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.

Next step

Choose the next step for thumping noise

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Check during diagnosis

Most relevant component to inspect

Dryer Drum Roller

Supports the dryer drum and lets it rotate smoothly inside the cabinet.

Typical part-only price
$20 - $70
DIY difficulty
Medium
Estimated time
45-90 mins
Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Dryer Blower Wheel

Moves heated air through the dryer drum and exhaust system.

$25 - $70 · Medium · 45-90 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Dryer parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

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Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit

Helps remove routine lint buildup from an accessible dryer vent path. It does not diagnose or repair an E-code or failed component.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Lint Trap Cleaning Brush

A narrow brush for routine cleaning around an accessible lint screen and housing.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Dryer Vent Hose Kit

A replacement exhaust duct option for visibly crushed or damaged external venting. Check diameter, length, local code, and installation clearance.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

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

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

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.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
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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