A noisy Kenmore washing machine can be an unsettling issue for lots of homeowners. The noise is not only disruptive to your daily routine, but it could also indicate a more serious problem with the Kenmore appliance. There are many ways to make your Kenmore washer working again. In this article we’ll go over the causes that are most commonly associated with an unsettling Kenmore washing machine, and provide you with easy-to-follow suggestions and tips to fix the issue. We’ve got the solution for you, no matter the kind of sound you’re hearing, for example, an ear-splitting bang or loud rumbling sound. So, let’s get started!
Pump & Pump Motor
The drain pump on the Kenmore washing machine used to move the water from the wash tub prior to and during the spin cycle. It is motor driven by belts, motor driven, or even have an electric motor. If your Kenmore washing machines make a loud noise either during or following spin cycles It could be a sign that the drain pump is not operating properly. How to check the pump and pump motor on aKenmore washing machine:
- To identify the pump, unplug the Kenmore washer and remove the front or cabinet. Plug your washer back in and run a cycle to confirm that the pump is the source of the sound. Be aware that you’re being exposed to electrical circuits as well as moving parts.
- If you are able to confirm that the noise is coming from the pump, you must remove the inlet hose to the pump.
- Inspect the pump impeller to look for signs of foreign object that may be creating the noise or for damage to the impeller. It is also recommended to manually turn the impeller to make sure it’s not seized or worn. Remove any foreign objects that might be located around the pump.
- If you notice any indications of wear or damage, or if your impeller appears to be damaged, you’ll require a replacement pump motor. The motor in front-loading Kenmore washers is typically an electric drain pump that is self-contained. If the motor gets damaged or worn it is necessary to replace the pump from Kenmore will be required.
Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the drive motor and transmission in top-load Kenmore washers. It also connects the drive and the basket in front-load Kenmore washers. The drive belt is used to connect the drive motor to the transmission of some top load Kenmore washers or the drive motor to the wash basket in most front load Kenmore washers. A drive belt may be either a single V-shaped belt or a multi-ribbed belt. It is typically composed of rubber, however it may also have a fabric cover. On Kenmore washers that are front loading, the drive belt is usually multi-ribbed and made to be mounted to provide a snug fit. For top loaders that are belt driven Kenmore washers, the drive belt will typically be an X-shaped belt that has a fabric covering to allow for some slippage , or it might be a covered rubber belt fitted with an idler pulley or another device for tensioning to lessen the amount of friction created when the motor kicks off. What can you determine if yourKenmore washing machine’s drive belt is wearing out?
- Disconnect your Kenmore washer from the power source, and then take the access panel off or cabinet.
- Locate the drive belt. It will be attached to the motor drive at one end. Once you’ve found it remove the clamps holding it in place. You can examine the belt by removing the clamps.
- Be sure to inspect the drive belt for indications of wear, flames or fraying damage.
- If you find any of these the above, you’ll require a Kenmore replacement drive belt.
Direct Drive Motor Couplement
Top load Kenmore washers employ direct drive motor couplings to transfer power from the motor into transmission. The drive coupling links the motor to the transmission. It’s comprised of two plastic drive forks and a rubber coupling between them. The drive shaft is linked to one fork while the second one is connected the the transmission input shaft. When the shaft of the motor rotates the rubber coupling between the drive forks absorbs the pressure to prevent the forks from breaking. The coupling will wear out over time. The drive forks could slipand cause a vibration. If the coupling is damaged or the spin basket cannot turn freely, then the coupling could fail and again you may experience the sound of vibrating. How to examine the condition of aKenmore washer’s direct drive motor coupling:
- Unplug the Kenmore washer.
- Unlock the doors of your Kenmore washer’s cabinet to locate and remove the direct drive motor coupling. Based on the model you might need to remove the motor or drain pump to access the motor coupling.
- Inspect the motor coupling for any signs of cracking wear, or damage.
- If you find one of the above, you will need a Kenmore direct drive replacement coupling.
Shock absorbers
All front-loading Kenmore washing machines include shock absorbers. These are used to stop tub movement in the spin cycle. To access the shock absorbers or struts, you’ll need to take out either the front or rear panels. The Kenmore washing machine may make an ear-splitting noise during spin cycles if shock absorbers get weaker or damaged. It can result in damage to other parts. How to check the shock absorbers on aKenmore washer machine:
- Connect the Kenmore appliance from its power source.
- Based on the model, remove the rear or front panel to reveal the shock absorbers.
- Check the shocks for damaged connections, leaky fluids, or weak damping.
- You’ll need new shock absorbers from Kenmore If either shock exhibits any of the signs. Both shocks should be replaced simultaneously.
Tub Dampening Strat
Top-load Kenmore washers can make use of tub dampening straps order to help cushion the tub’s motion throughout spin cycles. The tub’s top and each corner of the cabinet are secured with four straps. They are constructed of rubber and may break with normal usage. If the straps are damaged or stretched, the tub could come into contact with the cabinet during its spin cycle and create an eerie sound. The straps will become more stressed if they are subject to a lot of pressure. How to inspect the tub dampening straps on the Kenmore washer:
- After disconnecting your Kenmore appliance from the power source, open the cabinet that houses your washer.
- Find your tub dampening clamps. There will be four, all fixed to the cabinet, as well as one on the corner.
- It is recommended to inspect the straps for fraying, wear, or damage. If any of the previously mentioned straps show signs of wear that they are fraying, you’ll need four Kenmore tub dampening replacement Straps.
- You should replace all four straps at the same time as they wear at roughly the same pace.
Drive motor
The main drive motor of a top load Kenmore washer utilized to operate the transmission spinning the wash basket and on some washers from Kenmore, to run the pump, too. When Kenmore washers are front loaded the drive motor runs an electric belt that is driven by the pulley that spins the wash basket. The most frequent indication of a damaged drive motor is a buzzing or humming sound that occurs when it begins. Sometimes, this could be accompanied by a faint burning smell. A thermal overload is a situation in the drive motor detects an overcurrent state and shut off power to the windings. It could be due to an engineered component of the motor that is seizing or due to a problem within the motor itself. What you can do to check the performance of a Kenmore washing machine’s drive motor using a multi-meter
- Before you begin, be sure you have unplugged the appliance. You’ll be working with electrical components.
- The cabinet that you have removed from your Kenmore washer, and then locate the motor that drives it. Once you’ve found it then disconnect the wires that are connected to it, and then remove it from the washer in order to test it.
- Your multi-meter should be set to Rx1 Test for continuity by placing the probes on one terminal each. You should get a reading of zero or close to zero.
- You can test for contact with the ground by putting one probe on an electrical terminal, while the other probe will test the motor’s metal housing. The test will not give you any readings.
- You’ll require a replacement Kenmore drive motor If your test results are different than the results described in the previous paragraphs.
Drive Motor Pulley and Pump Pulley and Transmission pulley
On belt-driven Kenmore washers the motor pulley is used to support both the drive belt and sometimes , the pump belt. There are also pulleys that are attached to the transmission and the pump. The pulleys could accumulate a buildup of grease, rubber compound or dirt that could trigger a squealing or thumping sound while the motor is running. It is important to check the pulleys for dirt accumulation or damage if your washer produces this sound when it is spinning and draining or moving. How to check the pulleys of the inside of yourKenmore washing machine:
- Before you begin, disconnect your appliance from power sources.
- Remove the cabinet and find the pulley that is in question. Take the belt off the pulley in order to examine the pulley with a keen eye.
- It is important to look for signs of wear and damage such as burning or wear. Also, look out for grease, dirt, and other materials.
- If you find any signs of damage, you’ll need Kenmore replacement pulley.
Pump Belt
On top load Kenmore, which are belt driven washers, the pump belt is what drives the pulley on the drain pump. The wear and tear of use can cause the belt to crack or become frayed, leading to sounds of thumping or clicking when the spin or drain cycle. You might also smell an unpleasant smell of rubber, or an insufficient drain. How to tell whether the pump belt of aKenmore washing machine is in need of replacement:
- Unplug your Kenmore appliance. Unlock the cabinet to discover the pump belt. It will be connected to the pulley of the drive motor one at the end.
- To examine the belt carefully remove the clamps that are holding the belt in the position. Be on the lookout for signs of wear, fraying or even burning.
- You’ll need to replace a Kenmore pump belt If you have any of these signs.
Tub Bearing
Both top and front-loading washers from Kenmore feature tub bearings that allow the wash basket and the tub to rotate in a revolving manner. Top load washers generally feature one bearing at bottom of the transmission or at the point of input to the transmission, and the other at the shaft that connects to the inner tube. Two bearings are utilized by front load Kenmore washers to support the wash basket shaft. They are located in the rear of the tub’s outside. A tub seal guards the bearings from water. The tub seal shields the bearings from washing water. Long-term exposure to harsh detergents and overload conditions can result in the seal wearing. How to examine the tub bearings on a Kenmore washer:
- Disconnect the power source from the Kenmore washer.
- Then, remove the Kenmore washer’s cabinet and locate the tub bearing. You might have to take out the inner tub, the wash basket, or transmission depending on what model of washer you have.
- Inspect the tub bearing for cracks wear, rust, cracks or any other signs that the bearings have worn out.
- You’ll require a replacement Kenmore tub bearing If you are experiencing any of these symptoms. It is recommended that you replace the tub seal in particular if the seal has signs of rusting or damage from water.
Agitator Directional Cogs & Dogs
Agitator directional cogs, sometimes referred to as agitator dogs, are commonly used to operate the upper section of dual-action agitators. These dogs in the shape of cams interact with the cogs located on the inside of the agitator while they move in one direction. They then release once the agitator is in a reverse direction. This permits the upper half of the agitator to “ratchet” to one direction while the bottom portion will move in both directions. The directional cogs, which are made out of hard plastic will wear out over time. When they become too smooth to properly connect the cogs on the agitator, they will begin to slip and produce a grinding or crunching noise. The top of the agitator may not be moving as smoothly or at all, you’ll also observe this. How to inspect the agitator’s agitator cogs within aKenmore washing machine.
- Like any other inspection make sure that your washer is disconnected from the power source prior to beginning.
- If your Kenmore washing machines have a fabric softener dispenser you can lift the lid and access the cogs. To get to the cogs on an appliance that does not have a softener dispenser, it is necessary to remove the agitator cover. Your model may require removal of the top or the base of the agitator in order to access the cogs.
- Check the cogs for wear, scratches, discoloration and any missing cogs.
- If you notice any of the above issues, you’ll require a pair of Kenmore replacement directional cogs.
Clutch Assembly
Some top load Kenmore washers use the clutch assembly to lock the input shaft of the transmission into the drive for the wash basket in the spin cycle. Over time, the repeated friction of the pads of the clutch against the housing could cause the clutch to wear and generate a sound of scraping. A worn clutch may stop the Kenmore washer from spinning or may cause a slower spin speed which can result in your clothes becoming wet after the cycle. Other indications that the clutch could be the cause of your issues are brake dust or shavings discovered beneath the Kenmore washing machine, a faint burning smell, or a high-pitched sound that occurs during the spin cycle. How to check the clutch assembly inside theKenmore washing machine
- Unplug your appliance prior as you will be handling electrical components.
- Find and remove the clutch assembly to allow for a close inspection. The clutch assembly is usually placed under the basket drive unit and is connected to the outside tub. To access the clutch, you will need to take the drive motor, cabinet and transmission away.
- Take a look at the clutch assembly for any signs of wear, damage, or burning.
- If you spot any of these issues, you’ll need a Kenmore replacement clutch assembly.