How to Troubleshoot and Fix a Loud GE Washer

Strange noises coming from your front load GE washer model WBVH6240HWW can indicate a component in the appliance has either worn down or is no longer functioning properly. If you’re trying to pinpoint the cause, we suggest taking a look at the drain pump and the shock absorbers. Both parts can cause your appliance to start emitting odd sounds when they malfunction. To help you find the issue and replace the faulty part, we’ve created an easy to follow repair guide below.

Before you get started, make sure you unplug your washing machine and turn off its water supply. During any type of appliance repair, protecting your eyes and hands by wearing safety goggles and work gloves is a must.

The Drain Pump

If your washing machine is making a high pitched squeaking noise during the drain cycle, there’s a good chance the drain pump is either clogged or faulty. Before you order a new pump to replace the noisy one, we suggest examining the current drain pump for obstructions, such as, small articles of clothing or coins. If you find the pump is not clogged by debris, you’ll need to swap out the defective drain pump for a new one.

How to Replace the Drain Pump in a GE Washing Machine

1. Start your repair by unthreading the screws on the bottom, front access panel. Once the screws are out, pull the panel off the washer.
2. Behind the panel, at the front of the washer you’ll find the drain hose and the tub to pump hose, which are both attached to the drain pump. Before you can remove the drain pump you’ll need to disconnect both hoses. Place a towel underneath the hoses to catch any water that leaks out. Then, using a pair of pliers, depress the clamps securing the hoses to the drain pump, and move the clamps a few inches to loosen the hose to pump connection. Once the clamps are out of the way, pull the drain hose and the tub to pump hose off the drain pump.
3. Reach inside the washer cabinet and disconnect the two wire harnesses that run to the drain pump. Make sure you remember the placement of the wire connections; otherwise, you may end up connecting the wire harnesses to the wrong terminals during reassembly.
4. With the hoses and wire harnesses removed, you can unthread the screws securing the drain pump to the front and floor of the washing machine. After the screws are loose, pull the faulty drain pump out of your washer.
5. Grab your new drain pump and get ready to install it. To begin, carefully place the pump in your washer, and line up the screw holes in the component with the screw holes in your washing machine. After the part is positioned correctly, rethread the screws that secure the drain pump to the inside of the washing machine cabinet.
6. Once the pump is installed, reconnect the wire harnesses that run to the component’s terminals. Then, slide the drain hose and the tub to pump hose onto the drain pump shafts. Next, using a pair of pliers, secure the hose connections by reinstalling the hose clamps.
7. Finally, reattach the bottom access panel, and turn the appliance’s water supply back on. Then, to finish up your repair, plug-in your washer and toss some clothes in to test out its new drain pump.

The Shock Absorbers

A washer that vibrates and shakes loudly during the spin cycle is probably suffering from one or more worn or broken shock absorbers. The shock absorbers in your appliance dampen the movement of the tub. When one or more breaks, the tub will start to move uncontrollably, which can cause your appliance to shake excessively. Your front load washer has four shock absorbers. Two in the front and two in the back. The only difference between replacing the front or back shock absorbers is how you reach the components. To access the front shock absorbers you take off the front panel and for the back shock absorber you take off the rear panel. Unfortunately, inspecting all four parts is the only way to know which shock absorbers are causing your washer to loudly shake.

How to Replace the Rear Shock Absorbers in a GE Washing Machine

1. Head to the back of your washer and take out the screws that secure the rear panel to the washing machine. Once you’ve removed all the screws, carefully lift the panel up and off your appliance.
2. Next, locate the broken or worn shock absorber. The shock absorbers run from the washer’s outer tub to the washer’s frame. After you’ve spotted the faulty dampener, use a pair of pliers to grab the top of the shock absorber and rotate it 90 degrees. Once you’ve done that, detach the shock absorber from the tub. Then, using your pliers again, take hold of the bottom end of the shock absorber and rotate it 90 degrees to disconnect component from the washer frame.
3. Now it’s time to install the new shock absorber. Start by inserting the bottom half of the component into the opening in the washer frame. Once the end is lined up, turn it 90 degrees to lock it in place. Next, align the top half of the shock absorber with the small opening in the tub, and then insert the part and rotate it 90 degrees.
4. After the new shock absorber is installed, close up the back of your washing machine by reattaching the rear access panel.
5. To complete your repair, plug-in your washer and turn its water supply back on. Once your washing machine is ready, throw in a load of laundry and start a wash cycle to see whether the new shock absorber eliminates your appliance’s excessive vibrations.

Other Possible Malfunctions

The Tub Bearing is located in the middle of the outer tub. It allows the outer tub to rotate freely. If the bearing is damaged, you may hear a rumbling noise from your washer when the tub rotates. In some cases, it’s easier to replace the entire outer tub instead of trying to swap out the worn out tub bearing.

The Drive Pulley is attached to the back of your washer’s outer tub. With help from the drive motor, the drive pulley turns the drive belt. After years of use, the pulley can crack or bend, which causes it to wobble. To figure out whether or not the drive pulley is the problem, take the rear access panel off your dryer and inspect the component. If you find it’s damaged, replacing the part is your next step.

If your washer is unusually noisy, and you’re not sure what’s causing the sound, please contact us today and we will help you pinpoint the malfunction and replace the faulty part.