Your washing machine is supposed to be a helpful, convenient appliance—not the source of a loud, alarming banging sound. If your washer sounds like it’s preparing for lift-off every time it hits the spin cycle, it’s a clear signal something is wrong. Two of the most common and serious culprits behind this issue are a loose drum spider arm or damaged suspension springs. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe damage and expensive repairs down the road.

What Is a Drum Spider Arm?

The drum spider arm is a critical component located at the back of the inner drum. It supports the rotating drum and keeps it properly aligned. It’s usually made of cast aluminum and has three arms that attach to the drum. Over time, especially with frequent or heavy usage, the spider arm can weaken or become loose due to corrosion, metal fatigue, or bolts working their way out of position. When the spider arm is loose or compromised, the drum may wobble or spin out of balance. As the washer enters the spin cycle, the unbalanced drum slams against the washer’s walls, creating a loud banging noise. If left unaddressed, the situation can worsen, leading to severe drum misalignment or even complete detachment.

Damaged Suspension Springs: Another Common Cause

Suspension springs are designed to absorb the vibrations of the drum as it moves. They help keep the drum stable, especially during high-speed spins. When these springs are worn out, stretched, broken, or disconnected, they can’t perform their job effectively. This results in excessive movement of the drum, causing it to bang against the sides of the washer. This banging sound might occur sporadically at first—particularly when the washer is overloaded or when the load is uneven—but it will become more consistent as the springs deteriorate further. In top-loading machines, suspension rods serve a similar function and are also subject to wear and tear.

Signs You May Have a Loose Drum Spider or Damaged Springs

If your washer is making loud banging noises, listen and look for these additional signs:

• Unbalanced loads even with small laundry loads 
• Visible shaking or movement of the machine itself 
• Leaning drum or sagging interior 
• Grinding or scraping noises alongside the banging 
• Error codes on digital washers related to balance issues 

Can You Keep Using the Washer?

Using your washer with a loose drum spider or broken suspension spring is not advisable. Not only does it risk damaging other internal components (such as bearings, the outer drum, or the motor), but it can also lead to costly repairs or even render the machine unrepairable. Additionally, the noise and vibration could damage your flooring or nearby cabinetry.

Repair or Replace?

Repairing a drum spider arm or suspension springs requires disassembly of the washer, which is a complex and labor-intensive task. If the machine is relatively new and in good condition otherwise, repairs can extend its life by several years. However, if the unit is older and nearing the end of its typical lifespan (usually 10-12 years), replacement may be more economical.

Why You Need a Professional

Diagnosing and repairing these internal issues requires expertise, the right tools, and safety precautions. At San Diego Appliance Repair Service, our technicians specialize in identifying and repairing complex washer problems. Whether it’s a loose drum spider arm or worn-out suspension springs, we’ll restore your washer to quiet, reliable operation. We perform in-home diagnostics, use high-quality replacement parts, and ensure every repair is done efficiently and affordably. Don’t let a loud washer ruin your laundry routine—or your peace of mind. Experiencing loud banging noises from your washer? Contact San Diego Appliance Repair Service today and let our professionals take care of it—before a minor issue becomes a major headache.   Contact us (619) 719-5005   [email protected]