Washing Machine Making Strange Noise

[sarah27]

Hi,

My LG washing machine WM16331FD (direct drive) is working but it's been making a funny noise and I'm wondering if I could get D&G out before it quits working. There is obviously something wrong with it because it didn't make this noise and I'm hoping I might be able to get the part replaced before the machine actually breaks down. See video of noise below, (held the camera to back of machine!)thanks:

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

It is indeed making a funny noise. I know it's not funny when your washing machine is playing up but I couldn't help chuckling at the noise, which I had turned up really loud as it sounded like a donkey.

To me it sounds a bit like a dry bearing. I used to get similar noises on the motor bearings of some washing machines. The noise used to sometimes come and go. It sounds like something loose could be occasionally spinning. The LG direct drive doesn't have a conventional motor driving a belt with a drum pulley, the motor literally sits over where the drum pulley would be and drives the drum directly. It's normally very quiet. You need to get this looked at before it deteriorates.

[sarah27]

Thanks so much for reply. It is quite a funny noise, we've got a fridge that makes a noise that sounds like a cow mooing and the strange noise from the washer! We have got an extended warranty on it so I will give them a call, I am always a bit worried about getting them out because I think they charge you if they can't find anything wrong with it.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Noises ignored often cost more to repair the longer they are left and can sometimes make a difference between a routine repair and scrapping the machine. The extended warranty company should be grateful of an opportunity to fix the machine before it gets more serious. If anything they should be threatening to charge people who ignore symptoms and wait until it's much more serious and expensive to call.

Personally I think the threat of a charge if they find "nothing wrong" is at best a bluff and at worst bullying tactics. They all do it including manufacturers, but I don't think they can legally or morally do it. I wrote an article on it here -

Repair company say they will charge me if their engineer can't find any fault. Can they do that?

Noisy washing machine