LG Front Loader Whining/Squeaks

[mikkeladam]

Hello out there,

I have been a fan of this website for years.

I have a LG Front, model WM3600HWA. The washer works great, and I have not any issues with mold or odors from the tub. I use the tub clean cycle once a month.

I have noticed when I turn the tub when its empty, I hear a slight wining noise. I also hear this sometimes when the washer is in operation. The sound seems to be coming from where the bearings are located. It's not coming from the springs. When I move the tub up and down and do hear the sound. Additionally, the whining sound is intermitted. In other words, the tub whines now, but tomorrow it may not.

I had an LG Tech come by to check it out, about 2 months ago, but they could not find anything wrong after running the diagnostics. The heard the whining, but could not tell me what was causing the sound.

Do any of you know what is causing the whining? Is this normal?

Thanks, in advance!

Mikkel

 

[cfz2882]

motor

if the machine is a "direct drive"(BLDC motor) it is normal to hear a whine or whirr when the basket is given a brisk spin.

 

[appnut]

I've had a new WM4200 since November 11th. After I washed the last load tonight, I turn the drum both directions and it tumbled freely without a sound whatsoever.

 

[petek]

I have the wm3700 and haven't really noticed anything. I just went and spun the empty tub and there's a faint click or rubbing here and there but nothing out of the ordinary.

 

[mikkeladam]

LG Front Loader Whining/Squeaks

Hi all,

Thank for the responses. The tub does turn freely. The sound does not occur during the spin cycle. It very subtle when I spin the tub by hand, and during the wash cycle. Again, does sound does not always occur. Should I call service back out?

Mikkeadam

 

[DADoES]

 
This type of motor was developed by Fisher & Paykel for their SmartDrive toploader in the early 1990s.  Other brands have gone to using the design, which has has evolved over the years.  Earlier versions were distinctly whiny or even grindy-sounding.  Operational sound may vary according to how the computer controls it for speed and torque.

Sounds are considerably difficult to diagnose without hearing them.

 

[rolls_rapide]

Could the whining/squeaking be coming from the bearing/shaft seal?

I've noticed over the years on different machines, that certain detergents might cause a squeak on one load of laundry, which doesn't always occur on subsequent loads.

 

[mark_wpduet]

My duet does this

kind of. It's done it periodically for YEARS. I can hear it squeak....but it's a very slight squeak...sounds like baby birds chirping. Then it will just completely stop for months....and when it does happen, it never lasts more than a few loads, before it quiets down again for months....I'm trying to remember the last time I heard it. I think it was back in the spring.. when it does start doing it, once a load is finished, I can spin the empty drum and hear it....I'm trying to remember if it's both directions or just one. Seems like just one direction...I'd venture to say it's done this for ten years...

 

[mikkeladam]

LG Front Loader Whining/Squeaks

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your comment. I think the moderately hard water and perhaps the detergent (regular Tide liquid), that the shaft is being exposed to may have something to do with the sound. Like you, the sound is not consistent; it comes and goes. i whish there were a way to upload a video on this site.

Mikkel

 

[mark_wpduet]

well

you can just upload a video to youtube then post the link in your comment here... I use only powder called Windfresh. I love Tide too but I try not to buy anything made from P&G...If my duet has done this on and off for 10 years, mostly off...and it's almost 17 years old at this point I wouldn't worry....but then again, we're talking about totally different brands here so it could possibly be a different issue. I'm thinking it's no big deal (knock on wood)

 

[mikkeladam]

LG Front Loader Whining/Squeaks

I have attached a video. Hopefully, it works.

 

[DADoES]

 
Visibility on your video is set for Private view -- only you can watch it via log-in to your YouTube channel.

Change it to Public -- it appears on your channel's video list for anyone to see who finds it.

Or Unlisted -- viewable to anyone who has the URL to it (which you've shared in the post above) but doesn't appear on the video list on your YouTube channel.

 

[mark_wpduet]

If you have trouble

to change your video from private to public - while on your youtube, click your icon in the top right....then you'll see options...click youtube studio....on the left click "content" then you will see your latest uploaded video...you'll see an option with a small arrow that shows "visibility".. click the arrow and change it to public, click save.

 

[mikkeladam]

LG Front Loader Whining/Squeaks

Thank you. It should be public now.

 

[mikkeladam]

LG Front Loader Whining/Squeaks

Try this one

 

[DADoES]

 
Sounds like a bit of friction of the drive shaft rubbing on the tub/bearing seal.  Shouldn't be of any notable concern IMO.

 

[mark_wpduet]

doesn't sound major

Mine sounds different when it does this...Literally like a nest of baby birds... I remember the first time I heard it I was like OK, this is it...My machine is going...that was ten years ago.

 

[littlegreeny]

Mark,

I'm curious why you won't buy anything made by P&G?

 

[mark_wpduet]

It's not that I don't

I just try to avoid it when I can. They just use so many nasty chemicals in their products. It's so hard to avoid them entirely. Other companies are guilty too

I'll cut paste from one of the many articles I've read over the years.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) – the company that makes everything from Luvs diapers to Tide, Bounty paper towels, and Nyquil, and also the biggest personal care product distributor in the U.S. – is attempting to ride the wave of breast cancer awareness as a way to tout its ‘interest in women’s health.’ But what everyone should know is that this company doesn’t care about your health; in fact, the company’s products are loaded with carcinogenic ingredients known to cause cancer.

From baby care, to feminine care, personal care products and home care – P&G is infecting your household with carcinogenic ingredients, and though they have been asked repeatedly by consumer activist groups to remove these toxins from its products, the company won’t listen.

While it’s true that P&G has removed some of the toxic ingredients in its products, there is a long way to go. Janet Nudelman, program director at the Breast Cancer Fund and co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics once congratulated the company for taking at least a baby step in the right direction:

“The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics congratulates P&G for taking bold and globally-significant action to protect the health of its 4.8 billion consumers by eliminating two dangerous toxic chemicals—triclosan and DEP—from all its products.”

It’s a step in the right direction to remove a couple toxic ingredients, but I’m not sure a huge congratulations is in order. Still, major P&G brands such as Tide, Pantene, Herbal Essence, and CoverGirl are packed with carcinogens and sold to customers without so much as a warning on the label.

Read: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Is Aluminum Causing Breast Cancer?

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), recognized as a carcinogen by the state of California and the Environmental Working Group, is just one chemical lurking in P&G’s products. The U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that BHA is “reasonably anticipated” to be a human carcinogen. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has found more than 65 carcinogenic chemicals in P&G’s lotions, shampoos, hair dyes, and cosmetics – many of them completely banned in other countries.

P&G’s $100,000 donation to ‘fight breast cancer’ is nothing more than a marketing gimmick to keep you thinking that the company actually cares about your health. This is a multi-billion dollar company. That would be like you or I giving a penny to defeat a major disease.