Lg Washing Machine: mechanical failure

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine experiencing mechanical failure? If the drum stops mid-cycle and displays error codes like LE or UE, it may indicate motor overload or worn components. This issue can leave your laundry unwashed and disrupt your routine. Discover effective solutions and professional repair options to get your machine back in working order.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LE error code often signals motor overload or lock caused by overloading, obstruction, sensor or motor control issues.
  • UE error code indicates unbalanced load preventing spin.

Possible Causes

Motor overload or motor lock detected (LE error)

How to Identify: LE error code displayed on panel; no drum movement with power on; humming or struggle sound.

Part: Motor assembly / Motor control circuit

Worn internal components (shock absorbers, bearings)

How to Identify: Loud rumbling or grinding noises during rotation; drum feels loose when manually moved.

Part: Shock absorbers / Drum bearings

Drive belt or transmission failure

How to Identify: Drum doesn’t turn but motor runs (humming or spinning sound without drum movement.

Part: Drive belt / Transmission gears

DIY Solutions

Reduce Load and Redistribute Laundry

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Stop cycle and open door once safe.
  2. Remove excess laundry to reduce load weight.
  3. Redistribute remaining laundry evenly in drum.
  4. Restart cycle to test if drum spins normally.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off when opening door and handling laundry.

Clear Obvious Obstructions

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight, Needle‑nose pliers
  1. Unplug machine and turn off water.
  2. Manually inspect drum edge and pump filter area for foreign objects.
  3. Remove any visible obstructions carefully.
  4. Plug in machine and test a spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before inspection; avoid damaging internal parts.

Professional Repairs

Motor or Motor Control Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Replace Worn Bearings or Suspension Components

Estimated Cost: $200–$450

Drive Belt/Transmission Repair

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

When to Call a Professional

Drum does not turn after load balancing and obstruction removal
Continuous LE error code after reset attempts
Loud grinding noises indicating possible bearing or motor damage

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drum and remove objects from pockets before wash: Foreign object jams and motor overload
    Frequency: per use
  • Check and clean pump filter regularly: Drain blockages and related mechanical strain
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine mechanical failure?
Common causes include motor overload (LE error), worn internal parts, or drive belt failure.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine mechanical failure myself?
To fix it, reduce the load or redistribute laundry, and check for obstructions.
How much does it cost to fix mechanical failure?
Repair costs range from $100 for belt issues to $450 for motor replacements.
When should I call a technician for mechanical failure?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don't work or if components need replacement.

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 drum bearings
  • Snapped rubber suspension or shock absorbers
  • Faulty drive belt or motor issues

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn drum bearings: 1. Unplug the washing machine. 2. Remove the front or rear panel (depending on model). 3. Locate the drum bearings and check for wear. 4. If damaged, replace them with new bearings. 5. Reassemble the machine and test.

  2. Replace snapped rubber suspension: 1. Unplug the washing machine. 2. Remove the top or front panel. 3. Locate the shock absorbers or rubber suspension. 4. Remove the old parts and install new ones. 5. Reassemble and test the machine.

  3. Check and replace the drive belt: 1. Unplug the washing machine. 2. Remove the back panel. 3. Inspect the drive belt for wear or damage. 4. If needed, remove the old belt and install a new one. 5. Reassemble and test the machine.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. First time house owner. Overwhelmed by which washer/dryer to...

Community Discussions

bearing/rubber snapped

Consider a top loader from Whirlpool, Maytag, or Speed Queen instead of LG or Samsung.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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