You load your laundry and hit start, but the washing machine drum hardly spins. Even worse, you have to endure a metal concert from the loud banging of the broken washing machine drum.
We get your frustration. A cracked drum in your washer can stop your whole laundry routine. Try these simple fixes before hiring a technician for washing machine drum repair.
Ready to dive into those expert tips and save your washing machine? Let’s get started.
Reasons for a Broken Washing Machine Drum
First of all, you should understand why washing machine drums break down. Your washer drum spins fast and deals with heavy, wet clothes. So, it’s normal for it to show some wear and tear.
So, common causes of a cracked drum in a washer include:
- Overloading the washing machine with too many heavy and light clothes.
- Trapped foreign objects, such as coins, keys, buttons, etc.
- Worn-out suspension springs or shock absorbers.
- Damaged bearings.
Learning about the cause will help you figure out the fix. To fix the issue, just spread your laundry evenly in the washing machine. Otherwise, it allows you to prevent future damage.
What Are the Damaged Drum Symptoms?
You might be wondering if the broken washing machine drum is really behind the tantrum. How do you know the drum is the problem?
Well, here are the common damaged drum symptoms:
- Loud knocking or banging noises.
- Wobbling or loose drums.
- Clothes are not spinning.
- Water leakage from the drum area.
If you notice any of these, it is time to take action.
How to Address a Broken Washing Machine Drum?
A cracked drum in the washer can give you trouble. Is it time to repair vs replace the drum? Here are some DIY tips to fix your broken washing machine drum before you seek professional help.
However, before you open up the washer, maintain the following safety measures:
- First things first, remove your washing machine’s plug from the power outlet.
- Disable the water supply.
- Empty the drum.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Have a towel handy for any water spills.
If you lack the confidence to work with appliances, call a pro from Atdoorstep. Otherwise, you can proceed with the fixes recommended by experts.
1. Load Your Washer Properly
Overloading your washer can lead to strong vibrations and loud banging or thumping sounds. Before handling any mechanical parts, check if your overloaded washing machine is the issue.
Here’s what you can do:
- Bring out the laundry.
- Then, separate heavier and lighter laundry items.
- Then, load your washer up to 80% of its capacity.
Run a cycle to see if the washing machine behaves properly this time.
2. Tighten the Loose Drum
Is your drum not aligned? Perhaps your washing machine doesn’t work properly because the drum is not aligned. Tightening the loose screws and bolts holding the drum in place. Over time, agitations and vibrations can loosen these parts.
Here’s how you can address the problem:
- Refer to your washer’s user manual to discover how to access the drum.
- Remove the top or back panel, depending on your washer’s mechanism.
- Then, spot the screws or bolts attached to the drum.
- Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws or bolts.
Finally, see if the drum still wobbles. The fix should stabilise the drum and reduce the noise.
3. Remove Foreign Objects from the Drum
Often, the space between the drum and the tub traps objects like buttons, coins, and so forth. Check out how you can remove such foreign objects.
- Shine a flashlight into the gap around your washer drum.
- See if you can locate foreign items. You can use tweezers to carefully pick and bring out those objects.
- After that, rotate the washer drum to manually check for more trapped items. You will hear clanking sounds if there are more objects trapped.
- After taking out all the items from the washing machine drum, you can run a rinse cycle without any clothes.
Make sure to check pockets and overalls before loading your laundry into the washer.
4. Replace Damaged Drum Bearings
Before you opt for a washing machine drum repair, see if the bearings are out of order. Perfectly working bearings help the drum spin smoothly.
However, here’s how you can replace affected drum bearings.
- Remove your washer’s front or rear panel.
- Then, check for rust or grinding noises by spinning the drum by hand.
- If you find the bearings to be damaged, order a replacement set.
- Use a hammer and chisel to remove the old bearings.
- Afterwards, place new bearings carefully.
Now, reassemble your washing machine and test its function.
5. Repair vs Replace Drum Suspension Springs
Suspension springs of your washing machine hold the tub and absorb shocks. If they are worn out with time, it’s time to repair vs replace drum or its suspension springs.
- Begin by accessing the washer’s cabinet.
- Next, locate the suspension springs attached to the drum.
- See if the suspension springs are stretched, detached, or broken.
- Purchase replacement springs from an appliance store.
- Then, hook the new suspension springs.
- Ensure that your washer drum sits firmly and doesn’t move too much.
A sturdy suspension system keeps your drum stable during spin cycles.
6. Get Rid of Rust and Seal Leaks
A broken washing machine drum can be the consequence of rust. It can cause holes or cracks, leading to unnecessary leakage.
By the way, you can treat a rusty or cracked drum in washer like this:
- Examine the drum for rust spots.
- You can use sandpaper to remove rust flakes.
- Also, apply a rust-resistant paint or sealant made for washing machine internals.
- Furthermore, check rubber seals and gaskets around the drum.
- Replace the cracked or damaged seals if needed.
7. Maintain Your Washing Machine Drum
This is a preventive maintenance rather than a fix for a broken washing machine drum. To keep your washing machine drum lasting longer, protect it from hard water and detergent buildup.
Too much buildup can lead to physical damage over time. This is what Atdoorstep technicians recommend:
- Purchase a washing machine drum cleaner from a nearby store.
- According to the instructions mentioned on the cleaner packaging, run a cycle.
- Repeat the practice to keep your drum fresh.
Indeed, you can fight against mould and bad smells with a drum cleaner.
When to Call a Professional?
An expert washing machine drum repair is inevitable if:
- The drum has large cracks or holes.
- You are not comfortable opening your appliance.
- Bearings or other internal parts are too difficult to install.
- You tried the solutions, but there’s no satisfactory outcome.
- Your washing machine is still under warranty.
Repair vs Replace Drum? Let Atdoorstep’s Experts Decide!
Why complicate your washing machine usage? If you suspect a broken washing machine drum, contact Atdoorstep. Their pros can diagnose your washer properly and suggest the best washing machine repair Dubai.
For instance, avoid washing heavy or sharp items that can damage the drum. Check for foreign objects before running a cycle. Furthermore, balance loads carefully. If you notice any signs of damage to your drum, contact a professional at 042472992.
