Lg Washing Machine: excessive noise during operation

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine producing excessive noise during operation? Common symptoms include loud thumping, grinding, or rattling sounds during wash or spin cycles. This could indicate issues such as an unbalanced load, an unstable machine, or foreign objects trapped in the drum. Understanding the causes can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore quiet operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG official support includes noise troubleshooting steps specific to model type (top-load vs front-load) including checking load and machine leveling

Possible Causes

Unbalanced load (clothes distribution)

How to Identify: Noise occurs mostly during spin; clothes cluster to one side or machine vibrates excessively

Part: Load distribution

Machine not level or unstable placement

How to Identify: Machine rocks or vibrates, noise increases especially at high spin speeds

Part: Washer feet/placement

Foreign objects in drum (coins, buttons)

How to Identify: Metallic rattling or clanking sounds; stops after object removal

Part: Inner drum/wash tub

Suspension/shock absorbers worn or damaged

How to Identify: Persistent thumping during agitation and spin even with balanced load

Part: Suspension rods/shock absorbers

Worn drum bearings or tub seal failure

How to Identify: Grinding or rumbling noise that changes with drum speed

Part: Drum bearings/tub seal

Drive belt wear or misalignment

How to Identify: Squealing or rhythmic noise correlated with motor operation

Part: Drive belt

Water pump blockage or failure

How to Identify: Gurgling or repetitive knocking noise during drain cycles

Part: Water pump/filters

DIY Solutions

Redistribute laundry evenly

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Stop the washer mid-cycle
  2. Open door and redistribute clothes more evenly around drum
  3. Restart cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Never open front-load door mid-cycle if water present; pause safely first

Level the washer

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Wrench, Bubble level
  1. Use bubble level on top of washer
  2. Adjust feet by turning to raise/lower corners until level
  3. Tighten locking nuts on feet
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unplugged before adjusting feet

Remove foreign objects from drum

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Stop machine and open drum
  2. Visually inspect and remove loose items from drum or seals
  3. Run brief spin to confirm noise reduction
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid reaching into moving parts

Clean pump/filter of debris

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, Screwdriver, Towel
  1. Unplug washer and locate access panel
  2. Place towel and bucket under panel
  3. Unscrew filter and remove debris
  4. Reinstall filter and panel
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power disconnected; handle water carefully

Professional Repairs

Replace suspension/shock absorbers

Estimated Cost: $80–$200

Replace drum bearings/tub seal

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Replace drive belt

Estimated Cost: $30–$80

Water pump replacement

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after redistribution, leveling, and debris removal
Grinding/rumbling noise that suggests bearing failure
Leaks accompany noise
Unusual electrical smells or machine fails to complete cycles

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and level washer feet: Vibration and imbalance noise
    Frequency: every 3 months
  • Clean drum and pump filter: Debris-related noise and drain issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check pockets before wash: Foreign-object noise and damage
    Frequency: every load

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine excessive noise during operation?
Common causes include an unbalanced load, unstable placement, or foreign objects in the drum.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine excessive noise during operation myself?
Redistribute laundry, level the washer, or remove foreign objects from the drum.
How much does it cost to fix excessive noise during operation?
Professional repairs can range from $30 for a drive belt to $400 for drum bearings.
When should I call a technician for excessive noise during operation?
If the noise persists after DIY fixes or if you suspect worn parts, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

60%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged bearings
  • Loose or damaged drive belt
  • Foreign objects in the drum or pump

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn bearings. To do this, unplug the washer, remove the outer casing, and access the drum. Check the bearings for wear and replace if necessary. Reassemble and test the machine.

  2. Check and tighten or replace the drive belt. Unplug the washer, remove the back panel, and inspect the drive belt for wear or looseness. Replace if damaged or adjust tension as needed.

  3. Remove any foreign objects from the drum or pump. Open the drum and check for coins, buttons, or other debris. Clean out the pump filter as well to ensure no blockages.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Need help finding a quiet washing machine

Community Discussions

extremely high pitched dog whistle like noise

Consider switching to a front load LG washer model WM4000HWA or contacting LG for support.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!