Why does the LG washing machine make a lot of noise when spinning, what should I do?
During operation, the washing machine emits a steady hum, which intensifies during spinning and drying.
For user convenience, LG indicates noise standards at various stages of the cycle. If the noise is significantly stronger than stated, this may indicate a malfunction of the engine and rotating mechanism.
Read on to find out why your LG washing machine makes a lot of noise when spinning, how to detect the problem and fix it.
Content
In what cases is noise at high speeds normal?
Engine operation and drum rotation at high speeds cannot be silent. When spinning, the sound intensity increases, and its limit value will depend on several factors:
- quantity and distribution of laundry in the tank;
- machine design (type of transmission, presence of counterweight, etc.);
- washing programs, speed;
- unit models.
What should not alarm the owner:
- The hum of the motor when the drum rotates (both during washing and spinning).
- The noise of the drum itself while spinning clothes.
- Increases sound when turning on higher speeds.
Signs of damage
About breakdowns in the SMA mechanism The following signs may indicate:
rumble, strong vibration during spinning;- “jumping”, displacement of the machine when rotating at high speeds;
- the appearance of crackling, grinding, squeaking and other extraneous sounds;
- increased noise compared to what was before;
- poor quality of washing (wet laundry after spinning, stains, etc.);
- drum jamming in one position;
- flow.
If you ignore these symptoms, then over time the SMA may completely stop spinning the drum.
Differences between direct and belt drive washers
Rotational motion can be transmitted from the motor to the drum shaft through a belt or electromagnetic system. LG owns a patent for Direct Drive technology, which is installed on most modern washing machines.
In a direct drive SMA, the speed is set by an electromagnetic system, and the inverter motor rotates the drum without direct contact with it. This allows you to eliminate some breakdowns (for example, belt stretching, brush wear), increase the maximum speed and increase the tank load.
With identical technical characteristics, the inverter SMA promises to be quieter than the belt one.Due to the reliability of the direct drive, the risk of abnormal noise during spinning is also lower.
The belt drive also has an important advantage: if the weight is unevenly distributed in the tank, the rubber belt acts as an additional shock absorber. Direct drive mechanisms are more sensitive to uneven load distribution in the drum.
Possible causes of problems, diagnosis and repair
Causes of loud noise when spinning clothes I can be:
- errors in installing the machine,
- shock absorber problems,
- wear of bearings, etc.
Installation on an uneven or unstable surface
If the unit is not level or on an unstable area, then vibration of the body during washing will lead to rocking and increased noise.
To balance the load, the washing machine is installed using a building level. The gap between its sides and the walls should be at least 2-3 cm.
To reduce noise during spinning, you can purchase or make anti-vibration pads for the legs made of plastic or thick rubber.
Availability of transportation bolts
To avoid damage to the springs during transportation, the manufacturer secures the tank with special bolts. When installing, additional fasteners are removed.
If you do not unscrew the transport bolts, then during the spin cycle the machine will begin to make a lot of noise, move and vibrate. To reduce noise, it is necessary to remove the back wall of the unit and unscrew the fasteners that firmly fix the tank. In operating mode, it should balance freely on the springs.
Missing or damaged counterweight
To balance the heavy drum with laundry during spinning, counterweights are attached to it. They are light gray blocks that are located under the tank. Problems with counterweights are accompanied by strong noise and vibration at high speeds.
To check, it is necessary to remove the side wall of the MCA and inspect the blocks and fasteners. If the counterweights are damaged, they are replaced with new ones., when the fastenings are loosened, tighten them.
Early models of LG direct drive machines do not have a built-in counterweight, so when replacing a homemade unit, you will have to use similar parts from units of other brands (for example, Indesit).
Foreign object entering the tank
Foreign objects that get inside the drum usually end up in the drain filter.
However the smallest parts can get inside the tank. When the drum rotates, they hit the embossed wall, producing knocks, clanging and ringing.
Most often, stuck objects are found under the heating element (heating element), between the tank and the drum, or in the perforation of the latter.
If a small part is partially inside, you can remove it with pliers or tweezers. You can get it from the bottom of the tank through the hole for the heating element.. In cases where objects get stuck on the side or top of the container, machine owners have to resort to the help of a technician.
Parts made of metal and hard plastic can damage the coating of the heating element, the walls of the tank and the drainage system, so it is prohibited to continue washing if noise occurs.
Malfunction of springs or shock absorbers
The SMA tank is suspended on 2-4 springs, which dampen vibration and allow the tank to move only in one plane.
If one of the parts stretches, falls off or bursts, then the balance of the system is disrupted.During the washing and spinning process, the loose tank will vibrate strongly and knock on the inner wall of the machine.
Shock absorbers dampen drum vibration. If they are damaged, the washing machine begins to knock heavily, vibrate and “jump” during the spin cycle. The service life of shock absorbers largely depends on compliance with the recommendations for loading the drum.
Springs and shock absorbers are replaced only as a set, since replacing one part will lead to an imbalance in the tank. Read about replacing shock absorbers Here.
Breakage of the rotation shaft or pulley
Damage to the rotating shaft - a rare malfunction in LG washing machines. As a rule, it occurs due to a manufacturing defect or bearing failure.
The main signs of a shaft defect are loud noise during spinning and drum play. In an SMA with a belt drive, the pulley mount may become loose. This also leads to play and increased noise.
During the rotation of the drum, extraneous knocking noises are heard, which become more frequent during the spin cycle. For repair just remove the back wall of the machine and tighten the pulley nut.
A knock on the back wall of the unit can also occur when the noise filter, a small part that is attached to the power cord inside the unit, is loosened.
Bearing wear
Bearings are the most loaded and precise part of a washing machine. When they are exhausted, the unit begins to rattle, knock and vibrate strongly. The problem gets worse as the speed increases.
In case of damage or critical wear of a part The MMA will stop squeezing or the drum will jam. The problem may be accompanied by leakage of the machine and the appearance of rusty spots on things. To eliminate the noise, you will need to replace the oil seal and bearings. How to do this, read here.
The video will tell you about replacing bearings:
Preventing the problem from occurring
To prevent abnormal noise from occurring, necessary:
- Observe the maximum tank loading rate.
- Wash items with hard fittings (beads, buttons, bones, etc.) only in special bags.
- Check pockets and recesses for foreign objects.
- Load the drum evenly, avoid severe underloading, especially washing large and 1-2 small items together.
Conclusion
Thus, a loud hum and slight vibration during the spin cycle are not causes for concern. If the noise intensifies, there is strong vibration or extraneous sounds (in particular, rumble and grinding noises), it is necessary to check the condition of the bearings, motor, tank and shock absorbers. New machines can operate noisily if they are in an unstable position or have defective parts or shipping fasteners.
