Lg Washing Machine: noisy spin cycle, burning smell, drum overheating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine making loud noises during the spin cycle, producing a burning smell, and overheating? These symptoms often indicate issues like an unbalanced load, foreign objects in the drum, or worn drum bearings. Addressing these problems promptly is crucial to prevent further damage.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • Front-load models may emit burning smell during high-temperature drying cycles due to gasket heating — this is normal initially.
  • Control board or motor control failures can produce burning smells; inspect for burnt marks.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or overloaded drum load

How to Identify: Noise decreases or disappears when load is redistributed; heavy items on one side cause vibration

Part: Drum load distribution

Foreign objects in drum or pump

How to Identify: Clanking or rattling noises during spin; removal of coins/items stops noise

Part: Drum interior, drain pump

Worn or damaged drum bearings

How to Identify: Grinding or scraping noise during high-speed spin; drum feels uneven when moved by hand

Part: Tub bearings

Drive belt wear or slipping

How to Identify: Squeaking, burning smell, noise increases with load; belt visible wear on inspection

Part: Drive belt

Overheating motor or motor strain

How to Identify: Motor area feels hot; machine may stop mid-cycle; burning smell from motor region

Part: Motor and motor control

Faulty suspension/shock absorbers/suspension rods

How to Identify: Banging or heavy vibration during spin; uneven drum movement

Part: Suspension system

Electrical short or control board failure

How to Identify: Persistent burning smell without clear mechanical cause; visible burn marks on control board

Part: Control board, wiring

DIY Solutions

Redistribute laundry load

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Stop the washer mid-cycle
  2. Open the door and redistribute clothes evenly around the drum
  3. Remove some items if overloaded and restart cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Stop machine before opening door

Remove foreign objects from drum

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight, needle-nose pliers, magnet tool optional
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Look inside drum holes and between drum and tub for small objects
  3. Use tools to carefully extract items
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug machine before reaching inside drum

Clean and inspect drive belt

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, socket set
  1. Disconnect power
  2. Remove rear panel to access belt
  3. Inspect belt for wear or damage
  4. Replace belt if worn
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power disconnected; belts can snap back

Professional Repairs

Replace drum bearings

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Motor or motor control repair/replacement

Estimated Cost: $200–$600

Suspension/shock absorber replacement

Estimated Cost: $100–$250

When to Call a Professional

Burning smell persists after balancing load and removing objects
Visible smoke or burning marks on electrical components
Motor overheating with shutdowns

Preventive Maintenance

  • Ensure proper load distribution: Noise and motor strain
    Frequency: Every wash
  • Clean drum and remove debris: Foreign objects causing noise
    Frequency: Monthly
  • Level washer feet: Vibration and noise
    Frequency: Quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine noisy spin cycle, burning smell, drum overheating?
Common causes include an unbalanced load, foreign objects in the drum, and worn drum bearings.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine noisy spin cycle, burning smell, drum overheating myself?
You can redistribute the load or remove foreign objects. For more advanced issues, inspect the drive belt.
How much does it cost to fix noisy spin cycle, burning smell, drum overheating?
Professional repairs range from $100 to $600 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for noisy spin cycle, burning smell, drum overheating?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect major components are damaged, contact a technician immediately.

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: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged drum bearings causing excessive noise and overheating.
  • Faulty motor coupling or drive belt slipping, leading to unusual sounds and potential burning smell.
  • Overloading the drum, which can cause strain on the motor and overheating.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn drum bearings. Disassemble the washer, remove the drum, and check the bearings for wear. Replace if necessary.

  2. Check and replace the motor coupling or drive belt. Access the motor compartment, inspect the coupling and belt for wear, and replace them if damaged.

  3. Reduce the load size in the drum to prevent strain. Ensure that the washer is not overloaded during each wash cycle.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Laundry washer. Mine seems to have problem with spin cycle n...

Community Discussions

noisy spin cycle, burn smell, warm front of drum

Check if the drum has significant play; if so, the spider arm may be snapped.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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