Washer Making Clicking Noise – Causes, Fixes, and When to Worry

If your washing machine is making a clicking noise, don’t panic. Clicking sounds are actually very common and often harmless. In many cases, the noise comes from normal washer parts like the door lock, timer, or load balancing system.

However, persistent or loud clicking can signal a mechanical issue that needs attention.

This guide explains the real causes and the easiest fixes you can try at home.

1. Normal Door Lock Clicking (Very Common)

Most modern washers lock and unlock several times during a cycle.

You may hear clicking when:

• Starting the wash

• Switching cycles

• Preparing to spin

• Ending the cycle

✅ Fix

No fix needed if the clicking happens briefly and the washer works normally.

2. Coins or Objects Stuck in Drum or Pump

Loose items are a major cause of clicking.

Common culprits:

• Coins

• Keys

• Bra wires

• Buttons

• Small stones

The sound usually repeats as the drum rotates.

✅ Fix

1. Stop the washer

2. Check inside drum carefully

3. Inspect rubber door seal folds

4. Clean the pump filter

This fixes many clicking noises instantly.

3. Unbalanced Load Causing Drum Knock

If clothes bunch on one side, the drum may shift and click as it tries to rebalance.

Happens often with:

• Towels

• Blankets

• Heavy jeans

✅ Fix

Pause washer → redistribute clothes evenly → restart.

4. Faulty Timer or Control Relay Clicking

Older washers or some electronic boards click when switching wash stages.

If clicking is:

• Constant

• Rapid

• Machine not progressing

It may be a failing control relay.

✅ Fix

Try a reset:

1. Unplug washer

2. Wait 5 minutes

3. Plug back in

If clicking continues, service may be required.

5. Worn Drive Belt or Pulley

A worn belt or loose pulley can produce rhythmic clicking.

You may also notice:

• Weak spinning

• Burning rubber smell

• Drum struggling

✅ Fix

This usually requires technician replacement.

Avoid running washer repeatedly if suspected.

6. Drain Pump Making Clicking Sound

If clicking happens during draining, debris may be hitting the pump impeller.

✅ Fix

1. Open pump filter (bottom panel)

2. Remove lint, coins, debris

3. Restart washer

⚠️ When the Clicking Noise Means Serious Trouble

Call repair if:

• Loud clicking + burning smell

• Washer won’t spin

• Drum feels loose by hand

• Clicking becomes grinding

• Error codes appear

Quick 60-Second Fix Checklist

If your washer is clicking:

✔ Check for coins or objects
✔ Redistribute laundry
✔ Clean pump filter
✔ Reset washer power
✔ Listen when the sound occurs

These steps solve most cases.

A clicking washer is usually caused by small objects, load imbalance, or normal door locking sounds. Only persistent loud clicking tied to spinning problems usually signals a mechanical fault.

Start with simple checks before calling a technician. Many fixes take less than five minutes.

Read More:

Why is my washer door locked?

Why does my washing machine keep pausing?

Washer not cleaning clothes

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