Vibrating LG washer

Washer Repair
1

I have a LG WM2016CW that has been front loading washer that has been vibrating/moving for the past 6 months or so. The shipping bolts are removed, I’ve replaced the 3 shock absorbers and the unit is perfectly level. I ran a load of towels today with the back opened so I could observe that the shock absorbers are all working correctly. They look fine. However, the unit continues to vibrate and the drum appears to cycle unevenly.

Could this be an issue with the drum bearings? If so I am thinking about replacing the entire rear drum assembly with this part: LG OEM Part #3045ER0023A

Thanks!

3

More often than not the issue you explain, [the drum appears to cycle unevenly]
is a broken support (spider) arm assembly. If the bearings were bad you would notice an oily like substance oozing from the rear near the motor on the tub.

Check out this part and watch the video.
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/lg-spider-4434er0003c-ap4439264.html

The spider arm is made from cast aluminum and will crack, break, erode or disintegrate. Due to a process called electrolysis, when aluminum contacts stainless steel, this occurs. Just like zinc on the hull of a ship the aluminum dissolves over a period of time.

4

I removed the spider arm assembly, but it is in great condition. It’s worn but not broken. The bearing ring spin smoothly and there are no noticeable leaks.

Any other ideas out there?

5
  1. Check the steel drive shaft where it connects to the spider arms and see if it is bent or loose. (add a picture of it if you are able) little hairline cracks where it connects to the arms may cause it to be out of line.
  2. try reinserting it into the bearings and spin it to see if you can detect the wobble with the outer drum apart.
  3. Check the drum itself to see if it has become damaged (oval shaped instead of round)

Good job by the way getting to this point.

6

Here are some photos.

7

The shaft does not appear to be bent or misaligned.

Check the tub for true circular shape.
Check the rim of the tub where the spider bolts on to see if any part of it is bent or misaligned.
Check both the inner and outer bearings to make sure the inner rings roll smooth and have no play.
Check the stator assembly (K350) of the motor that is bolted to the back of the tub. Make sure it does not have large cracks in the plastic.

8

Thanks for all your help, I will check out all of those parameters. The bearings are shiny, rotate easily and there is no leakage from them.

Also, before disassembling I ran a QC test mode. Upon entry of the test the WM2016CW is supposed to flash between In:80 and IU00. Mine flashed In:80 and IU02. I didn’t see anywhere in the service manual where this was addressed?

9

Check the tub for true circular shape. The tub is circular
Check the rim of the tub where the spider bolts on to see if any part of it is bent or misaligned.No part of that is bent or misaligned
Check both the inner and outer bearings to make sure the inner rings roll smooth and have no play.Those are in great shape
Check the stator assembly (K350) of the motor that is bolted to the back of the tub. Make sure it does not have large cracks in the plastic.There are no cracks in the stator assembly

Could this issue be a computer error where the RPMs increase too rapidly? I reassembled the washer and vibrations are still there, even stronger though.

I also tested the shock absorbers by hand and they still have plenty of friction. They have all been replaced within the past year.

10

Do you still see the inner tub cycle unevenly? In other words does it appear to rotate closer to the plastic tub or does the gap remain the same all the way around?

11

Yes, it rotates unevenly.

12

http://****************.com/wp/2010/10/01/tips-for-running-test-mode-on-lg-washing-machines/

This helped me figure things out, I ran the spin test without any laundry in the tub and it spun perfectly. I also ran a full load and the machine is working much better than before I disassembled it. It’s strange since I am still using the same dampeners, but I won’t complain!

Thanks again for your insights!

13

sorry but the link you have posted can not be displayed on this forum

I would like to know what the info was if you could tell us where you found the site without typing it as an URL

14

Here’s the information copied and pasted:

Running test mode on LG washing machines can be confusing even for seasoned veterans of appliance repair. Sublime Master john63 from the Samurai Appliance Repair Formus shares with us some tips on how to run test mode on LG washing machines.

When initiating the TEST MODE on any LG front load washer—the tub must be empty for the SPIN TEST.

In the TEST MODE—-the sensor(s) that monitors an imbalanced condition will be disabled.

If the TEST MODE is intiated and there’s laundry in the tub during the SPIN TEST— the tub will spin violently.

The correct method for testing a SPIN CYCLE with laundry would be:

  1. Load Laundry in Tub / Close Door

  2. Power “On”

  3. Press SPIN SPEED button (maximum speed setting)

  4. Press “START” button

  5. Wait until Time Remaining displays “9 minutes”–the tub will begin ramp-up to high speed spin.

15

You must go for professional Appliance Repair Services, as self experimenting can also lead to other failure.