The five sounds a washing machine makes before a bearing fails

A grinding noise on spin cycle is the obvious one — but there are quieter warning signs that show up weeks earlier.

Listen for a low rumble that rises with spin speed, a faint knocking when the drum changes direction, and a metallic whine during drain. Any of these means the bearing is on its way out.

Catching it early means a bearing kit swap. Catching it late can mean a new drum assembly.