It is a shame that you are having a problem. I actually threw my 8900 off and took it to the local dealer (not the one I bought it from) and they honored the warranty, even though I didn't buy from them. I may actually take it to them for servicing. Usually, when I hear a noise, it seems to be the needle, because I have had no trouble sewing over things, including the occasional pin. That said, at least I know that I bent the needle sewing over a pin, but I changed the needle and it was happy again.