Lg LSWD100E heat pump combo problem

[mrlaundry1011]

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone has any ideas to what could be causing this issue. From the very start of drying as soon as the fan reaches its set speed the drum gets pushed back against the tub, with the drum rubbing against the tub and the DD motor basically carving out the metal back panel. Nothing within the drying system is blocked, I checked all hoses and filters and everything is clear. It dries completely fine. The condenser fins are spotless. The drum gets pushed back to the point where large slippers easily slide down into the tub. It’s a 2021 model. Any help would be appreciated.

It didn’t use to be this bad, only slight rubbing of the tub but now the motor is fully dragging itself along the back panel and it sounds awful

 

[ozzie908]

Fan noise

Does it make the same noise with NO filters in place?

And could it be possible that a spacer has worn away that would stop the drum rubbing?

 

[mrlaundry1011]

In this model the filters are not removable, it’s moulded onto the outer tub as it’s cleaned automatically during every rinse, start & end of drying. It’s completely clear & I’ve cleaned it with soap to make sure there wasn’t a wax layer on it from softener which you can’t see. It auto cleans the condenser fins in that way too and no other filter here.

Not sure about any spacers, it’s a centum system so the drum has a suspension within the tub, so the outer tub is fixed. It’s completely normal otherwise when it isn’t drying. With a smaller load it scrapes for the first 5min but then stops but with a heavier load it’s throughout. I thought it would be the other way around as a heavier load would pull the drum down away from the back but I think it’s the airflow pushing against the larger load and since the back drum holes would be covered with clothing it makes it worse. It used to be just the drum rubbing on the plastic tub but now it’s the motor too - not sure if that’s a sign the tub is being worn away. ..

 

[henene4]

Do you know for sure it's the motor rubbing somewhere?

These centum machines have (or ar least used to have) balance rings fixed to the front and back of the drum. These could make a scraping sound.

The rotor, stator and drum are fixed onto a plate containing the bearings, which in turn is connected to the suspension.
They don't usually move in relation to each other.
So they can't really rub together.

The only things they could rub together would be either with the tub or with the cabinet/back wall of the appliance.
Either way, to move out of spec, I would suspect a suspension issue. If dampers and springs are out of whack, the whole assembly could move.

Unfortunately, these machines are a very specific design and quite rare.

My first guess with leas disassembly to check the issue would be to remove the back wall - if has one.
If it's rubbing there you at least know it's not rubbing on the plastic tub.

From there you can usually have a look at the Centum suspension. See if any damper or spring isn't in place or has leaked or something.

It could be rubbing on the wash heater as well. You could check it from the back aswell. Should be just 4 terminals and a single screw.

These Centum machines always were to be loved with caution. If anything goes wrong, you look at taking apart the entire machine basically.
And cramming in a heat pump system and fan and an auto dose system doesn't make things easier.

 

[ozzie908]

Apologies

I hadn't realised it was a washer dryer !

 

[henene4]

Might help

This is the service manual to one of the very earliest Centum design machines, even if they weren't branded that way yet.

Disassembly for yours will be significantly different, but the suspension is about the same.

https://elektrotanya.com/lg_f1443kds_f1443kds7_f1443kds9.pdf/download.html#dl

You should be abled to lift the heat exchanger and compressor assembly out as one as it's just fixed to the outer tub and cabinet (and fan).
Be careful with that, if that gets damaged you can write off the entire machine.

 

[mrlaundry1011]

I think I will need to check the suspension. I had the lid off and you can see the motor contacting the back panel. This video might show it better from 45sec

 

[henene4]

If the rotor is contacting the back plate the only things I can think of is either the suspension or the bolt holding the rotor to the shaft being loose.

 

[eronie]

The video says it all!
When the dry cycle start the air inside expands causing the door bellows to expand pushing the tub to the rear,you can see the gap get wider in the vid.
Normally this expanded air will exit through a vent or through the soap drawer.
One or the other is plugged up, probably wet lint.