Why Is My LG Washing Machine Making a Loud Noise?
Open the door, redistribute the laundry evenly around the drum, and restart the spin cycle — an unbalanced load is the most common cause of loud noise and rebalancing it typically resolves the problem immediately (takes about 5 minutes).
Fault description
A loud noise from your LG washing machine can range from a rhythmic banging during spin to a constant grinding or rattling throughout the cycle. The type of noise often points to where the problem lies — a thumping sound usually suggests a mechanical or load-balance issue, while grinding or scraping tends to indicate worn components inside the drum assembly.
LG washing machines are designed to operate quietly, so any significant increase in noise is worth investigating promptly. Left unaddressed, some causes — particularly worn drum bearings or a failing motor — can worsen quickly and lead to more expensive repairs. Other causes, such as an unbalanced load or a foreign object trapped in the drum, are completely harmless and easy to fix yourself.
This guide walks you through the most likely causes and practical steps to diagnose and resolve the noise, starting with the simplest checks first.
Causes
- Unbalanced or overloaded drum — When laundry bunches to one side — common with heavy items like duvets or jeans — the drum spins off-centre and creates a loud banging or thumping noise, especially during the spin cycle. Overloading the machine has the same effect and puts extra strain on the suspension system.
- Foreign object trapped in the drum or pump — Coins, bra underwires, buttons, or small items left in pockets can slip through the drum holes and become lodged in the pump filter or between the drum and the door seal. This typically produces a rattling or clattering sound that is present throughout the wash.
- Worn drum bearings — The drum bearings allow the inner drum to spin smoothly inside the outer tub. When they wear out — usually after several years of use — they produce a loud rumbling or grinding noise that gets worse as the spin speed increases. This is one of the more serious causes and generally requires a parts replacement.
- Damaged or worn drive belt — On belt-driven LG models, a worn, stretched, or partially snapped drive belt can cause a squealing or slapping noise during agitation and spin. The belt may also cause the drum to turn unevenly, adding to the noise.
- Worn or faulty shock absorbers or suspension springs — Shock absorbers and suspension springs dampen drum movement during the spin cycle. When they weaken or break, the drum moves excessively and strikes the cabinet walls, producing a loud banging noise particularly at high spin speeds.
- Loose or worn motor brushes — On brushed motor models, the carbon brushes that make contact with the motor can wear down over time, causing a grinding or intermittent scraping sound. The machine may still complete cycles but the noise will gradually worsen.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Redistribute the laundry load
Pause the cycle and open the door. Remove some items if the drum is packed tightly, then spread the remaining laundry evenly around the drum by hand. Restart the cycle and listen — if the banging stops, an unbalanced load was the cause. Avoid washing single heavy items alone; add a couple of towels to balance the load.
- 2
Check that the machine is level
Place a spirit level on top of the machine and check it front-to-back and side-to-side. All four feet should be in firm contact with the floor. Adjust the levelling feet by turning them clockwise to raise or anti-clockwise to lower, then tighten the lock nuts. A machine that rocks even slightly will amplify noise dramatically during spin.
- 3
Inspect the drum and door seal for foreign objects
With the machine empty and unplugged, rotate the drum slowly by hand and listen for rattling or scraping. Run your fingers around the inside of the door seal, feeling for coins, wires, or debris caught in the folds. Remove anything you find with pliers if necessary, taking care not to tear the seal.
- 4
Clean the pump filter
The pump filter is usually located behind a small panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place a shallow tray and towels underneath, then unscrew the filter cap slowly to drain residual water. Remove the filter completely and clear out any debris — coins and small items frequently collect here and cause rattling or humming noises from the pump.
- 5
Run an empty spin cycle and listen carefully
With the drum empty, run a short spin cycle at a high speed (1000 rpm or above). This helps you isolate whether the noise is load-related or mechanical. A grinding or rumbling noise on an empty drum strongly suggests worn bearings or a motor issue rather than a simple load problem.
- 6
Check for drum bearing wear
Open the door and grab the front edge of the inner drum with both hands. Try to move it up and down — there should be very little play. If you feel noticeable movement or hear a rough, gravelly sensation when you spin the drum by hand, the bearings are likely worn. This is a strong indicator that professional repair is needed.
- 7
Inspect the shock absorbers and suspension springs
If you are comfortable removing the back or front panel of the machine (always unplug it first), visually inspect the shock absorbers for signs of oil leakage or physical damage, and check that the suspension springs are intact and properly seated. A broken spring or collapsed absorber will be visually obvious and will need replacing before the machine is used again.
When to call a service technician
If the loud noise persists on an empty drum, particularly as a deep rumbling or grinding sound that worsens at higher spin speeds, this is a strong sign of worn drum bearings. Bearing replacement on an LG washing machine is a labour-intensive job that involves dismantling the outer tub, and it is best handled by a service technician to avoid causing further damage.
You should also contact a service technician if you notice the drum has excessive movement when pushed by hand, if the machine vibrates violently and moves across the floor despite being level, or if you can see physical damage to internal components such as broken springs or leaking shock absorbers. Continuing to run the machine in these conditions risks damaging the outer tub or motor.
Prevention
The parts most commonly replaced on LG washing machines presenting with loud noise are the drum bearings and bearing seal, the shock absorbers, and the door seal (boot gasket) — the latter particularly when a foreign object has caused a tear that allows items to escape into the pump area. If you have identified one of these as the cause, sourcing a genuine LG replacement part will give the best long-term result.
To reduce the risk of noise faults developing, always check pockets before loading, avoid consistently running the machine at maximum capacity, and use the correct amount of detergent to prevent excessive vibration from foam build-up. Running a monthly drum-clean cycle also helps keep internal components free from residue that can accelerate wear.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my LG washing machine make a loud noise only during the spin cycle?
Noise that appears specifically during spin is most often caused by an unbalanced load, worn shock absorbers, or failing drum bearings — all of which are put under the greatest stress at high spin speeds. Start by redistributing the laundry and checking the machine is level. If the noise continues on an empty spin, the bearings or suspension components are the likely culprit.
Is it safe to keep using my LG washing machine if it is making a loud noise?
It depends on the cause. If the noise is due to an unbalanced load or a small foreign object, it is generally safe to continue using the machine once you have resolved the issue. However, if the noise is a grinding or rumbling from worn bearings, continued use can cause the drum to seize or damage the outer tub, turning a moderate repair into a much more costly one.
My LG washing machine makes a rattling noise — what is causing it?
A rattling noise is almost always caused by a foreign object such as a coin, button, or underwire that has escaped from a pocket or garment. Check the drum interior, the door seal folds, and the pump filter. Clearing the filter is a quick job and often resolves the rattle immediately.
How do I know if my LG washing machine drum bearings need replacing?
The clearest signs are a loud rumbling or grinding noise during spin that gets worse over time, and noticeable up-and-down movement in the drum when you push it by hand with the door open. You may also hear a rough, gravelly feeling when spinning the drum manually. A service technician can confirm the diagnosis and advise on repair costs.
Can an LG washing machine make a loud noise because of the installation surface?
Yes. A machine placed on an uneven, soft, or hollow floor can vibrate significantly more than one on a solid, level surface. Ensure all four feet are adjusted to make firm contact with the floor and consider placing an anti-vibration mat underneath the machine. This simple step can make a noticeable difference to noise levels, particularly during high-speed spin.