Loud noise from Electrolux washing machine

[PapaG]

Hi all,

I've got a loud noise coming from my washing machine which seems to only happen with around 15 minutes remaining on the cycle. It's not weight related as it also happens on an empty drum.

When the cycle has almost finished the drum will stop but the sound carries on for 30 seconds or so.

I've already changed the belt for an OEM one.

The video attached shows you what I'm dealing with.

Any help would be appreciated.

Dan

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hi Dan. When the drum stops, the only thing left running is the water pump. So is it the pump making that noise? Have you checked it for obstructions?

[PapaG]

11 minutes ago, Whitegoodshelp (Andy) said:

Hi Dan. When the drum stops, the only thing left running is the water pump. So is it the pump making that noise? Have you checked it for obstructions?

Good shout, I'll take a look.

I'm assuming the pump would only come on towards the end of a cycle too?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Aye only once rinsing starts. 

[PapaG]

No dice I'm afraid. There were obviously a couple of hairbands in the filter so it could well be damaged. Next time I have it on I'll stick my ear next to it to see if that's the source

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Disconnect washing machine from the main, disconnect motor plug and put onto spin. That should just mean the only thing running is the pump.

[PapaG]

On 17/11/2022 at 11:30, Whitegoodshelp (Andy) said:

Disconnect washing machine from the main, disconnect motor plug and put onto spin. That should just mean the only thing running is the pump.

I'll give that a go. Using my ear didn't really pinpoint the issue

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Aye the noise can come from the motor the drum or the pump. In the video all 3 are on action so you can't tell. 

[PapaG]

I've found the source of the noise! What part is that?

 

[PapaG]

After doing some Googling, the thing that's spinning there is the dryer component of the washing machine.

Why on earth is that running towards the end of a standard wash?

Source: https://www.ransomspares.co.uk/parts/brands/electrolux/washing-machines/ewx14450w (91460600100)/

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Does it make that noise on the drying cycle? It's hard to imagine the dryer fan making all that noise. 

[PapaG]

14 minutes ago, Whitegoodshelp (Andy) said:

Does it make that noise on the drying cycle? It's hard to imagine the dryer fan making all that noise. 

Yeah, if I put it on dryer only it makes the noise

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Wow that's quite a racket for a small part. You won't be able to buy any parts for it. It would need a complete unit. I can't think why it needs to run on spin either. 

[PapaG]

It only does it on normal runs over an hour, anything shorter and it doesn't happen.

Wondering if it's some clever way of getting a bit more moisture out once the spin has finished.

We don't even use the dryer, we have a separate dryer for that. Wondering if I can just unplug the motor.

Gotta be worth a try, even if it is just to doubly prove that is the problem

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Yes you could unplug the fan. I wouldn't expect it to affect the wash and spin cycle. However, if the dryer was ever accidentally activated, the heating element would quickly overheat without the dryer fan running. So I would try to safely disconnect the dryer heater too, making sure the wires are securely taped away and insulated. 

 

 

[PapaG]

1 minute ago, Whitegoodshelp (Andy) said:

Yes you could unplug the fan. I wouldn't expect it to affect the wash and spin cycle. However, if the dryer was ever accidentally activated, the heating element would quickly overheat without the dryer fan running. So I would try to safely disconnect the dryer heater too, making sure the wires are securely taped away and insulated. 

 

 

That all makes sense, and good shout on the heater. Thanks Andy

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

I would check that the wash and spin cycle still work ok before securing and insulating all the wiring. 

[PapaG]

That's the plan. I'll keep this post updated as it's a peculiar problem - hopefully it can help someone else in the future 

[PapaG]

So that seems to have done the trick, tested it on an empty load and had no noise. All insulated, tidy and back together.

The one thing I had though about is if the heating element for the washing machine is linked in a circuit with the heater with the dryer in some way. Just need to make sure that the washing machine element is working as expected.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Nice one. No the heater for washing is totally separate. 

[chris01]

Mine does that, is it to clear fluff from dryer parts?