Lg Washing Machine: excessive tub movement during spin cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing excessive tub movement during the spin cycle of your LG washing machine? This issue often manifests as rocking, banging, or wobbling, indicating a potential imbalance or internal problem. Understanding the causes can help you address the situation effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG official troubleshooting prioritizes load balance and leveling advice, and mentions checking for foreign objects in the tub.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced laundry load

How to Identify: Symptoms occur only with specific loads; large bulky items or unevenly distributed clothes cause dramatic shaking during high-speed spin.

Part: Drum / Load distribution

Washer not level or feet improperly adjusted

How to Identify: Machine rocks when pushed corner-to-corner; spirit level shows uneven top surface; shaking persists even with balanced loads.

Part: Leveling feet / Base

Internal mechanical failure (bearings, drive system)

How to Identify: Persistent violent shaking plus unusual sounds like grinding or squealing; shaking not resolved by load distribution or leveling.

Part: Bearings / drive/motor assembly

DIY Solutions

Redistribute laundry load

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Pause the washer mid-cycle (if running).
  2. Open door and redistribute clothes evenly around the drum.
  3. Avoid mixing very heavy and very light items together.
  4. Close door and restart spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Pause the machine before reaching into the drum to avoid injury.

Level the washer

Moderate 10-30 minutes
Tools Needed: spirit level, wrench
  1. Use a spirit level across the top of the machine.
  2. Adjust each leveling foot up or down to achieve a level position.
  3. Tighten lock nuts on feet after adjustments.
  4. Test with a spin cycle to confirm reduction in shaking.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off and machine is empty before adjusting.

Remove foreign objects from drum

Easy To Moderate 5-15 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight, needle-nose pliers
  1. Check inside drum and holes for visible objects.
  2. Use pliers to carefully remove any debris.
  3. Rotate drum by hand after removal to check for remaining obstructions.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before reaching into drum areas.

Professional Repairs

Replace suspension components

Estimated Cost: $60 - $200

Internal mechanical repair (bearings/drive)

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400+

When to Call a Professional

Persistent excessive movement despite balanced load and proper leveling
Unusual grinding, squealing, or banging noises during spin
Suspected worn internal components after inspection

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly check and adjust leveling feet: Uneven vibration and movement during spin
    Frequency: every 6 months or when moving washer
  • Avoid overloading and distribute laundry evenly: Unbalanced loads causing excessive shaking
    Frequency: Every load

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine excessive tub movement during spin cycle?
The main causes include an unbalanced laundry load, improper leveling of the washer, or rarely, internal mechanical failures.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine excessive tub movement during spin cycle myself?
You can redistribute the laundry load, level the washer using a spirit level, or check for foreign objects inside the drum.
How much does it cost to fix excessive tub movement during spin cycle?
Professional repairs can range from $60 to $400+, depending on whether suspension components or internal mechanical parts need replacement.
When should I call a technician for excessive tub movement during spin cycle?
If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if you suspect internal mechanical failure, 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?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged suspension springs
  • Broken spider bracket
  • Unbalanced load in the tub

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn or damaged suspension springs. 1. Unplug the washing machine. 2. Remove the front panel. 3. Locate the suspension springs and check for wear. 4. Replace any damaged springs with new ones. 5. Reassemble the machine and test.

  2. Check and replace the spider bracket if broken. 1. Unplug the washing machine. 2. Remove the back panel and tub. 3. Inspect the spider bracket for cracks or breaks. 4. If damaged, replace it with a new part. 5. Reassemble and test the machine.

  3. Balance the load in the tub. 1. Pause the spin cycle. 2. Open the door and redistribute the clothes evenly in the tub. 3. Close the door and resume the spin cycle.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Worth Repairing Anymore?

Community Discussions

more movement of the tub during the spin cycle

Check for worn suspension components or a broken spider bracket; consider replacing parts if necessary.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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