Top Load Washer - Noises Heard During Agitation

Normal sounds and noises made during the wash agitation cycle on top-load washers include:

 

Drumming

This noise is caused by air being pushed out of the basket towards the outer case. This causes the cabinet/outer case to move in and out which may sound like someone is beating on a drum.

 

Metal Clanking/Clicking

On models without a transmission, a metal clanking or clicking noise when the unit is going from agitate to spin is the mode shifter shifting from agitate to spin. When the machine is transitioning from agitate to spin, the gears that interlock the agitator and basket are engaging so the basket and agitator will spin together.

 

Thumps/Bumps/Bangs/Rattles

These noises can be caused by improper installation such as the shipping rod being left in, moving the washer without the shipping rod in place or the washer not being leveled properly.

 

Installation information

• You must remove the shipping material just before sliding the washer into place. There will be either a shipping rod, Styrofoam shipping material or a cardboard base and cardboard cone. If the shipping material has not been removed, the washer will vibrate and be noisy.

• Consult your Installation Instructions for removal of the shipping material. Download a copy of your Installation Instructions.

• View a short video about the shipping rod:

   

   

• Leveling: Review your Installation Instructions for proper installation information.

 

If the noise persists, please schedule an appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.

 

Below is a list of sounds that are specific to models GTW460*, GTW485*, GTW490*, GTW500*, GTW680*, GTW750*:

 

Metallic Click

At the beginning of the cycle the lid will lock, creating a clicking noise. The basket will then spin up and coast down several times to sense the load size. You will hear the click several times as the lock engages and disengages. For an example of the Clicking sound:

 

 

Waterfall Noise

During the fill cycle, water is being added to the basket and the basket slowly spins to distribute the water evenly over the clothes. For an example of the Waterfall filling sound:

 

 

During agitation on the GTW680, the recirculation pump spraying water on top of the clothes during the wash cycle sounds like a waterfall. For an example of the Waterfall sound during agitation:

 

 

Humming/Grinding/Electric Pulsing/Pausing

A noise that sounds similar to an electric can opener is normal. During load agitation the agitator rotates in one direction, followed by a short pause, and then rotates in the opposite direction. This gives it an electric pulsing, humming or buzzing noise.

 

For an example of the Pulsing sound for GTW680 or GTW750:

 

 

For an example of the Pulsing sound for GTW460, GTW485, GTW490, GTW500:

 

 

Thumping/Drumming/Rocking

This machine will spin up to 800 rpm during the spin cycle. If the washer is not completely level, it will be off-balance during spin and will make a thumping or drumming noise or will rock back and forth. For an example of the Drumming sound during spin:

 

 

Hum with Water Sounds

This sound occurs when the machine begins to pump water out. It will sound like an electronic hum with water flowing out of the unit.

 

For an example of the Humming sound for GTW680 or GTW750:

 

 

For an example of the Humming sound for GTW460, GTW485, GTW490:

 

 

Slurping/Gurgling

This sound occurs when the pump is draining out the last bit of water from the machine. Typically sounds like a slurping or gurgling noise. This is caused by the combination of air and water being pumped out of the machine. For an example of the Gurgling sound: