Drum knocks when spinning LG washing machine

Modern LG washing machines are characterized by almost silent operation: only slight vibration and hum from the accelerating engine are acceptable. Extraneous sounds - knocking, grinding, creaking - indicate a user error or equipment failure. You cannot ignore the increased “volume” of the machine, otherwise a minor glitch will develop into a serious nuisance. It’s impossible to immediately say why the drum beats during the spin cycle. A comprehensive diagnosis and analysis of accompanying “symptoms” is necessary.

Most likely this is not a breakdown

If the washing machine begins to knock loudly and “jump” around the room, then it is safer to force the cycle to end and thoroughly check the machine. Several problems can lead to knocking at once: from blockages and faulty shock absorption to broken bearings. In any case, the balancing of the drum is disrupted - the container “flies off” and hits the body of the washing machine.

Imbalance occurs not only due to breakdowns - often the problem is simple inattention of the user. In order not to disassemble the machine in vain, you must first exclude frivolous reasons. We are talking about improper loading of the drum and instability of the equipment.

• Loading standards were not met. The main reason for the imbalance is exceeding the maximum capacity of the machine. A similar outcome occurs when the cylinder is not filled enough. In any case, you will have to stop the program, open the hatch, and then report or lay out some of the laundry.

Modern LG washing machines are protected from imbalance - if the balance is imbalanced, the system stops the wash and displays the corresponding error code on the display!

• The laundry is unevenly distributed. Often the machine knocks due to “clumping”: the clothes loaded into the drum gather into one lump. The balance is disrupted, the cylinder moves from the specified trajectory and hits the side walls of the machine. The problem can be solved simply: just pause the cycle, open the hatch door, take them out, straighten them, return them and continue washing.
• The machine is not level. The washing machine must be placed on a flat and solid surface, otherwise imbalance and knocking are inevitable.

The stability of the washing machine is checked using a building level. If the device shows deviations, then it is necessary to adjust the height of the legs or move the equipment to a straighter surface. You can test the machine yourself: try to rock the machine. A correctly installed unit will not move.

Shock absorbing system

The shock absorption system - springs and dampers - is responsible for dampening vibrations on LG washing machines. Thanks to them, the machine maintains balance even when spinning at maximum speed. If the shock-absorbing elements wear out or break, then the balance is upset: the drum moves, hits the walls of the housing - knocking and humming appears.

Operating a washing machine with problematic shock absorption is dangerous - there is a high risk of serious internal damage. It is better to check the dampers and springs of the machine when the first knocks appear, and if they are faulty, replace them with new ones. The procedure is as follows:

• de-energize the machine;
• remove the top cover by unscrewing the corresponding bolts;
• raise the washing tub to its maximum height;
• fix the new position of the tank with a solid object, for example, a block;
• pull the spring towards you and unhook it from the hook;
• install a new element.

Replacement parts are selected according to the serial number of the LG washing machine model.

Upon completion of the repair, lower the tank into place and return the top cover. Then we connect the equipment to communications and start a test wash. If the washer is still making noise, then the troubleshooting continues.

The counterweight is damaged or destroyed

Counterweights provide the washing machine with the necessary stability. These are concrete blocks that, with their weight, suppress the centrifugal force emanating from the drum. The stones are located under the top cover of the case and are secured with reinforced bolts. All this allows the machine not to knock or jump during washing and spinning.

Before diagnosis and repair, the LG washing machine should be disconnected from communications.

Over time, the fixation of the counterweights weakens - the bolts become loose, the nuts fly off. As a result, the blocks become loose and do not suppress vibration, but, on the contrary, when spinning, they themselves hit the walls of the machine. To solve the problem, you need to tighten the fasteners as follows:

• de-energize equipment;
• remove the top cover;
• inspect the blocks;
• tighten the washers.

If “tightening” the fasteners does not help, then it is necessary to strengthen the structure by adding additional washers to the bolts. This way the block will be fixed more firmly.

Metal object in drum

If a previously quiet direct drive washing machine suddenly starts making noise, then most likely the problem is a clog. More precisely, in a solid object stuck between the tank and the drum. Here you cannot delay diagnostics, since the “guest” can jam the system. The consequences will be disastrous: a deformed cylinder, a broken tank and broken bolts.

You can inspect the washing machine tank through the hole under the heating element. The sequence is:

• disconnect the LG washing machine from the water supply and electrical network;
• turn the machine backwards forward;
• remove the back panel by unscrewing the screws around its perimeter;
• find a heating element - a rectangular “chip” with wires at the bottom of the tank;
• unhook the wiring from the heating element;
• loosen the central nut;
• deepen the rod;
• pull the heater out of the hole.

A knock during washing may indicate that a foreign object has entered the tank!

We shine a flashlight through the vacated hole and look for the stuck object. If there is one, then we put our hand in and take it out. You can try to cope with the help of a thick wire bent into a “hook”. Having taken out the “lost” one, you need to return the heating element to its place and run a test cycle.

Sometimes a knocking sound during washing indicates damaged bearings. It’s not difficult to confirm your guess: just remove the rear panel from the body and inspect the back of the tank with the pulley. If the bearing assembly is broken, then traces will remain on the plastic - streaks of rust and grease.

It is not recommended to repair the bearing assembly yourself: you will need to almost completely disassemble the machine. It’s better not to take risks, but to immediately contact the service center.

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