Knocking noise during spin cycle in Indesit washing machine
During operation, automatic washing machines may experience certain malfunctions. Some components may simply wear out, while other malfunctions may be caused by external factors, such as power surges or foreign objects lodged in the drum. We'll now discuss the causes of unusual knocking noises during the spin cycle in an Indesit washing machine and how to resolve this issue.
When it's not about a breakdown
To figure out why your Indesit washing machine is making knocking and jumping noises during the spin cycle, you'll need to diagnose the system. There are several possible causes. It's best to start with the causes that don't indicate a malfunction.
Uneven distribution of laundry in the drum. During the wash cycle, the load of clothes sometimes forms a solid lump and slams against the drum walls. This causes an imbalance. In this situation, resolving the slamming noise is simple: pause the current program, wait for the door to unlock, and then distribute the items evenly across the drum.
Modern Indesit models have a built-in imbalance control function, so this problem should not arise.
The washing machine is on an uneven surface. Very often the cause of unpleasant noise lies precisely in the incorrect installation of the machineBy changing the position of the unit, the knocking noise can be eliminated.
To determine if the machine is truly positioned incorrectly, use a spirit level and check that the frame is level. If you don't have one, simply try rocking the machine. When the machine is positioned correctly, it won't budge. If incorrect positioning is detected, the best solution is to purchase special stands and place them under the frame, leveling the washing machine.
Problems with springs and shock absorbers
Vibrations and knocking noises are often caused by problems with the washing machine's springs and shock absorbers. These components are designed to prevent the machine from shaking and maintain its balance. Over time, these components wear out, causing unusual noises. The springs that hold the drum in place lose their elasticity over time, causing it to shift and hit adjacent parts during washing..
Failure of springs and shock absorbers is the most common cause of knocking noise. What should you do if this is indeed the case? There's only one solution: replace the faulty parts. This requires several important steps.
- Remove the top cover of the housing.
- Raise the tank as high as possible and secure it to the canopy. You can secure the tank with any object you have at hand, such as a wooden block.
- Pull the spring firmly towards the drum and carefully detach it from the housing.
- Attach a new working part in its place.
Once all faulty components have been replaced, you can lower the tank back into place. Then reassemble the machine in the order it was disassembled. If the grinding noise persists, further investigation is necessary.
Problems with counterweights
Counterweights are designed to ensure machine stability. They are shaped like heavy concrete blocks. In most models, the counterweight is mounted just under the top cover. This prevents the washing machine from shaking or jumping when the drum rotates at high speeds.
During use, the fasteners holding the washing machine loosen. The counterweight begins to wobble and hit the walls of the tank. This problem can be easily fixed; simply access the counterweight and tighten all the fasteners.
To do this, detach the top wall of the frame, inspect the concrete block, and tighten its fasteners. If the part still feels loose after these steps, you can try unscrewing the bolts and adding additional washers. The washers will help the loose stone hold better.
An object fell into the tank
A grinding noise in an Indesit washing machine can be caused by a hard foreign object lodged in the drum. This problem is much more serious than the previous ones, since the system can simply jam at any moment. To eliminate the cause of the noise, you need to unplug the machine and begin disassembling it.
If an object that has fallen inside the structure is not removed in time, it may cause a hole in the plastic tank wall, which will require serious repairs to the washing machine.
So, after the machine is de-energized, try removing the foreign object through the heating element opening. To do this, follow these steps:
- disconnect the washing machine from the house utilities;
- ensure free access to the rear wall of the case;
- remove the back cover by unscrewing the mounting screws;
- disconnect the heating element contacts;
- remove the retaining nut;
- Grasp the heater and, gently rocking it, remove it from the tank.
It is necessary to remove the heating element carefully so as not to damage the wiring.
Once the heating element is removed from the housing, reach your hand into the empty hole and try to remove the foreign object. If the cavity is too narrow for your hand to fit through, shine a flashlight into the hole and use a wire to pull the object out. Once you've successfully removed the object, you can reassemble the washing machine in reverse order and replace it.
Rarely, knocking noises in washing machines are caused by damaged bearings. You can check them by removing the back panel of the housing. Carefully examine the center of the pulley. If the bearing is defective, grease will leak from there. This leak is easily visible to the naked eye. If you discover this problem, it's best not to attempt to replace parts yourself. This is a complex repair, so it's best to call a professional.
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Dishwasher
I loaded my Indesit machine, turned it on, but the door won't close and the wash won't start. I have to slam the door shut to get it to start. This hasn't happened before. What could it be? Thanks!