Spin Cycle Clicking Sound – What Causes It and How to Fix It
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
Brief explanation: A clicking noise during the spin cycle usually means something is hitting or slipping inside the machine. Common sources are foreign objects trapped between the drum and tub, a loose or damaged drain-pump impeller, worn agitator dogs (top-load), failing suspension/shocks or a damaged motor/drivetrain component. The guide below lists the most likely causes in order and gives step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions you can follow. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair steps: 1) Reproduce and localize the noise - Run an empty spin-only cycle to confirm the clicking and note whether it appears once per rotation, irregularly, or only when the load is off-balance. Listen closely to determine front/back or left/right direction of the sound. 2) Check for foreign objects (fast, often free fix) - Unplug the washer and open the drum. Put on gloves and use a flashlight to inspect the gap between drum and outer tub, under the door boot (front-load), and inside the drain trap/filter (if your model has one). - Remove coins, safety pins, buttons or debris. If the item is out of reach, remove the front access panel or the lower kick panel and fish the object out through the pump area or use a long magnetic pick. 3) Inspect and test the drain pump/impeller - Clicking that changes pitch with drum speed or occurs during draining often points to the drain pump. Remove the lower front panel, place a shallow pan under the pump, disconnect hoses and inspect the impeller for broken blades or trapped objects. - If the impeller is chipped or loose, replace the drain pump. Reassemble and test. 4) Check the tub bearings and tub/basket fit - A repetitive, metallic click that matches drum rotation can indicate a small foreign object stuck between the inner drum and outer tub or a worn bearing with broken cage pieces. Remove the rear panel (or front panel on some models) and spin the drum by hand — feel for roughness or play. - If an object is visible remove it. If bearings are worn (rumble/grinding in addition to clicking) plan for bearing/shaft replacement or full tub/gearcase replacement — this is an advanced repair. 5) For top-load agitator models: inspect agitator dogs and bolt - Clicking associated with agitation or spin on top-loads frequently comes from worn agitator dogs (small plastic pawls) or a loose agitator retaining bolt. Remove the fabric softener dispenser (if present) and the agitator cap, then pull the agitator and inspect/replace the dogs and reinstall the bolt to proper torque. 6) Inspect suspension/shocks and springs - If clicking occurs only with an unbalanced load and sounds like a thud or knock, check the cabinet suspension (shocks or springs) and dampening straps. Worn shocks will allow the tub to hit the frame and produce a clicking/knock. Replace any worn shocks (usually 4) or springs. 7) Check drive components: belt, pulley, motor coupling, clutch, gearcase - For belt-drive washers, inspect the belt for wear and the motor pulley for a loose fan or sheave. For direct-drive/top-loader machines with a motor coupling, a failing coupling will produce noise and may slip — replace the coupling if cracked. - For older machines with a clutch or gearcase, a worn clutch or gear dogs may click during spin — these require replacement of the clutch assembly or gearcase. 8) Final test and verification - After removing debris or replacing suspect parts, run several spin cycles (empty then with a small load) to confirm the clicking is gone. Monitor for new symptoms (leaks, vibration, error codes). How to fix (practical repair steps for the most common sources): - Removing coins/foreign objects: unplug washer, drain water if needed, remove front or lower kick panel, use needle-nose pliers, magnetic pickup, or vacuum to extract object from pump area or between tub and drum. - Replace drain pump: unplug, shut off water, drain washer, remove lower front panel, disconnect pump electrical connector and hoses, remove mounting screws/clips, swap pump, reconnect hoses and wiring, secure panel and test. - Replace agitator dogs (top-load): unplug, remove softener cup and agitator cap, remove center bolt, pull agitator (use slide hammer or special puller if needed), replace dogs and ring gear as needed, reinstall with proper torque and test. - Replace suspension/shocks: unplug, drain water, open cabinet, support tub, unbolt upper and lower shock mounts, remove old shocks, install new shocks (compress if necessary), reassemble and test. - Replace motor coupling (direct-drive): unplug, remove cabinet, remove belt and motor mounting, replace motor coupling kit (plastic/rubber pieces), reassemble and test spin. - Bearing or gearcase replacement: this is advanced — you will typically remove the tub and replace the bearing kit or entire gearcase. If bearings are bad, plan for parts + several hours of labor or consider a professional. Safety note: Always unplug the washer and turn off the water supply before opening panels or removing parts. Use proper tools, eye protection and follow manufacturer service manual steps for your model. If you are not comfortable with mechanical or electrical repairs, call a qualified appliance technician.
Common Symptoms
Intermittent or regular clicking during spin; noise may change with spin speed, may be accompanied by poor draining, excessive vibration, or visible objects in the drum.
Common Causes
- Foreign object (coin, pin, button) lodged between drum and tub or in drain pump
- Damaged or clogged drain pump impeller
- Worn agitator dogs (top-load) or loose agitator bolt
- Worn suspension/shocks or springs allowing tub to hit cabinet
- Drive-related failure: damaged motor coupling, belt, clutch or gearcase bearings
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Run an empty spin-only cycle and listen closely with the washer unplugged (spin drum by hand too). If the clicking stops after removing a small object from the tub or pump, you’ve found the fix. Use a flashlight and a magnetic pickup for metallic objects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ignore a clicking noise during spin?
No. Clicking often indicates a caught object or a failing mechanical part. Ignoring it can lead to more damage (torn tub seals, damaged pump impeller, or a failed gearbox) and higher repair costs. Inspect and fix promptly.
How much will it cost to repair a clicking noise?
Cost depends on the cause: removing a foreign object is free/DIY (or minor service charge), replacing a drain pump or agitator dogs is typically $30–$150 for parts plus labor, suspension or motor-coupling repairs $50–$200, while bearing or gearcase replacement can run $200–$600+ including labor. Always get a model-specific quote.
Related How-To Videos
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.