During spin cycles, does your LG washing machine shake a lot or make a thumping noise? One possible culprit is a malfunctioning shock absorber. These necessary parts keep your washer operating smoothly by reducing vibrations. It’s time to inspect and possibly fix the shock absorber if you’re hearing unusually loud noises or movement.
Although it may seem difficult, fixing a shock absorber is a doable task with the correct advice. We’ll guide you through the process of identifying and resolving the issue in this article. We’ll go over everything, including how to spot wear and tear and what equipment you’ll need. You can restore your washer to its stable, quiet self with a little perseverance and basic knowledge.
Whether you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer or simply want to cut down on repair expenses, this guide will help you navigate the process and make sure your LG washing machine works like new once more. Let’s get started and stop those vibrations!
| Step | Description |
| 1. Identify the problem | Listen for unusual noises during the spin cycle, or if the drum moves excessively. |
| 2. Disconnect power | Unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet to ensure safety. |
| 3. Access the shock absorbers | Remove the back panel or bottom panel of the washing machine to locate the shock absorbers. |
| 4. Inspect the shock absorbers |
The shock absorber on your LG washing machine may be the source of any unusual shaking or loud noises. Although fixing it might seem difficult, with the right advice, it’s actually a manageable task. You can fix your washing machine’s noisy and smooth operation without calling a repairman by following the instructions in this article to identify and replace a faulty shock absorber.
Types of shock absorbing elements
The washing machine speeds up to 400–1800 rpm during the spin cycle, which unavoidably causes vibrations throughout the building. The machine’s ability to suppress outgoing vibrations is attributed to shock absorption. There are two ways to reduce centrifugal force, depending on the LG model:
- shock absorbers;
- dampers and springs.
Racks made of cylinders with a return spring and a piston serve as shock absorbers. Grease-filled rubber gaskets between the body and the mechanism are what cause the structure to be activated. There is a rod at the very end.
There are two dampers, or shock absorbers, in LG washing machines.
A more sophisticated kind of shock absorber is the dampfer. Its design does not include springs; instead, they are installed independently and support the washing tank above. Better extinguishing vibration is therefore guaranteed. These kinds of vibrations are more frequently found in LG vehicles.
Shock absorbers and dampers are mounted on both sides of the washing tank and are found at the base of the laundry room. The latter is less expensive to fix at home if the first repair is nearly worthless. However, you must first use a straightforward test to ensure that the racks are malfunctioning before disassembling and fixing them.
How to understand that the shock absorber has failed?
It is not worth it to start disassembling and dismantling the shock absorber right away. You must first confirm that it is inappropriate by quickly making dough with your hands. The guidelines are as follows:
- Disconnect the machine from the mains;
- remove the top cover (first unscrew the bolts that fix it, then lift it and push it away from you);
- reach the washing tank with your hand;
- press on the upper part of the tank, lowering it 5-7 cm above the initial level;
- release your hand sharply;
- evaluate the "behavior" of the tank.
Normally, the shock absorbers would engage instantly, causing the tank to rise and come to a stop. The racks are broken if the tank begins to swing in different directions, much like a pendulum. They must be fixed or replaced.
Without testing, you can speculate about the dampers’ malfunction. The LG washing machine exhibits several indicators that indicate vibration damper issues:
- during washing, the equipment creaks and hums;
- the machine "jumps" during spinning;
- the drum rotates with difficulty (due to lack of lubrication in the racks).
To fix the shock absorber, you must identify the cause of its malfunction. Typically, the reasons why racks fail are:
- natural wear and tear (after long-term use, the liners and dampers are wiped off, grease is produced);
- deformations (due to a manufacturing defect, improper operation or transportation of the washing machine);
- wear of fasteners (the bolts holding the dampers may become loose and break).
Dampers that have sustained severe damage are beyond repair. It is possible to get the struts back in working order without calling a specialist if the malfunction is due to gasket wear or weakening of the fixation. Detailed instructions are provided below.
Although replacing the shock absorber on your LG washing machine may seem difficult, you can do it yourself if you have the right equipment and a little perseverance. Before starting the repair, make sure you have all the required parts and tools. You’ll save frustration and time by doing this. If there are any particular instructions relevant to your model of washing machine, it’s a good idea to refer to the manual.
To maintain safety, don’t forget to unplug the machine from the water and power sources while doing repairs. As directed by the manufacturer, carefully remove the old shock absorber and install the new one. To prevent problems later on, it is imperative to make sure that everything is correctly aligned and firmly fastened.
Make sure the machine is operating smoothly by testing it after the replacement shock absorber is installed. Keep an ear out for strange sounds and look for any leaks. If everything appears to be working as it should, the repair was successfully finished. Your washing machine will continue to function well for many years to come with routine maintenance and quick fixes for any problems.
