My LG washing machine vibrates excessively during spin cycle.

The constant "moving" and "jumping" of a washing machine around the room is a major nuisance for users. Those who encounter this problem understand that strong vibration during the spin cycle is not a good sign. Firstly, the extraneous noise and loud rumbling irritate not only family members but also neighbors. Secondly, the abnormal behavior of the washing machine clearly indicates a system malfunction requiring repair. Let's figure out how to stop the washing machine from "escaping" from its location and what to do first.

What causes equipment to vibrate?

LG washing machines that have just been purchased and installed often vibrate strongly during operation. Excessive shaking may be observed due to improper installation of the equipment. List of reasons leading to “jumps” in new technology:

• It's possible that the shipping bolts installed before transporting the machine from the store weren't removed. They're installed to secure the drum. While they won't completely block its rotation, they will definitely interfere with the washing machine's operation.

Before starting the washing machine, make sure that all transport bolts are removed and check their nominal number against the user manual.

• If the problem is definitely not with the fixing bolts, it is likely that serious errors were made during the installation of the device. Modern Automatic washing machines prefer a flat, smooth floor. Rock the machine body by hand if it moves from side to side, adjust the feet, and secure the machine in a level position with the lock nut.
• Less often, the washing machine shakes due to an overly smooth and therefore slippery floor surface. A solution is to use a rubber mat or special anti-slip stickers on the washing machine's feet. A budget-friendly option is to use double-sided mounting tape.

If you notice strong vibration during the spin cycle in a washing machine that's been in use for years, the problem may be a drum imbalance. Imbalance occurs when the machine is overloaded or when items are unevenly distributed in the drum. In this case, the vibration will be a one-off issue and can be resolved by straightening the items inside the machine (if imbalanced) or dividing the load into two portions (if overloaded). Other components of your tried-and-true "home helper" may also be damaged, which we'll discuss below.

Possible malfunctions

If the installation was done correctly, the machine wasn't overloaded with laundry, and the issue certainly isn't an imbalance, then there's a problem. You can identify the problem and fix it yourself; you just need to know where to start looking. Theoretically, anything could have happened.

1. The springs holding the washing machine's drum have worn out. These components may have been of poor quality to begin with, or they may have failed due to long-term use. In this situation, abnormal noise is heard during operation, and increased vibration is observed.
2. The shock absorbers designed to prevent the machine from shaking were damaged.
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4. The counterweight has suffered significant wear. This is the component located at the bottom of LG direct-drive machines. It's a heavy block. If the washing machine has been functioning properly for several years and then suddenly starts vibrating, the counterweight mountings may have become loose. Damage to the block itself is less likely, but in some cases, cracks in its surface may be the cause. Therefore, if the machine isn't simply humming during the spin cycle, but is "jumping" back and forth, feel free to check the concrete block.
5. The drum bearings have failed. These components play a vital role in the operation of the washing machine. If you hear a distinctive clanking sound coming from inside the machine along with strong vibration, it's best to stop the wash cycle immediately and avoid using the appliance until the bearings are replaced.
6. A clogged pump rarely causes a washing machine to shake. If left untreated, the clog can lead to more serious consequences.

Warning signs from your "home assistant" should not be ignored. The equipment should be diagnosed as soon as possible, the cause of the problem identified, and corrected. Using LG automatic machines in conditions of increased vibration threatens the destruction of basic components and assemblies, which leads to increased repair costs.

How to solve the problem?

First, check that the washing machine is installed correctly. Always place the washing machine on a level, even floor.

Using a building level, it is easy to check how level the machine body is.

Before using a newly purchased appliance, be sure to remove all shipping bolts from the housing. Remove the top cover and back panel of the appliance, and inspect the dampers and counterweights. Sometimes, even new washing machines are equipped with damaged components. So, there are several ways to eliminate excessive vibration in your washing machine:

• Tighten the springs holding the drum in place. This procedure is easy to do yourself, but during the warranty period, it's best to call a service technician for any repairs.
• Inspect the shock absorbers and, if necessary, replace them. Over time, the shock absorbers wear out and may no longer fully secure the washing machine tank in place;
• Check the drain pump. Clean it if necessary. It's also a good idea to clean the debris filter;
• Inspect the counterweight and tighten any loose screws. Repairs are also considered minor, but if the machine is under warranty, it's best to entrust the work to professionals. Fixing the problem yourself risks voiding your warranty coverage.
• Observe the maximum load weight requirements for items loaded into the drum. If the instructions specify a maximum load of 5 kg, then the maximum load is limited to that specified weight. Also, be sure to pack items properly into the drum—not in a solid lump, but evenly spreading them out over the surface.
• Don't start washing just one shirt. An underweight garment will deprive the machine of the necessary weight. The LG washing machine's drum will spin too quickly and freely, which will eventually lead to looseness. Washing a single garment at a time won't cause any harm, but repeatedly running an "empty" drum can cause damage.

If rusty stains are found at the back of the washing machine, there is a 90% chance that the bearings need to be replaced.

In most cases, dealing with strong vibration in your washing machine is easy. Complex repairs await the user in two cases: if the counterweight block is damaged or the bearings fail. However, these works can also be carried out independently, having first studied the algorithm of actions for replacing elements.

   

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