There can be many reasons why your LG washer is making a loud grinding noise. It can be anything from a loose drum to a worn-out bearing.
In today’s article we are going to look at:
- Causes of Grinding Noise and Solutions.
- Preventive tips.
- Frequently asked questions
- And More…
Let’s dive right into it.
Worn-out tub bearing, loose drum, OR Broken Drive pulley are some of the common reasons for a loud grinding noise from your LG washing machine. Having said that, there can be other reasons as well such as faulty drain pumps, stuck objects, and rusting.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the common reasons for the loud grinding sound and possible solutions.
Causes of Loud Grinding Noise from LG Washing Machine
Here are some of the common causes of loud grinding sounds and possible solutions.
Worn-out Bearings
Bearings are a key component of any washer and it plays an important role in the smooth functioning of the drum and the washing machine as a whole.
As the washing machine ages, it takes a toll on the bearings in form of rusting and wearing out.
Once the bearings start to wear out, it creates friction, thereby creating a grinding sound. The sound type may vary depending on the severity of the issue.
Having said that bearings are sturdy and can last up to 10 years or even more. So, if your LG washer is relatively new and making a grinding sound, it’s possible that the other components are problematic and bearings should be the last thing to look at.
Solution: Replace the bearing as repairing won’t make sense due to the cost-benefit thing. As a workaround you can try applying WD40 to get some interim relief, eventually, you will have to replace the bearings.
Broken Drive-pulley
To spin the washtub, components such as a drive-pulley, the drive belts, and the main motor are attached inside the washer.
These drive belts are fixed to the motor from one end and the other end connects the washtub.
When you hear a grinding noise coming off the washer it may be caused due to a worn-out or a damaged drive pulley.
Solution: If there is a fitting issue then get it fixed properly, but if it is worn-out or damaged then you may consider replacing it as repairing does not make sense simply due to replacement and the repair cost difference (It’s almost the same).
Stuck Objects
A stuck object may be responsible for the grinding noise.
Most often, screws or pins get stuck in the tiny holes and create such noise when the wash drum is in action.
Solution: Inspect for any stuck objects in the washtub and carefully remove them if found. Always inspect your clothes such as the pockets for any objects that may enter the washtub and harm your washer.
Faulty motor
A faulty drive motor may be one of the reasons for that annoying grinding sound.
The drive motor is connected to the heavy gearbox and is responsible for the rotation or the spinning of your washtub.
As the washing machine ages, so does the motor. Over time the internal components of the motor may wear out due to the age factor, thereby creating the grinding sound.
However, if your washer is relatively new and the motor has gone bad, then it means the root cause is something else.
It can be anything from a burnt-out motor caused due to power fluctuation to a manufacturing defect.
Solution: To diagnose the actual cause and fix the motor you may have to call an expert. You can either get the motor repaired if it’s repairable OR get it replaced. For minor issues repairing will make a lot of sense instead of buying a new motor.
Loose Drum
This is another reason why your washing machine is making an unusual noise.
Such type of issue generally happens when the screws are loose OR broken.
Fixing a loose drum is easy, you simply need a screwdriver to replace the problematic screws holding the drum.
Tips to Keep your LG Washer Healthy
- Be cautious when you notice any minor leakage from the washer, inspect the washer areas to identify the source of leakage and get it fixed.
- If you hear the slightest unusual noise from the washer, quickly have the inspection done and get it fixed accordingly. Over the course of time, these minor issues get amplified and can damage the other components of your washer.
- Load an adequate amount of laundry as per the washer’s capacity or you can make it lower. This is because frequent overloading becomes a common cause of damage to the washer and its other key components.
- Do not use your washer when there is a power fluctuation.
Final Thoughts
Whenever you hear the loud grinding noise from your LG washing machine start the investigation by looking into the drum.
There is a high probability that you may have accidentally allowed a foreign object such as coins and pins to enter the washer through your clothes.
Worn-out bearings OR Drive belts are highly unlikely if your washer is less than 2 years old.
For washers that are too old worn-out bearings and drive belts are certainly a possibility therefore replace the bearings if they are damaged, this will ensure other components are safe.
Lastly, do not ignore timely servicing.
Most LG washers do provide servicing at minimal cost, take advantage of that.
Frequently Asked Question
While it’s difficult to cover all the questions that may pop into your mind, we have tried to cover some common questions that are frequently asked below and try our best to update them as and when time allows us to do so.
Is it safe to use a washer with a worn-out bearing?
It is not recommended to use the washer with a damaged bearing, because this may further damage the other internal components of your washer. It is always advised to replace such components in the event of any damage. Timely replacement of problematic components is a cost-effective solution as it helps to avoid the added costs that you may have to bear for other components.
Why is my LG washer shaking while spinning?
An Unbalanced Laundry Load, Uneven surface or Broken Shock Absorbers may cause your LG washing machine to shake violently during the spin cycle. You can always use washing machine vibration pads to limit the vibration and noise.
