7 Reasons Why Your LG Washer Sounds Like a Jet Engine!

LG washing machines rarely make weird sounds unless something is really wrong. So, it’s normal to worry when your LG washer screeches like a jet plane. You have to wonder why your LG washer sounds like a jet engine.

Your LG washer sounds like a jet engine because of a rusty bearing, worn-out rubber seal or drive belt, or a laundry overload. It could also be due to loose objects such as coins and pins, a clogged drain pump, or using the wrong detergent, especially non-HE options, and using them in excess.

So, there are at least seven possible explanations for your screeching LG washer. Nonetheless, it may be a consolation to learn that all these seven problems are fixable, and you don’t have to call an expert.  

Yes, they are DIY! unless you are uncomfortable rolling those sleeves and getting into work or afraid of damaging something and voiding the washer’s warranty.

Why Your LG Washer Sounds Like a Jet Engine And How to Fix It

There are different reasons why your LG washer screeches like a plane.

Below is a table summary showing the seven possible explanations of why it sounds like you have a jet plane whenever you run your LG washing machine.

1. Rusty Bearing

Your LG washer has a small metal feature on the tub that enables the machine to spin effortlessly, what we call tub bearings. Unfortunately, the bearings corrode over time following contact with water that leaks through the drum.

Once the tub bearing rusts, it becomes ineffective and will likely produce a screeching sound like a running jet engine when the machine spins.

Fix

It’s hard to fix a rusty bearing. So, it’s recommendable to replace it. An option like the LG Electronics 4280FR4048L Washer Bearing is worth checking out as it’s compatible with most modern LG washers.

Here’s how to replace the tub bearing of your LG washer:

• Disconnect the machine from the power source – Safety comes first and so start by disconnecting the machine’s power cord from the socket.
• Drain the hoses – Gently detach the washer’s hoses and drain them into an empty bucket.
• Unscrew the control panel – Using a Philips screwdriver, loosen the back of the machine’s top panel and then pull the board out.
• Detach the detergent dispenser and assembly – Using a wrench, carefully loosen the nuts that hold the detergents dispenser and put it out. While at it, also lessen the dispenser assembly and put it aside.
• Detach the door switch – Using a screwdriver, loosen all the screws that hold the door switch to allow you to pull it out.
• Free the old bearing – Locate the locking Bolton on the driveshaft and unbolt it to tap free the old bearing easily.
• Take out the entire bearing assembly – It’s not just enough to take out the old bearing but the whole bearing assembly too. You can use a rubber mallet to tap it out.
• Clean up – Use an aerosol lubricant like the WD-40 Specialist Lubricant to clean the bearing assembly and dry it with paper towels.
• Reinstall the new bearing – Now fit the replacement berry the way the old one was and secure it in place.
• Reassemble the machine – Gather everything and put the washer back like it was, starting from what you took last and to the first.

2. Worn-Out Rubber Seal

The rubber seal, also known as the gasket, is located on the outer tub, and its job is to prevent water from escaping when not in use.

Expect your LG washer also to produce a screeching sound when the rubber seal starts to wear out, and the more it wears out, the louder the screech. While its wear is inevitable, you can easily replace it.

Fix

If the rubber seal is old, you need to replace it with a compatible option. Check out the LG 49886ER0004F Washer Door Gasket to see if it matches your LG washer.

Here’s how to replace your LG washer’s rubber seal:

• Disconnect the machine – Protect yourself from any possible harm by first disconnecting its power cord from the power source.
• Take out the upper lid – Unscrew the upper cap and remove it to access the rubber seal properly.
• Take out the control panel, kick plate, and front panel – In the same order, remove the control panel, kick plate, and front panel. You’ll need a screwdriver to loosen the various screws that hold the components in place.
• Remove the old rubber seal – Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry off the retaining band to detach the door seal and remove it.
• Install the new rubber seal – Now that the old rubber seal is out, fit the replacement. Ensure, however, that you first wipe off dirt and grime using a dry cloth.
• Reassemble the machine – Go ahead and put everything back, starting with the front panel and kick plate and end up with the upper lid (the first thing you took off)

3. Worn-Out Drive Belt

Over time, the LG washer’s drive belt wears down and even breaks. If that happens, it’s unable to physically move the washer’s tub.

You can tell that your LG drive belt is going bad if it starts screeching when the washer is running. But still, you can inspect the drive belt to see any signs of cracking.

Fix

If your washer’s drive belt is old, you should replace it. It’s essential, however, to get the correct belt size. Consider the Dongil General Washing Machine Belt M20.5 if you want a size 20.5 or the Dongil General Washing Machine Belt M21.6 if you want a size 21.6.

Here’s how to replace your old LG washer drive belt:

• Locate the belt – Look between the drum and the washer’s motor to locate the drive belt, which is about 1 inch thick. You’ll get it near the drum base on an LG top-load washer and the back of a front-loader.
• Loosen the belt cover – Using a screwdriver, unscrew the drive belt cover and set the screws and the belt cover aside.
• Pull out the old drive belt – Manually pull out the drive belt. You can use the screwdriver to take it out.
• Fit the replacement belt – fit the new drive belt just like the old one. However, do it gently not to damage it or the drive pulley.
• Secure the new belt – Use zip ties to fasten the new drive belt onto the drum pulley. You can spin your washing machine to ensure the belt is secure.
• Reinstall the belt cover – Now return the belt cover and screw it in place. It’s essential, however, that the cover doesn’t restrict the movement of the new drive belt.
• Reconnect the machine – Lastly, plug the washing machine into the power socket and switch it on to start using.

4. Laundry Overload – Why Your New LG Washer Sounds Like a Jet Engine

Your LG machine drum should only be ¾ full. If you fill it up, the chances are that the machine will start making some noise, which could range from a banging sound to a screeching, depending on the load.

At times, it’s a case of washing the wrong items, such as carpets, electric blankets, and rugs.

Fix

If your washer is overloaded with laundry, stop it immediately when you detect any weird sound. You should then reduce the loan to about ¾ and remove anything like mats and blankets, which you shouldn’t wash with the machine.

While at it, ensure you evenly rearrange the laundry to prevent any weird noise.

5. Loose Objects

It’s easy to forget coins, jewelry, belt buckles, and broken zippers in your pockets. The problem with these loose objects is that they cause the LG washing machine to produce some noise when spinning.

The noise could range from a screech to a grind. The problem with the loose object is that they can damage your washing machine.

Fix

Stop the washer from running once you hear a screeching sound and manually inspect the laundry in the drum. Take out any loose objects that shouldn’t be there.

6. Clogged Drain Pump

You should also check the drain pump for clogging as it could be the reason behind the screeching sound. If the pump filters are blocked by grime and dirt, the machine will more likely make a jet engine-like sound when spinning.

Fix

Examine your drain pump and filters for clogging. If the filter is dirty, thoroughly clean it.

Consider the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, which you can use to clean the filters and other parts of the washer such as the drum, inside pump, hose, valve, and tub.

7. Wrong or Excess Detergent

Lastly, your LG washer could make a jet engine sound because of using the wrong detergent or the right one in excess.

Let’s start with using the wrong detergent. Generally, we should use a high-efficiency (HE) detergent on your LG washer. If you use a non-HE detergent, there is the likelihood that your washing machine may respond with a screeching sound.

And when it comes to HR detergents, you shouldn’t use them in excess. If you do, it’ll result in a bubble overflow which could cause a screeching sound.

People Also Ask

1. Why Does My Front Load Washer Sound Like a Jet Engine?

Your front loader machine sounds like a jet engine because its tub bearing is rusty, thus ineffective. Other reasons include laundry overload or loose objects.

2. Why Is My LG Washer Making a Grinding Sound?

Your LG washer makes a grinding noise because of loose objects like coins, paper clips, jewelry, zippers, and pins. But at times, it could be a rusty bearing that makes the LG washing machine screech.

In Conclusion – Why Does My LG Washer Sounds Like a Jet Engine?

Generally, your LG washer sounds like a jet engine because the tub bearing is quickly going bad, probably rusting. It could also be that the rubber seal or the drive belt is faulty. Other reasons include laundry overload, loose metallic objects, or excess detergents.

Also Read:

• Why Maytag Washer Sounds Like a Jet Engine
• LG Dryer Error Code d80 No Blockage Troubleshooting
• Common LG washer problems fixed!
• How to Fix a Noisy Washer Spin Cycle