LG Washing Machine: clunking noise during spin cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a clunking noise from your LG washing machine during the spin cycle? This loud, rhythmic banging can be caused by several issues, including an uneven or overloaded drum, foreign objects stuck inside, or installation problems. Identifying the source of the noise is crucial for effective troubleshooting and repair.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for LG Models

  • LG documentation acknowledges noises from unbalanced loads and normal operational sounds; deeper clunking may signal part wear.

Possible Causes

Uneven load or overweighted load

How to Identify: Noise occurs only when heavy or uneven laundry load is in the drum; moments when clothes are bunched to one side.

Part: Drum / Laundry load

Foreign object trapped inside drum/tub

How to Identify: Clunking coincides with specific points on rotation, and visual inspection reveals coins, metal parts or debris inside drum or between drum and tub.

Part: Drum interior / trapped items

Machine not level / installation instability

How to Identify: Washer vibrates excessively with clunking noise; adjusting feet to level reduces noise.

Part: Washer base / adjustable feet

Suspension/damper failure

How to Identify: Noise persists even with balanced load and level machine; associated with heavy thuds as drum moves excessively.

Part: Suspension rods/shock absorbers

Worn bearings or tub support wear

How to Identify: Noise is deep, rhythmic and increases with spin speed; machine may wobble.

Part: Drum bearings

DIY Solutions

Redistribute laundry and reduce load

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Stop the cycle and open the washer
  2. Redistribute clothes evenly around the drum
  3. If load is large, remove some items and restart spin.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force open door during spin if locked.

Level the washer

Moderate 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: Level tool, Wrench for feet adjustment
  1. Use a level on top of washer
  2. Adjust front/back feet to ensure machine is level
  3. Tighten lock nuts and test spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before adjusting feet to avoid tipping.

Remove foreign objects from drum

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Inspect drum interior for coins, keys, hard objects
  2. Check around drum edge and rubber gasket
  3. Remove any debris and run a quick spin to test.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power off before reaching into drum.

Next step

Choose the next step for clunking noise during spin cycle

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

Appliance Leveling Leg

Supports and levels the appliance to reduce rocking, vibration, and door-alignment problems.

Typical part-only price
$8 - $40
DIY difficulty
Easy
Estimated time
10-30 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

Washer Shock Absorber

Dampens tub movement and vibration during high-speed spin cycles.

$25 - $100 · Medium · 45-90 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Washer Suspension Rod Kit

Supports and stabilizes the washer tub during agitation and spin.

$35 - $120 · Medium · 45-90 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Drum Bearing Kit

Supports the spinning drum and ensures smooth, quiet rotation during cycles.

$40 - $95 · Hard · 120-180 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Washing Machine 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

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Braided Washer Inlet Hoses

A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Washer Drain Hose Holder

Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.

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 suspension/shock absorbers

Estimated Cost: $80–$200

Replace drum bearings

Estimated Cost: $200–$500+

Inspect and service drive motor/transmission

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

When to Call a Professional

Clunking noise persists after balanced load and leveling
Noise accompanied by wobbling, leaking, or vibration severe enough to move machine
Noise suggests internal component wear (suspension, bearings)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check pockets and remove objects: Foreign object noise and damage
    Frequency: Every load
  • Ensure washer is level: Imbalance noise and vibration
    Frequency: After relocation or installation
  • Do not overload: Load imbalance and excess strain
    Frequency: Each cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine clunking noise during spin cycle?
The clunking noise can be caused by an uneven load, foreign objects in the drum, or the machine not being level.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine clunking noise during spin cycle myself?
Redistribute the laundry evenly, level the washer, and check for foreign objects inside the drum.
How much does it cost to fix clunking noise during spin cycle?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $500+, depending on whether you need to replace parts like suspension or bearings.
When should I call a technician for clunking noise during spin cycle?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue, or if you suspect major component failure, it's time to call a technician.

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 broken inner basket support
  • Unbalanced load
  • Faulty drive belt or motor coupling

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect the inner basket support for wear or damage. If damaged, replace the support. Ensure the inner tub is securely fastened.

  2. Redistribute the load evenly in the drum. Avoid washing heavy items with lighter ones. Run a spin cycle to check for noise.

  3. Check the drive belt and motor coupling for signs of wear. If damaged, replace the belt or coupling as necessary.

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. Washing Machine - Direct Drive - Really Clunky

Community Discussions

makes clunky noises when the drum spins

Check the inner tub for movement; it may be due to worn or broken inner basket support.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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