Your LG washer may produce a clicking, clacking, or snapping sound during the spin cycle primarily due to water droplets hitting the drum surfaces at high speeds. This is often a normal operational sound.
The Primary Cause: Water and Drum Interaction
During the high-speed rotation of the spin cycle, water remaining in the laundry or on the inner surface of the drum is forcefully shed. This can cause water drops to strike the stainless steel inner drum, creating a distinct noise. Additionally, water drops from the laundry can hit the outer plastic drum, further contributing to the clicking, clacking, or snapping sound you hear. This interaction of water at intense spin speeds is a common characteristic, especially in LG front-load washing machines.
Other Potential Sources of Clicking During Spin
While water interaction is a frequent and often normal reason, other issues can also cause clicking or similar noises during the spin cycle.
Foreign Objects in the Drum
Small items like coins, keys, buttons, or hairpins can escape pockets and become lodged between the inner and outer drums. As the drum spins, these objects can hit the drum or tub, producing a clicking or scraping sound.
- Solution: Inspect the drum thoroughly and check the drain pump filter for any foreign items.
Unbalanced Load
An unevenly distributed load of laundry can cause the drum to wobble excessively and potentially strike the washer's casing or other internal components, leading to clicking or thumping sounds.
- Solution: Pause the cycle, redistribute the laundry evenly, and restart.
Worn or Damaged Components
Over time, certain internal parts can wear out or become damaged, leading to unusual noises.
- Suspension Rods/Springs: These components support the washer tub. If they are worn or broken, the tub can sag or move excessively, causing it to hit the frame during spinning, which may present as a clicking or banging.
- Drain Pump: While primarily active during draining, if debris is caught in the impeller of the drain pump, it can sometimes cause a clicking sound that might be more noticeable when the machine is vibrating during a spin.
- Motor/Pulley Issues: Although less common, problems with the motor or the pulley system that drives the drum could manifest as unusual noises, including clicking, during operation.
Troubleshooting Steps for a Clicking LG Washer
If your LG washer is making a clicking noise during the spin cycle, consider these steps:
- Check for Foreign Objects:
- Carefully inspect the drum for any loose items.
- Check the drain pump filter, typically located at the bottom front of the washer, for debris. Consult your LG washer's user manual for specific instructions on how to access and clean it.
- Redistribute the Load:
- Stop the cycle and manually redistribute the clothes inside the drum to ensure an even load. Avoid overloading the machine.
- Run an Empty Cycle:
- If the noise persists with an empty drum, it helps rule out laundry-related issues.
- Level the Washer:
- Ensure the washer is perfectly level on the floor. An unlevel machine can vibrate excessively and cause components to click or bang. Adjust the leveling feet as needed.
- Observe the Noise:
- Pay attention to when exactly the noise occurs (e.g., only at high spin, throughout the spin, during acceleration). This detail can be helpful for diagnosis.
When to Contact LG Service
If the clicking sound is new, excessively loud, accompanied by other unusual noises (like grinding or scraping), or if the washer is not functioning correctly (e.g., not spinning properly, vibrating excessively), it's best to contact LG Customer Support or a qualified appliance technician. They can diagnose and repair potential internal component issues.
Common Spin Cycle Noises and Their Likely Causes
| Noise Type | Likely Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking/Clacking | Water droplets hitting drum surfaces (often normal) | Often normal; observe if it's new or excessively loud. |
| Foreign objects in the drum or pump | Check for and remove debris. | |
| Unbalanced load causing drum impact | Redistribute laundry. | |
| Thumping/Banging | Severely unbalanced load | Redistribute laundry. |
| Worn suspension rods or shocks | Professional inspection. | |
| Grinding/Scraping | Foreign object caught between drums (serious) | Stop washer immediately; professional inspection (can cause damage). |
| Bearing issues | Professional inspection. | |
| Whining/Humming | Drain pump working (normal) | Often normal; if excessively loud or struggling, check for blockages or pump issues. |
| Motor issues | Professional inspection. |
