LG Washing machine - Drum grinding

[Roscoe]

Wondering if I can get some assistance. Washing machine is getting louder with every use, and I've not been able to find the answer in the Washing Machine repair help section

I've popped a video in below and hope that it might be enough to diagnose. I'm assuming it might be the bearings and if so I doubt I'm competent enough to fix this on my own having watched a repair video on YouTube last night.

I guess I'm asking if it is bearings or an easier fix and if bearings am I looking at a new machine?

LG Fully Automatic Washing Machine
Direct Drive 9KGModel - FH4U2VCN2

Machine is about 6 years old.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Yikes. That sounds like drum bearings have failed. Likely to be expensive.

[Roscoe]

2 hours ago, Whitegoodshelp (Andy) said:

Yikes. That sounds like drum bearings have failed. Likely to be expensive.

New machine it is then.  🥹

Thanks for clarifying.

[Roscoe]

A number of the YouTube videos that refer to worn or failed bearings appear to have a lot of movement between the drum and the door seal, but the movement on my LG doesn't appear to be the same.

Is it possible that it's not the bearings and something else?

Any help would be appreciated.

Edited June 24 by Roscoe

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hi Roscoe. No, not on an LG Direct Drive. On a normal washing machine with a motor and drum bearing separately you need to take the belt off and spin the drum because motor bearings can make the exact same sound as drum bearings.

On a direct drive though there is no separate motor. Movement in the drum only happens when the front drum bearing starts to collapse. Your bearings sound like all the grease has gone and the ball bearings are running totally dry, but they haven't collapsed or started collapsing.

[Roscoe]

Many thanks for coming back to me, Andy.

Based on your expertise and experience, are you saying this is worth a repair to get the bearings greased, or mended?

It is only 5 years old, albeit I'm not sure what the lifespan is of a washing machine these days.  With a 10-year guarantee on the motor, I'd have expected it would at least last a little longer than 5 years and especially when I paid £500 for it.

For what it's worth, we are still using it, it is still washing clothes, completing each programme without issue (other than this horrendously loud noise) and with no error codes.

I guess my questions are;

• Should I seek out a repair before it's too late?
• Or should I wait for it to stop working completely (live with the noise) and then look for a new washing machine?

If the last question is yes;

1. What would you recommend, mindful that we work from home and require a quieter washing machine?
2. Should I avoid LG?
3. Is there a particular brand(s) you would recommend?

Thanks again for all your assistance thus far.

Edited June 25 by Roscoe

[Roscoe]

I've just been offered a repair by LG for £159.  Do I take it?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hello there. Personally, I would rather buy a new one, but if I didn't have the money I'd have to consider the repair - as long as they promise to replace the drum bearings for that price and not just turn up and tell you it's not worth repairing. Some of these fixed-price repairs schemes seem to refuse to do all the expensive repairs and only cherry pick the straightforward and relatively cheap repairs.

If the washing machine washes for a family it could be towards the end of its life by now. The average life of a washing machine these days is reported to be a mere seven years. Although obviously some will last longer and some will have a much shorter life.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

On 25/06/2023 at 08:23, Roscoe said:

Is there a particular brand(s) you would recommend?

If I was buying a washing machine, I would probably look for an AEG, or even Bosch.

[Roscoe]

On 27/06/2023 at 11:39, Whitegoodshelp (Andy) said:

Hello there. Personally, I would rather buy a new one, but if I didn't have the money I'd have to consider the repair - as long as they promise to replace the drum bearings for that price and not just turn up and tell you it's not worth repairing. Some of these fixed-price repairs schemes seem to refuse to do all the expensive repairs and only cherry pick the straightforward and relatively cheap repairs.

If the washing machine washes for a family it could be towards the end of its life by now. The average life of a washing machine these days is reported to be a mere seven years. Although obviously some will last longer and some will have a much shorter life.

Really appreciate the feedback Andy thanks.

Apologies for not replying to your response until now, I've been bed bound for a week with a sore back.  🙈

Points taken on the repair and like you say, other parts of the machine may be close to being knackered, and I could potentially spend £159 on fixing only one of many problems. 

Appreciate it.

Also, thanks for the feedback on brands recommendations.  LG is a well-known brand, the machine looked in keeping with the kitchen, which is why we bought it. However, I can't deny this issue has more than put us off LG when buying a new one.  I think it's time to move to a different brand, and I will keep an eye out for deals on AEG and BOSCH online and in Costco etc.

Wonder if washing machine deals come up in Amazon Prime due next week.  Having said that, I'd probably better off with Curry's as they offer a removal of old machine and installation.

[Roscoe]

FWIW Still haven't seen a decent discount on AEG washing machines.  The wait and noise continues. 😁

[Roscoe]

Not sure anyone is interested in this but thought I'd post anyway.

Pulled the trigger on the AEG 7000 Prosteam Universaldose 9 Kg A Rated Washing Machine with the code RGAUG20.  Apparently £999 RRP but currently discounted to £649.  Less the 22% code and 8% cashback with Topcashback works out around £462. 

It's running right now and blisfully quiet. 😁