LG Direct Drive front-load washing machines are known for their energy efficiency and quiet operation. They use a direct drive motor, which is directly connected to the drum, eliminating the need for a belt and pulley system.
This not only makes them quieter but also allows for more precise and efficient washing. Additionally, these washing machines often have a large capacity, making them ideal for families with a lot of laundries to do.
If your LG Direct Drive front-load washing machine is making grinding noises, it could be due to a few different things.
- One possible cause is that the wash load is unbalanced, which can cause the drum to spin unevenly and make grinding noises. You can try redistributing the wash load and starting the cycle again to see if that fixes the problem.
- Another possible cause is that the wash drum bearings have worn out. The washing drum is supported by bearings, which can wear out over time due to normal wear and tear. If the bearings are worn out, they may make grinding noises as the drum spins. In this case, the bearings will need to be replaced by a professional.
- A third possible cause is that foreign objects, such as coins or small pieces of clothing, have gotten trapped in the wash drum. These objects can get caught between the drum and the outer casing, causing grinding noises.
To fix this problem, you can try removing the objects by carefully reaching into the wash drum with a pair of gloves.
If you’re unable to fix the problem yourself, or if the grinding noises persist, it’s best to contact a professional for help. A trained technician will be able to diagnose the issue and provide a solution.
LG Direct Drive Front Load Washing Machine Making Grinding Noise Explained
The washing machine is a necessity for most of us because we have piles of laundry to do every week. It can be quite concerning when you start hearing scary noises from your appliance.
There is good news, however, as many common causes of a noisy washer are easily fixable with the right advice. Let’s take a look at what’s causing the loud noise and what we can do about it.
Grinding Noise
In general, a front-load washing machine experiencing grinding noise can be attributed to two causes: foreign metal objects caught between the drum and tub or worn-out bearings.
When exploring root causes and subsequent resolution options, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Does the sound resemble a loud grinding noise or a moderate one?
- The washing machine is how old exactly?
- Is there a metallic scratching noise made when rotating the drum by hand when the washer is stopped and empty?
In the case of moderate yet high-pitched grinding noises, it could be that something like keys, safety bins, bra wire strings, etc., were slipped between the drum and the tub. Alternatively, you can have a certified repairman remove it for you.
An empty drum rotation and grinding noise suggest there is a problem with the motor, perhaps a worn bearing, drive pulley, or motor coupling.
In general, tub ball-bearing assemblies are greased. Over time, water seeping through causes the ball bearings to rub metal on metal and rapidly wear themselves out, causing a grinding noise that is high-pitched and screeching.
Such a problem does not have a quick-fix troubleshooting tip. There will be a need for a certified repairman to come to your home. Don’t hesitate to contact the dealer to book a service call for a washing machine still under warranty.
Causes of Loud Grinding Noise from LG Washing Machine
There are several common causes and possible solutions to loud grinding sounds.
Faulty Motor
One cause of that annoying grinding sound could be a faulty drive motor. It is the drive motor that rotates the washtub and spins it. It is connected to the heavy gearbox.
A washing machine’s motor ages as it uses more energy. The motor’s internal components may wear out over time from age-related wear and tear, causing the grinding noise.
The motor may have gone bad on your washer because it is relatively new, but it would mean that the root cause is something else. The reason can range from power fluctuations to manufacturing defects to a burned-out motor.
Solution: You may have to call an expert to diagnose the actual cause of the problem and fix the motor.
The motor can either be repaired or replaced, depending on whether it can be repaired. Regarding minor issues, repairing will be more economical than purchasing a new motor.
Stuck Objects
A stuck object may be causing the grinding noise. In most cases, screws or pins get stuck in tiny holes and make noises while the drum runs.
Solution: Check the washtub for any stuck objects and remove them carefully if they are found. If any objects in your pockets might enter the washtub and harm your washer, ensure you inspect them before you put them in the wash.
Broken Drive-pulley
The washer contains a drive-pulley, belts, and a motor that spins the washtub. The drive belt connects the motor to the washtub at one end and the motor to the drive belt at the other end.
Often, a worn-out or damaged drive pulley will cause a grinding noise to come from the washer.
Solution: Make sure the fitting is properly fixed if there is an issue. You should only consider replacing it when it becomes worn or damaged.
Considering the difference between replacement and repair (it’s almost the same), repairing does not make sense.
Worn-out Bearings
In any washer, bearings play an important role in ensuring the smooth operation of the drum and the entire machine. Rusting and wear take a toll on the bearings of a washing machine as it ages.
Friction is created when the bearings wear out, causing a grinding sound to be heard. The type of sound may vary depending on how severe an issue is.
The bearings, however, are durable and can last for a decade or even longer. You should check the other components of an LG washer to see if it makes a grinding sound and is relatively new since bearings are the last thing you should check.
Solution: Replace the bearing, as repairing won’t make sense because of the cost-benefit ratio. It might work to apply some WD40 to get some temporary relief, but eventually, the bearings will need to be replaced.
Loose Drum
Possibly this is the reason for the unusual noise your washing machine makes. A loose or broken screw usually causes this type of problem.
A loose drum can be easily fixed by replacing the problematic screws with a screwdriver.
Common Washing Machine Noises
You might hear your washer making noise for several reasons, but not all indicate a severe problem.
To prevent the problem from worsening, it’s crucial to find out what is causing the noises. It is often possible to find out the cause of a sound by looking at its nature.
Noise During Spin Cycle
If your washer makes noise during the spin cycle, it is typically caused by something getting caught in the lint trap, the seal, or between the drum and casing. This causes a loud banging or rattling sound.
Noise During Agitation
Worn-out drum bearings or broken drive pulleys are the most common causes of loud noises in washers during the agitation cycle. The drum typically produces a grinding or rumbling sound when it spins because of these defects.
Squealing
During the filling process, you may hear your washer making noise. Whistling or squealing may indicate that the water pressure supplying the washer is too high, even though a gentle rushing sound is normal.
Clicking
It’s common to hear a clicking sound coming from a faulty or broken water inlet valve, similar to that from an old movie projector.
Sometimes, these valves become rusted or blocked with lint and other debris. In most cases, a faulty inlet valve will lead to a washing machine that will not fill with water.
Banging
It is common for drums to make banging or clanking noises when items spin inside them. It is frequently the result of detached buttons or zippers. Lint traps and door seals can also get stuck with these items, making them sound scratchy or rattling.
Drums and casings can sometimes be separated by a seal allowing items to pass through. A thunderous, rapid banging noise occurs when these items spin at high speeds.
Make sure you resolve the problem before using your washing machine. Even a bra underwire could cause severe damage to the machine, especially if it pierces the machine.
Tips to Keep your LG Washer Healthy
- It is not a good idea to run your washer if the power fluctuates.
- Make sure to load your washer with enough laundry based on its capacity or lower it as needed. As a result, overloading is a common cause of damage to the washer and other important components.
- The minute you hear an unusual noise coming from your washer, have it inspected and repaired immediately. In time, these minor problems can accumulate and damage the other components of your washer.
- Make sure you inspect the washer areas when you notice any leaks from the washer. Fix any leaks that you find as soon as possible.
Final Words
It is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing washing machine noise. Generally speaking, you should call a technician if you believe an object is stuck between the drum and casing.
Unless you know what you’re doing, it can be easy to go wrong when disassembling the washer.
Replacement of the drum bearing should also be left to professionals unless you are confident in your abilities. You run the risk of voiding your warranty if you perform these repairs incorrectly on your washing machine.
