ok knowing the make and model here is a stab in the dark. Firstly is this a high pitched whine when cycle is in spin?
How old is the washing machine and how often is it used.
I would hazard a guess it is something to do with the motor brushes running low in the motor. Not knowing the make and model i would not be able to say if you can replace the brushes or not. I do know that on most makes of Hotpoint Indesit and some Creda machines these can be replaced but the motor usually has to be removed not always but on some it makes the job easier.
If the cycle when washing clothes at normal speed seems a bit sluggish i would go for this being your problem. There is also another area that can cause this noise and that is the drum bearing. These bearings are sealed races and are sealed lubricated. Over time the grease which is usually high melting point dries up this then causes wear and the swarf from wear usually gets into the bearings and will not allow the ball bearings to roll easily. The drum can become tight at certain angles and will finally fall apart which by that time the spindle of your drum traveling through the bearing is usually worn. This cannot be replaced without replacing the drum as most are riveted into the center back of the
drum.
carlito, February 2009
