Help! My Ryobi pressure washer making weird grinding noise and stalling

Hey everyone, hoping someone can help me out here. I've got a Ryobi 2000 PSI electric pressure washer (model RY141900) that's about 2 years old. Lately it's been making this awful grinding noise when I start it up, and after about 5 minutes of use it just stalls out completely. I've checked the water supply and that's fine, and I've cleaned the filter. Anyone dealt with this before? Really don't want to buy a new one if I can fix it.

Classic pump issue. I've got 7 pressure washers in my collection (gas and electric) and that grinding noise usually means either the pump bearings are shot or there's debris in the pump housing. First thing - when was the last time you winterized it? If water froze in there last winter, that could've cracked something. Also, check if the oil in the pump (if it has any) is milky - that means water got in. I'd take the pump apart carefully and look for scoring on the cylinders or damaged seals. Got pics of the pump model?

Ugh, pressure washers man. My Sun Joe did something similar last summer. For me it was just a clogged nozzle causing backpressure that made the motor work too hard. Have you tried running it without any nozzle attached? Also, check the unloader valve - sometimes they stick and cause weird issues. Mine would run fine then just die after a few minutes. Ended up being a $15 part from Amazon. Way cheaper than a new unit! Let us know what you find.

This is why I only buy DeWalt power equipment. Their pressure washers have thermal overload protection that prevents exactly this kind of damage. Ryobi is fine for light use but they cut corners on the pump assemblies. That said, you might still save it. The grinding is probably the pump shaft bearings. You can get replacement bearings for about $20-30 if you're handy. But honestly, if it's 2 years old and already having major pump issues, might be time to upgrade to a proper brand. DeWalt's 3400 PSI model is on sale at Home Depot right now...

Thanks for the tips everyone! Pete - I did winterize it but maybe not well enough. Will - gonna try running without nozzle tomorrow. Tim - I hear you on DeWalt but trying to fix what I have first. The pump does have an oil reservoir - checked it and it looks clean, not milky. I'll take the pump cover off this weekend and look for debris or damage. If it's bearings, think that's a DIY job or should I take it to a small engine repair shop? Appreciate all the advice!