Lg Dryer: thumping noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG dryer making a thumping noise during the dry cycle? This pronounced sound often occurs when the drum rotates and clothes tumble, indicating potential issues like an overloaded load, foreign objects in the drum, or worn drum components. Addressing these concerns promptly can help maintain your dryer's efficiency and prolong its lifespan.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG support notes that some thumping noises at start can be normal due to expansion of rubber parts in drum support but sustained thumping during operation suggests mechanical issues

Possible Causes

Overloaded or unbalanced load

How to Identify: Thumping occurs when many heavy items or a single large item clumps on one side during tumbling; noise decreases after redistributing load.

Part: Drum load distribution

Objects or debris in drum

How to Identify: Thumping accompanied by intermittent clanks or rattles; foreign objects like coins or hardware visible when inspecting drum.

Part: Drum interior

Worn drum support rollers or axles

How to Identify: Thumping or rumbling that persists regardless of load distribution, often increased with drum rotation by hand and wear visible on rollers.

Part: Drum support rollers/axles

Damaged or worn drum glide slides or felt seals

How to Identify: Thumping with vibration; inspection shows worn plastic glide pieces or felt around drum edges.

Part: Drum glide slides/felt seal

Blower wheel obstruction or imbalance

How to Identify: Noise may include both thumping and rattling; inspection shows lint clumps or small objects in blower housing.

Part: Blower wheel

DIY Solutions

Redistribute Load to Reduce Thumping

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Pause dryer mid-cycle.
  2. Open door and redistribute laundry evenly around drum.
  3. For large items, add additional items to balance load.
  4. Restart dryer and observe if noise reduces.
⚠️ Safety First: Always pause and unplug before reaching inside moving parts.

Remove Foreign Objects from Drum

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Stop and unplug dryer.
  2. Inspect drum interior and between seals for foreign objects.
  3. Remove any found debris or items.
  4. Run a short test cycle to confirm noise elimination.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged before reaching inside drum.

Inspect and Replace Worn Drum Rollers or Slides

Advanced 1.5-2 hours
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Socket set, Replacement rollers/slides
  1. Unplug dryer and access drum support rollers/slides per service manual.
  2. Inspect each roller and glide for wear or flat spots.
  3. Replace worn components with correct parts.
  4. Reassemble and test dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Follow model‑specific service instructions.

Professional Repairs

Replace Drum Support Bearings and Rollers

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Clean or Replace Blower Wheel and Housing

Estimated Cost: $70 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Thumping persists after load redistribution and drum interior inspection
Visible wear on rollers/glides but too difficult to access
Unusual noises accompanied by vibration or shaking indicative of mechanical wear

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect drum support rollers and glides annually: Noise due to wear and extends component life
    Frequency: annually
  • Check pockets before every load: Foreign objects causing noise or damage
    Frequency: every cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dryer thumping noise?
The thumping noise can be caused by an overloaded or unbalanced load, foreign objects in the drum, or worn drum support components.
How do I fix LG Dryer thumping noise myself?
To fix it, redistribute the load evenly, remove any foreign objects, or inspect and replace worn drum rollers or slides.
How much does it cost to fix thumping noise?
Professional repairs for thumping noise can range from $80 to $250 for drum support bearings and rollers.
When should I call a technician for thumping noise?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if you suspect significant damage to internal components.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged drum support rollers
  • Loose or damaged belt
  • Foreign objects in the drum or blower wheel

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the drum support rollers. Disconnect the dryer, remove the front panel, and access the drum. Check the rollers for wear and replace if necessary.

  2. Check and replace the dryer belt. Open the dryer, remove the drum, and inspect the belt for damage or looseness. Replace with a new belt if needed.

  3. Remove any foreign objects from the drum or blower wheel. Inspect the drum and blower area for items that may cause noise and remove them.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Dryer repair question: LG cracked drum

Community Discussions

loud thumping noise

Replace the cracked drum; using high-heat epoxy metal putty as a temporary fix.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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