I changed my suspension units the first time. The drum wasn't dropped, but was banging the more it spun. The reason is that a spring inside a suspension unit was broken and not absorbing any shocks. The drum was basically banging up and down in the suspension.

[derekheiron]

My washer doesn't have suspension units as such, the drum hangs on four springs and has a damper on each side at the bottom to stabilise it.

[edhorwood]

those dampers should have springs in them. If you push on the top of the drum casing, you should see the dampers gradually allow the drum to sink. If only one side goes down, then a spring is broken inside or seized.

[derekheiron]

Neither the new dampers or the ones previously fitted had springs in them, they are just gas dampers similar to the ones on a car hatchback.

[edhorwood]

The point is, do they gently go down when you push the top of the drum? does one side drop quicker than the other? etc etc.

Gas, spring or oil, they are all prone to failure. Gas can leak out if the seal is no good.

Perhaps it would be a case of watching the drum with a cycle from the top. You should be able to see what is happening to cause the banging. Obviously keep your hands out of the machine during this test.