A squeaky Amana washing machine can be an annoying issue for many homeowners. It’s not just an inconvenience to your everyday routine, but it might also signal a larger issue with the Amana appliance. There are a few easy ways to make your Amana washer to run again. In this post we’ll explore the main causes of an unsettling Amana washing machine and give you simple tips and tricks to fix the issue. Whether you’re dealing with an ear-splitting, slamming or rattling sound, we have the solution for you. So, let’s get started!
Pump & Pump Motor
The drain pump on Amana washing machines is used to pump the water from the wash tub prior to and during the spin cycle. The pump may be belt driven, motor driven or have its own electric motor. If the Amana washing machines make an ear-splitting noise in between or after spin cycles it may indicate that the drain pump isn’t functioning properly. How to check and replace the pump motor in theAmana washing machine:
- Unplug your Amana washing machine and take off the front panel or cabinet to find the pump. Connect your washer to the outlet and run it through a cycle to verify that the pump is at the root of the sound. Be mindful as you’re being exposed to electrical circuits and moving parts.
- If you’re sure that the noise is coming from the pump, take out the inlet hose from the pump.
- The impeller should be inspected of the pump for any foreign objects or signs that may be causing noises or causing damage. You can also try to turn the impeller manually to confirm that it’s not damaged or broken. It is recommended to remove any foreign objects that might be found in the vicinity of the pump.
- You will need a replacement motor in the event that you observe any wear or damage or if your impeller appears to be stuck. The motor of front-loading Amana washers can be an electric drain pump that is self-contained. If the motor gets damaged or worn or damaged, a replacement pump from Amana is needed.
Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the drive motor and transmission in top-loading Amana washers. It also connects the drive motor and the basket in front-load Amana washers. The drive belt is connected to the drive motor with the transmission in top-loading Amana washers. In most front-loading Amana washers the drive is linked to the basket. The drive belt could be either a single V-shaped or multi-ribbed belt. It is usually constructed of rubber, but can also be covered with a fabric cover. The drive belt that is used to drive front load Amana washers is typically a multi-ribbed belt. It is designed for tight fitting. On belt driven top load Amana washers, the drive belt is typically a V belt with the cover of a fabric that allows some slippage. It might be a covered rubber belt with an idler pulley or another device that reduces the amount of friction created when the motor is started. How can you tell the if the Amana washer drive belt is in need of replacement:
- Unplug the Amana washer from the power source, then take the access panel off or cabinet.
- Find the drive belt; it’s connected to the drive motor at one side. Once you’ve located it, take off the clamps that hold the belt into place . Then, remove the belt for inspection.
- Check the drive belt for signs of wear, burning fraying, damages.
- You’ll require a new Amana drive belt If you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Direct Drive Motor Coupling
Some top load washers from Amana use direct drive motor coupling that transfers the power of the motor to the transmission. The drive coupling joins the motor and the transmission. It’s comprised of two drive forks made of plastic with a rubber coupling between them. One drive fork connects to the shaft of the drive motor and another is attached to the input shaft of the transmission. The rubber coupling between the drive forks absorbs the torque when the shaft of the motor turns. This helps prevent forks from breaking. The coupling will wear over time. The drive forks can slip, eventually causing a vibration. If the coupling is damaged or the spin-basket can’t rotate freely, the coupling could fail, and you could experience an eerie sound. How to examine the Amana washer’s motor coupling.
- Unplug the Amana washer.
- Then, open the doors of your Amana washer’s cabinet to locate and then remove the direct motor coupling. Depending on the model you’ll need to take out the drain pump or motor to access the coupling of the motor.
- Inspect the motor coupling for any signs of cracking, wear, or damage. If you notice any of these, you’ll require an Amana direct drive motor replacement coupling.
Shock Absorbers
All front-load Amana washing machines have shock absorbers, which are utilized to limit the tub’s movement in the spin cycle. The shock absorbers , also known as struts are connected to the base frame and to the tub’s outside. you’ll have to remove the front panel or the rear panel in order to access the struts. When the shock absorbers are weakening or break they will cause the Amana washing machine may make an ear-splitting sound during the spin cycle and should the problem not be corrected, can lead to damage of other components. How to examine the shock absorbers on the Amana washer:
- Remove the Amana appliance from the power source.
- Take off the rear or front panel, depending on your model, in order to locate the shock absorbers.
- Examine the shocks for broken connections, leaky fluids or weak damping.
- If one shock displays any of the signs above, you will need Amana replacement shock absorbers. You must replace both shocks in the same order, even if one does not show the signs mentioned above since they wear at roughly the same rate.
Tub Dampening Strap
Some models of top-load Amana washers have tub dampening straps to provide cushioning to the tub during spin cycles. There are four straps connected to the top of the tub and to the corners of the cabinet. The straps made of rubber can wear out during normal use. If the straps are damaged or stretched, the tub may touch the cabinet during the spin cycle , causing the sound of a loud banging. The straps become stressed if they are subject to a lot of pressure. How to examine the tub dampening strap of the Amana washer:
- Unlock the cabinet of the washer after you have removed your Amana appliance from the power source.
- Find your tub dampening clips. There are four, each attached to the cabinet and one on the corner.
- You must examine the straps for fraying, wear or damage.
- If one of the straps exhibit these signs, you will need four Amana replacement tub dampening straps. It is recommended to change all four straps at once since they wear out at about the same rate.
Drive motor
The main drive motor in a top load Amana washer used to drive the transmission spinning the wash basket and on some Amana washers, to control the pump as well. On Amana washers with front loading the drive motor is via a belt, which is then driven by the pulley of the wash basket. The most common sign of a failing drive motor is a buzzing or humming sound when it starts. Sometimes, this may be accompanied by a faint burning smell. Thermal overload occurs when the drive motor detects an overcurrent state and shut off power to the windings. The motor’s drive engine could have seized or it could be defective. What you can do to check an Amana washing machine drive motor with an multi-meter
- Make sure you disconnect the appliance prior to starting it because you’ll be working with electrical components.
- Locate the drive motor by removing the cabinet from the Amana washer. Once you have located it take care to disconnect the wires that are connected to it, and then take it out of the washer in order to test it.
- Your multimeter should be set to Rx1 and the probes placed at each terminal will be able to test for continuity. You should receive a reading of zero or close to zero.
- To check for a ground connection make sure that one probe is near a terminal, apply another probe to the metal housing of the motor. This test shouldn’t give you any readings.
- If the results of your test differ from the above-described results it is time to get an Amana replacement drive motor.
Drive Motor Pulley & Transmission Pulley
On belt driven Amana washing machine, the motor pulley supports the drive belt and in certain cases, the belt for the pump. Transmission and pump feature the same pulleys. These pulleys may accumulate a buildup of rubber compound, grease or dirt, which can result in the sound of a thumping or squealing when the motor is in operation. You should check the pulleys regularly for accumulation of dirt or damage if your washing machine creates this sound while spinning either draining or being agitated. Examine the pulleys on your Amana washer machine.
- Before you begin, disconnect your appliance from the source of power.
- Get rid of the cabinet and locate the pulley at issue. To inspect the pulley carefully, take the belt off.
- It is important to look for signs of damage and wear, such as burning or wear. You should also look for the presence of dirt, grease or other materials, cleaning whatever you can find off the pulley and surrounding area.
- If you notice any indications of damage, you will require a Amana replacement pulley.
Pump Belt
On top-load Amana washing machines that are belt-driven by the pump belt, it drives the pulley for the drain pump. Over time, wear and tear may cause the pump belt to crack or frayed, leading to a squealing or thumping noise during the drain or spin cycle. You may also notice a burning rubber smell, or a clogged drain. How do you tell if the pump belt in the Amana washing machine is in need of replacing:
- After disconnecting the plug on your Amana appliance, you can open the cabinet for the washer in order to find the pump belt. The belt of the pump is linked to the pulley on the drive motor, one-on-end.
- To examine the belt carefully take off the clamps that hold the belt in place. Check for evidence of wear, fraying, or burning.
- It is necessary to replace the Amana pump belt if you experience any of these symptoms.
Tub Bearing
Both front-load and top load Amana washing machines include tub bearings that permit the tub, or wash basket, to spin. Top load washers normally include a bearing at the bottom, or at the input of the transmission. The other is which is where the shaft joins the inner tub. Two bearings are utilized by front load Amana washers to help support the shaft that drives the wash basket. They are located near the rear of the tub’s outside. The bearings are shielded from the wash water by a tub seal. A prolonged exposure to harsh detergents as well as excessive load conditions can cause the seal on the bearing to weaken which allows water to enter the bearings, eventually leading to the bearings to fail. How to inspect the tub bearings on an Amana washer:
- Remove the power supply from your Amana washer.
- Locate the tub bearing by removing the Amana washer cabinet. The style and type of washer you have you might need to remove the inner tub or wash basket and/or transmission to access the tub bearing.
- Inspect the tub bearing for signs of cracking, rust, wear, water damage, or any other indication that the bearings have failed.
- If you find any of the symptoms above it is time to get an Amana replacement tub bearing. It is suggested that you change your tub seal at the same time, especially if your bearing is showing signs of rust or damage from water.
Agitator Directional Cogs & Dogs
Agitator directional gears are utilized to control the upper part of dual-action agitators. These dogs in the shape of cams connect to the cogs that are on the outer surface of the agitator when they move in the one direction. They release when it reverses direction. This allows the top portion of the agitator “ratchet” in one direction, while the lower portion of the agitator will agitate in both directions. The directional cogs are made of plastic that is hard and will wear out with regular usage. They could slip if are too smooth for them to grasp the cogs of the agitator. Also, you will notice that the top section of the agitator does not move at all or in any way. How to inspect agitator cogs onAmana washing machine:
- As with all inspections take your washer off the power source prior to starting.
- Lift the lid of the lid of your Amana washing machine, if it has a dispenser for fabric softener take it off to get access to the cogs. If your model doesn’t come with a dispenser for softening fabric then remove the agitator cap to gain access to the cogs. It may also be necessary to take off the top and/or base in order to reach the cogs according to the model.
- Check the cogs for signs of damage, wear, discoloration, and to look for missing cogs.
- If you notice any of the above, you’ll require a set of Amana replacement cogs for directional use.
Clutch Assembly
Some top load Amana washers utilize the clutch assembly to secure the shaft of transmission input to the wash basket drive in the spin cycle. Over time, the repeated friction of the clutch pads rubbing against the housing could result in the wear of the clutch and make a noise of scraping. A worn clutch can prevent your Amana washing machine from spinning properly or result in a slower speed of spin, which will leave your clothes wet after a cycle. Other indicators that the gearbox could be the cause of your issues are the presence of brake dust or shavings found underneath the Amana washing machine, a slight burning smell or a loud noise during the spin cycle. How to examine the clutch assembly inside an Amana washing machine:
- Unplug your appliance prior to beginning because you’ll be handling electrical components.
- For a closer examination, locate and remove the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly is usually found below the tub’s exterior and is attached to the basket drive assembly. To get access to the clutch, you’ll require removing the drive motor, cabinet and transmission off.
- Take a look at the clutch assembly to spot any signs of burns, burns or wear.
- You’ll require a new Amana clutch assembly if you experience any of these symptoms.