Washing machine + Towels = Banging and clunking
Discussion
I have a samsung 8kg washing machine maybe 7-8 years old, it works 100% with normal full load clothes but soon as I put 1-2 towels in its banging and clunking so loud to the point I have to pause it and resume and pray with a delayed timer spin.
Its not touching the wall or any sides since I pushed it out further from its normal spot and feet levels are fine.
If I add 3-4 towels its better and less noise but still appears sometimes.
Anyone had this before and know what the issue could be?
Its not touching the wall or any sides since I pushed it out further from its normal spot and feet levels are fine.
If I add 3-4 towels its better and less noise but still appears sometimes.
Anyone had this before and know what the issue could be?
Wacky Racer said:
Just had the same with our Hoover last week.
Apparently, if there's not much weight in the drum it throws it out of balance, we had one shirt in, put more stuff in it stopped completely.
This. A couple of weeks ago I got home to be told by the step daughter the washing machine was broken. It had stopped mid-cycle and was full of water but wouldn't finish off.Apparently, if there's not much weight in the drum it throws it out of balance, we had one shirt in, put more stuff in it stopped completely.
Turns out she had put 1 single top in for a wash, the fault code was for an unbalanced load. Had to manually drain the machine and do a factory reset and then all was good again.
It has a sensor to stop it shaking itself to bits if the load isn't even while spinning.
There's also a fair chance the drain pump is blocked or obstructed. I think that's what it is anyway.. at the bottom of the machine at the front there'll be a cap to unscrew. Some water will leak out and then you will feel the impeller you can spin round with your finger. Spin it round, make sure it's clear. Remove the stickers/hair clips and other detritus that ends up in there.
My old machine did the same thing when it had stuff in there and I had a heavy load in. It stands to reason that towels would absorb and hold more and therefore need to shift more water during the spin/drain cycle.
My old machine did the same thing when it had stuff in there and I had a heavy load in. It stands to reason that towels would absorb and hold more and therefore need to shift more water during the spin/drain cycle.
First check is out of balance. Same as wheels on a car. If out of balance you feel it!
Towels absorb a lot of water, it’s what they are supposed to do. They get heavy, and put weight in one area.
Do a full load wash and avoid limited loads.
The other mechanical/parts failure reasons are all valid if sorting loads fails. Try the simple things first.
Towels absorb a lot of water, it’s what they are supposed to do. They get heavy, and put weight in one area.
Do a full load wash and avoid limited loads.
The other mechanical/parts failure reasons are all valid if sorting loads fails. Try the simple things first.
RenPug said:
This. A couple of weeks ago I got home to be told by the step daughter the washing machine was broken. It had stopped mid-cycle and was full of water but wouldn't finish off.
Turns out she had put 1 single top in for a wash, the fault code was for an unbalanced load. Had to manually drain the machine and do a factory reset and then all was good again.
It has a sensor to stop it shaking itself to bits if the load isn't even while spinning.
That's quite odd - I really wouldn't have expected an unbalanced load error during the wash itself, what with all water sloshing around.Turns out she had put 1 single top in for a wash, the fault code was for an unbalanced load. Had to manually drain the machine and do a factory reset and then all was good again.
It has a sensor to stop it shaking itself to bits if the load isn't even while spinning.
We never had an issue with our old machine stopping - I suspect it may not have even had out-of-balance detect - but I did have to change the shock absorbers when it was about 15yrs old as it was banging about as it got up to speed and slowed down. The were completely shot.
Our new one (Bosch) seems sometimes very sensitive and other times throws itself around when my wife puts doormats in it, which I've asked her not to, but she still does it.
PAT64 said:
thanks to all comments, family members don't listen when I tell them you can't just put in 1 or 2 towels. I will try with more clothes or 3-4 full towels since it felt better.
If not will try the shock absorbers to be replaced since sounds like it could be that also.
You might be lucky on an older machine if the front panel comes off (so it can be done in situ) and the shockers are bolted in. Our 20yr old Bosch was like that - bit fiddly as access is limited, but took my time and it was easy enough.If not will try the shock absorbers to be replaced since sounds like it could be that also.
A lot now are held in place with plastic pegs to a plastic outer drum so you've got to cut or drill the pegs out - without damaging the outer drum.
Ours was knocking every time it spun up to speed and slowed down again. I daresay any older machine might be better with new shocks but if it's only apparent with an unbalanced load then the solution is obvious!
Edited by Sheepshanks on Wednesday 16th November 17:07
Wildfire said:
Great info!
Looks like its gonna be a royal pitta to replace those shock absorbers, hopefully don't have to take half of it apart from the top panel.Good video here with an older Samsung washing machine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJwdsA8BG4
This ones good also
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e6SLYVz6IM
Might get a service man down to do it but will see
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