The drum of the washing machine is touching something

It can be concerning if the washing machine’s drum appears to be in contact with something inside during a cycle. If you hear scraping or have a feeling that something isn’t quite right, you may be concerned that the machine or your clothes might sustain damage.

To avoid more issues, it’s critical to identify the root of this one. It might be a straightforward problem, like something getting stuck inside, or it might be a sign of a mechanical problem that needs to be fixed. In either case, taking quick action now can prevent more serious issues later on.

We’ll look at common causes for the drum making contact with objects in this article, along with do-it-yourself solutions and professional advice when necessary.

Causes of a scraping sound

Without contacting a professional, you can locate the cause of a scraping sound at your house. It suffices to perform a sequential diagnosis, looking into all potential sources of the malfunction. First, turn off the washing machine’s communications, open the hatch door, run your palm over the drum, and assess its "behavior":

• if the cylinder rotates silently with a slight stretch – there is no breakdown;
• if you hear a grinding and humming sound when scrolling – the bearings are worn out;
• the drum does not scroll – a hard object got into the machine, jamming the cylinder;
• the cylinder touches the edge of the hatch cuff – the rubber has come off or was chosen incorrectly;
• the drum rotates slowly, with strong tension – problems with the drive belt or a broken crosspiece.

Pumping the drum backward and then forward is the second step. It is imperative to assess the presence of backlash, as a noticeable gap forms during cylinder shifting or subsidizing. In the event that the gap is apparent, immediate repairs are needed.

A breakdown will manifest itself if the washing drum roars, rattles, or brakes while rotating. Instead, it should spin softly and silently.

The washer should then be connected to the communications network, and an idle pressing program should be started at full speed. The container flew off the shaft or hung on its edge if the machine started to struggle against the case walls during acceleration. Shock absorbers and a bearing node will be under suspicion in this scenario.

In the following step, we investigate the washing tank’s rear. The simplest method to accomplish this is via the rear panel; simply remove the bolts holding it in place and detach it from the body. Next, we assess the tank’s condition. The bearings are worn out if water droplets and rusty streaks are visible.

One of the following issues needs to be found during diagnostics:

• deformation of the drum crosspiece;
• problems with the drive belt (the rubber band has come off or broken);
• wear of the bearings;
• shaft breakage;
• failure of shock-absorbing elements (springs or dampers);
• a foreign object gets into the tank.

Any of the aforementioned issues results in the drum’s rotation trajectory changing, which grinds and rustles. However, more thorough system testing is required for an accurate "diagnosis"; you must regularly review all of the options.

Your washing machine’s drum touching anything could indicate a major problem, such as an uneven load, a worn-out bearing, or loose parts. By taking immediate action, you can shield your machine from future harm, make sure it operates properly, and avoid having to pay for expensive repairs.

Find and fix the problem

Just the initial step of repair is surface diagnostics. You will need to disassemble the machine partially in order to confirm the nature of the breakdown and precisely identify the reason why the drum rubs against the machine’s walls. Next, you should examine each potential issue one by one, starting with the drive belt and working your way down to the challenging-to-test bearing assembly.

The drive is where the check begins:

• disconnect the washing machine from the utilities;
• turn it with the back facing forward;
• unscrew the bolts holding the back wall;
• put the unscrewed panel aside;
• look at the pulley (is there a belt on it)?
• return the belt that has flown off to the pulleys, turning the wheel by hand;
• change the torn rubber band for a new one, focusing on its serial number.

The diagnostics proceed if the drive belt is installed. Examine the cuff after opening the drum; occasionally, the cylinder’s edge comes into contact with the seal. You’ll need to use fine-grained sandpaper to clean the "extra" portion or trim the rubber band a little.

Inspecting the shock absorption comes next. If the upper springs are defective, the tank descends below the designated level and collides with the body. The cylinder can’t be held in the correct position by weak and broken "spirals," which causes the container to move and start hitting the washing machine’s walls. You must install new components and remove the outdated ones in order to remedy the situation. The guidelines are as follows:

• to remove the lower spring: fix the tank, pull the coil down, unhook its hook from the surface of the tank and from the machine body;
• to remove the upper spring: place an object under the tank to stabilize it, pry the spring hook with a screwdriver and unhook it;
• to install the spring: proceed in reverse order.

Shock absorbers are also inspected; worn-out, unscrewed, or broken struts fail to reduce vibration from the drum. It is necessary to replace these parts; take the old ones apart and put in the new ones. The steps are as follows:

• remove the front panel of the case;
• unscrew the bolt securing the strut from below;
• unfasten the upper latches of the damper by putting a nut or socket wrench on the back of the bushing, and then pull it towards you with pliers;
• remove the shock absorber from the machine.

Is everything with the shock absorbers in order? After removing the back wall and the heating element, we attempt to feel the object that entered the tank with our hand through the hole that was created. To replace your fingers, use a wire hook.

In order to stop additional damage, you must act swiftly if the drum of your washing machine comes into contact with anything. Frequently, basic inspections such as verifying that the apparatus is level and not overburdened can address the issue.

Should the noise continue, it might be a sign of a more significant problem, such as worn bearings or a damaged drum. In this situation, it might be best to seek professional advice in order to prevent future expensive repairs.

Your washing machine can last longer and function more efficiently with routine maintenance and attention to any strange noises.

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