Why is the drum wobbling in my LG washing machine?

If you notice your washing machine's drum is loose, it's important to diagnose the machine and fix the problem as soon as possible. You don't need to call a professional; you can inspect and repair the machine yourself. Let's figure out what to do if your LG washing machine's drum is loose.

We determine the permissible backlash

Minor play in the drum may be a factory occurrence—this is not critical and does not affect the operation of the equipment. Natural play from the factory does not cause noise, grinding, or strong vibrations in the housing. In case the washing machine If your LG is jumping while running and the drum is swaying in different directions, you need to act as soon as possible. There are two ways to check the drum play of a washing machine.

You can open the hatch door and gently rock the drum, then rotate it clockwise and counterclockwise. If you hear an annoying creaking sound while lightly touching and rocking, there's a problem.

You can check for play by running a wash cycle at the maximum spin speed (depending on the washing machine model, this can be 800, 1200, or 1400 RPM). Observe the machine's operation. If the drum starts jumping and hitting the housing during a wash cycle at maximum speed, the cause is worn bearings or shock absorbers.

We are looking for the reason why the drum is wobbling

How can you determine why the drum is loose? First, look underneath your LG washing machine. If the bearings are worn out, you'll find a puddle underneath in 90% of cases. If the bearings are damaged, water will leak out of the drum and collect on the floor or in a special tray (depending on the washing machine model).

If you find a puddle, it means that the rubber seal and bearings need to be replaced.

When the drum is loose and the only accompanying symptom is a knocking sound, it's best to inspect the shock absorbers rather than the bearings. Checking the springs doesn't require complete disassembly of the washing machine. The following is sufficient:

• de-energize the equipment;
• remove the top cover of the housing by unscrewing the bolts holding it;
• Find the shock absorbers deep inside the body and check their condition.

If the springs and dampers are clearly damaged, the cause of the "dancing" drum has been identified. This type of damage is much easier to fix than replacing the bearings. To fix the machine, simply replace the shock absorbers.

If the drum is wobbling and rubbing against the tub during every wash, don't delay diagnostics. The problem will only worsen over time, and eventually, restoring your LG washing machine to working order may become impossible. Timely repairs are the key to a successful repair.

We are replacing shock absorber elements

Replacing the bearings in an automatic washing machine yourself is quite difficult, especially if the washing machine's drum is non-detachable. Experience shows that few people undertake this type of work at home. For ordinary users, it's easier to call a specialist and entrust them with complex repairs.

When drum wobble is caused by defective shock absorbers, you can fix the problem yourself. Replacing springs and dampers is much easier than disassembling the drum and tapping out bearings. The repair procedure will vary depending on your LG washing machine model. In some washing machines, the shock absorbers can be accessed from underneath, while in others, it's only through the front wall.

If your automatic washing machine model allows for underbody repairs, the replacement won't take long. Simply lay the machine on its side, after de-energizing and disconnecting it from all utilities, remove the worn shock absorbers, and install new ones.

If a defect is detected in only one shock absorber, both elements must be replaced.

When dismantling the shock absorbers from the front side, it is necessary:

• pull the CM power cord out of the socket;
• turn off the water supply tap;
• remove the top cover of the case by unscrewing the fixing fasteners;
• pull out the detergent drawer;
• remove the false panel behind which the drain filter is hidden;
• Remove the bolts holding the control panel. Place it carefully on top of the washing machine, being careful not to break the wires. You can disconnect the wiring, but be sure to take a photo of the wiring diagram beforehand to avoid mistakes during reassembly.
• Open the hatch and unscrew the screws securing the door lock. Disconnect the wires and remove the hatch locking device;
• Hook the cuff clamp fastener. Remove the metal ring from the housing and tuck the sealing rubber inside the drum;
• remove the front panel by unscrewing all the screws holding it in place (behind the powder receptacle, under the control panel, in the upper right and left corners).

This will give you easy access to the shock absorbers. Removing worn parts and installing new ones is easy. Reassembling your LG washing machine is done in reverse order. If your washing machine's drum is "dancing" back and forth, don't delay repairs. The reason why the drum is wobbly is because the bearings or shock absorbers are worn out. In both cases, it is advisable to replace faulty components as soon as possible.

   

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