American Whirlpool
Worn Pump Bearings or Cavitation
Spa makes loud grinding or squealing noise from pump area during operation
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Failed pump motor bearings, Pump running dry or with air, Misaligned pump and motor, Debris in impeller
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power at the GFCI breaker. Do not run a noisy pump for extended periods.
Unusual noises indicate mechanical wear or flow issues.
- Check for air in system: Bleed air from pump unions and ensure water level is adequate.
- Inspect impeller: Remove the wet end cover and check for debris or damage to the impeller.
- Assess bearings: Spin the motor shaft by hand (power off). Roughness, grinding, or play indicates bad bearings.
- Replace pump or motor: If bearings are noisy, replace the pump motor or complete pump assembly with a compatible American Whirlpool unit.
Ignoring bearing noise can lead to motor seizure and further damage.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Jet Pump Motor
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