Many people find it annoying having a loud Bosch washer. In addition to being disrupting your routine, but it can be an indication of a serious problem in your Bosch appliance. There are many ways to get your Bosch washer running again. In this article, we will explore the most common causes for an unsettling Bosch washing machine and provide simple tips and tricks for resolving the issue. If you’re experiencing the sound of a loud banging, thumping or rattling sound, we have you covered. So, let’s get started!
Pump & Motor
The drain pump in a Bosch washing machine is used to pump water out of the tub before and after the spin cycle. It could be motor driven or belt driven or even have an electric motor. If your Bosch washing machines produce a loud noise when spinning or after a spin cycle this could mean that the drain pump is not functioning properly. How to check and repair the pump motor of a Bosch washing machine:
- To locate the pump, unplug the Bosch washer, then take it out of the cabinet or front panel. Plug the washer back in and run the cycle to ensure that the pump is at the root of the sound. Be cautious as you are now exposed to moving parts and electrical circuits.
- If the sound emanating from your pump is confirmed, you must remove the tube that feeds your pump.
- Inspect the pump impeller for evidence of foreign objects that may be creating the noise, or may cause damage to the impeller. You can also try to turn the impeller manually to make sure it’s not damaged or seized. Get rid of any foreign objects from the pump.
- You’ll need to purchase a replacement motor when you spot any damage or wear or if the impeller seems to be stuck. Front load Bosch washers often employ a self-contained electronic drain pump. The motor may be worn or damaged and require a complete Bosch replacement pump.
Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the drive motor to the transmission in top-load Bosch washers. It also connects the drive motor and the basket in front-load Bosch washers. The drive belt is used to connect the drive motor and the transmission in certain top load washers from Bosch, or connect the drive motor with the wash basket in most front load washers by Bosch. The drive belt could be or be a single V-shaped belt or a multi-rib belt and is normally made of rubber but may have a fabric covering. The drive belt that is used to drive front load Bosch washers is typically a multi-ribbed belt. It is made to be fitted to tight. The drive belt that is used on top-load Bosch washers, which are belt driven is typically a V belt with some slippage. It could be also covered in rubber with an idler pulley, or other tensioning device to minimize friction when the motor starts. How can you tell when aBosch washing machine drive belt needs to be replaced:
- Remove the Bosch washer from the power source, then take the access panel off or cabinet.
- Find the belt that drives it. It is connected to the drive motor on one end. Once you have located it, you can remove the clamps which hold the belt in place , and then remove the belt so that you can inspect it.
- Examine the drive belt for any signs of burning, fraying wear or other signs of damage.
- If you find any of the above, you need an Bosch replacement drive belt.
Direct Drive Motor Couplement
Top load Bosch washers make use of direct drive motor couplings to transfer power from the motor to the transmission. The drive coupling is made comprising two plastic forks and a rubber coupling. It joins the motor to the transmission. One of the drive forks is attached to the drive motor shaft while the other is attached to the shaft of the transmission’s input. The rubber coupling between drive forks absorbs the torque when the shaft of the motor turns. This helps prevent forks from breaking. The coupling will wear over time. The drive forks might slide, causing vibration. If the transmission is seized or the spin-basket cannot turn freely, then the coupling may fail and, subsequently, you might experience an eerie sound. How to inspect the Bosch washer’s motor coupling.
- Unplug the Bosch washer.
- To find the motor coupling that is connected to the motor coupling of your Bosch washer, simply open its cabinet. It is dependent on the model you have you’ll need remove the drain pump or motor in order to reach the coupling of the motor.
- You should inspect the coupling of the motor for cracks wear or damage. If you find one of the above, you’ll require a Bosch direct drive motor replacement coupling.
Shock absorbers
All front-loading Bosch washing machines include shock absorbers. These are used to stop tub movement during spin cycles. To gain access to the shock absorbers or struts you’ll need to remove the rear or front panels. When shock absorbers weaken or are damaged they will cause the Bosch machine can often produce loud noises during the spin cycle and should the issue not be corrected, can lead to damage to other components. How to examine the shock absorbers in theBosch washing machine:
- Unplug your Bosch appliance from the electricity source.
- Removing the front or rear panel, depending on your model, in order to locate the shock absorbers.
- Examine the shocks for broken connections, leaky fluids or weak damping.
- It is necessary to replace the shock absorbers from Bosch in the event that either shock shows any of these warning signs. Both shocks should be replaced simultaneously.
Tub Dampening Strap
Some models of top-load Bosch washers have tub dampening straps that cushion the movement of the tub during spin cycles. The tub’s top and each corner of the cabinet are secured with four straps. The straps are made from rubber and can fail with normal use. If the straps are damaged or stretched, the tub could touch the cabinet during the spin cycle and create an eerie sound. A continuous load and prolonged use will create more strain and cause premature breakdown of the straps. How to inspect the tub dampening strap of yourBosch washing machine:
- The cabinet can be opened of the washer after you have removed your Bosch appliance power supply.
- Find your tub dampening clamps. There will be four, each attached to the cabinet and one in the corner.
- It is recommended to inspect the straps for signs of fraying, wear or damage. If any of these straps is showing signs of fraying, wear or damage that they are fraying, you’ll need four Bosch replacement tub dampening Straps. It is suggested that you change all four straps at the same time since they wear out at about the same rate.
Drive motor
The main motor of a top-load Bosch washer controls the transmission and spins the basket. Certain Bosch washers have the pump motor. The drive motor is responsible for driving the belt that powers the pulley that drives the wash basket on front-load Bosch washers. The most common indicator of a failing drive motor is a humming or buzzing sound as it starts. Sometimes, this can be accompanied by a numbing burning smell. A thermal overload is a state in the drive motor detects an overcurrent situation and shut off power to the windings. The motor’s drive engine could be seized or the motor could be defective. What can you do to check theBosch washing machine drive motor using an instrument called a multimeter.
- Before you begin, make sure you’ve unplugged your appliance. It will be working using electrical parts.
- Find the drive motor by removing the cabinet from the Bosch washer. Once you have located it remove the wires attached to it and remove it from the washer to test it.
- The multimeter must be set to Rx1 and the probes placed at each terminal will be able to test for continuity. It should give a reading of zero or near zero.
- You can test for contact with the ground using one probe against one terminal while the other probe the motor’s bare metal housing. You should not receive any indications from this test.
- If your results from the test differ from the results described above it is time to get an Bosch replacement drive motor.
Drive Motor Pulley & Transmission pulley & Pump Pulley
On belt-driven Bosch washers the motor pulley supports both the drive belt as well as sometimes , the pump belt. There will also be corresponding pulleys for the transmission as well as the pump. The pulleys could accumulate the buildup of rubber compound, grease or dirt that could trigger noises that squeak or crackle when the motor is in operation. Make sure to inspect the pulleys regularly for accumulation of dirt or damage if the washer creates this sound while spinning either draining or being agitated. How to inspect the pulleys of the inside of yourBosch washing machine
- Before you start, unplug your machine from the mains power source.
- Locate the pulley using the cabinet. The belt must be removed from the pulley, allowing you to carefully inspect the pulley.
- Look for signs of burning, wear, or damage. Be sure to look for the presence of grease, dirt or other substances, then clean any debris you discover off the pulley and surrounding area.
- If you find any signs of damage, you’ll require Bosch replacement pulley.
Pump Belt
On top-load Bosch washers which are belt-driven the pump belt acts as the pulley to the drain pump. Wear and tear and time can cause the belt to crack or become frayed, which can create sounds of thumping or clicking during the drain or spin cycle. You may also notice an unpleasant burning smell from the rubber or an incomplete drain. How do you tell when the pump belt in theBosch washing machine needs replacing:
- After unplugging your Bosch appliance, you can open the cabinet to allow to locate the pump belt. It is linked to the pulley of the drive motor one at the end.
- Take off the clamps that hold the belt in for a closer inspection of it. You’re looking for evidence of wear, damage, fraying, and burning.
- You will need a replacement Bosch pump belt in the event that you experience any of the following symptoms.
Tub Bearing
Both top and front-loading washers from Bosch are equipped with tub bearings which allow the inner and wash basket tub to rotate in a revolving manner. Top load washers generally include a bearing at the lower end of the transmission, or the input to the transmission, and the other at the shaft connection to the inside tube. Two bearings are utilized by front load washers from Bosch to help support the shaft for the wash basket. They are situated near the rear of the tub’s outside. The bearings are protected from the wash water by tub seals. The tub seal guards the bearings from wash water. Overuse, long-term exposure to detergents that are harsh, and over-use conditions may make the seal wear out. How to check the tub bearing on theBosch washing machine:
- Remove your Bosch washer from its power source.
- Locate the tub bearing by taking off the Bosch washer cabinet. The style and type of washer you have it is possible to remove the tub’s internal as well as the wash basket or transmission to gain access to the tub bearing.
- Inspect the tub bearing for signs of cracking, rust, wear water damage, cracks, or other sign that the bearings are failing.
- If you find any of the signs above the need for a Bosch replacement tub bearing. It is suggested that you change your tub seal at the same time, especially if your bearing is showing signs of rust or water damage.
Agitator Directional Cogs & Dogs
Agitator directional cogs, sometimes referred as agitator dogs, are often used to operate the upper portion of dual action agitators. These dogs are cam-shaped , and engage the cogs of the inner surface of the agitator as they rotate in one direction. They release the cogs once the agitator is turned backwards. This allows the upper portion of the agitator to “ratchet” in one direction while the bottom portion of the agitator will agitate in both directions. The directional cogs are made of tough plastic that will wear over time with normal usage. They may slip if they are too smooth for them to grasp the cogs in the agitator. You’ll also notice that the top portion of the agitator does not be able to move with ease or at all. How to inspect the agitator cogs inBosch washing machine:
- As with all inspections, disconnect your washer from the power source before beginning.
- If your Bosch washing machines have an automatic dispenser for fabric softener, it is possible to open the lid and access the cogs. If your model does not include a dispenser for fabric softeners you must remove the agitator cap to gain access to the cogs. It is possible that your model requires you to remove the top or base of the agitator so that you can access the cogs.
- Inspect the cogs for wear, scratches, discoloration or missing cogs. 4. If you find any of these, you’ll require a set of Bosch replacement cogs for directional use.
Clutch Assembly
Some top load Bosch washers use a clutch assembly to lock the transmission input shaft to the drive for the wash basket in the spin cycle. Over time, the repeated friction of the clutch’s pads against the housing may cause the clutch to wear down and produce a squealing sound. When you wear the clutch on your Bosch machine can cause it to stop spinning or slow down the speed of spin. This could leave your clothes wet after every cycle. Additional symptoms that the clutch could be the cause of your issues are shavings or brake dust that are found under the Bosch washing machine, a faint burning smell or a loud sound when you spin the cycle. How to check the clutch in a Bosch washing machine
- Before starting, unplug the appliance.
- To conduct a more thorough inspection to make sure you have removed the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly is usually found below the tub’s exterior and is connected to the basket drive assembly. To access the clutch, you will require removing the cabinet, drive motor and transmission off.
- Take a look at the clutch assembly for indications of wear, damage, or burning.
- If you come across any of these, you will need an Bosch replacement clutch assembly.