LG washing machine making intermittent noise — video link included
Machine is 15 years old, but very light usage. Please see video with sound link below. Could be the water pump? Seems to be operating OK apart from the noise, eg: tumbling & spinning, pumping water out, pumping water in, heating etc. Noise seems to be coming from the bottom right front of the machine, and is intermittent, in the sense that it seems to occur when a pump is activated? Accompanied with some vibrations.
You can download a video with sound here:
https://www.icloud.com/photos/#/icloudlinks/0b2VnQ8JJcAVVKWQyjf2igKTQ/
Very grateful for any professional insight! Thank you.
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
LG F1403RD6 intermittent noise traced to circulation pump
- The problem
- LG F1403RD6 washing machine made an intermittent noise with vibration from the bottom right front. The machine otherwise washed, spun, heated, filled and drained normally. The noise did not occur when pumping water out.
- Likely cause
- Confirmed failed circulation pump (recycling pump). A blocked spray feed connection at the orange spray head was also found afterwards, but the poster did not confirm that blockage caused the pump failure.
- What fixed it
- The accepted diagnosis was the circulation/recycling pump. The poster used service test mode to run that pump on its own, confirming it made a severe noise. They then replaced the pump with a spare purchased for £25. After fitting it, they found the feed pipe/connection forming part of the orange spray head was blocked with impacted lint, cleared the blockage, and normal spray function returned.
- Checks to try
- Confirmed noise was not present during drain-out
- Used service manual test mode to run only the circulation pump
- Observed no water spraying from the orange spray head after pump replacement
- Blew through the feed pipe and found a blockage of impacted lint
- Tested the removed old pump and found it badly out of balance and broken internally
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Circulation pump / recycling pump
- Replacement pump bought for £25
- Washing Machine Tub Spring Expansion and Removal Tool
- Large bent paper clip
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before internal access. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
3 Answers
Sounds like the recycling pump is your problem. That pump comes on when the machine is on a wash programme but it is pulsed as the drum stops. See. https://www.espares.co.uk/washing-machine/f1403rd6/pumps/catalogue.pl?shop=lg&path=111341&model_ref=14434777&refine=pumps This the pump page for the model you state via E spares picking a spares company at random.
Many thanks, and it was indeed the circulation pump. I downloaded the service manual, and put it into test mode, and that enabled me to just turn-on the circulation pump, and it made a terrible noise.
So I purchased a spare pump from eBay, in an original LG box (not that that proves it's original) for £25 and fitted it. It was running fine, but water was still not spraying out of the orange spray head at the top of the door boot. So I blew into the feed pipe, and it was blocked with a pile of impacted lint in the plastic connection pipe that is part of the orange spray head. Once that was cleared-out, it all worked fine, and I could see the water spraying on top of the clothes.
I don't think that would have caused the pump to fail, as I don't think enough pressure would have built-up. I tested the old pump when removed, and it was really out of balance and clearly broken internally. But I will be clearing that spray head regularly with a large bent paper clip that I keep by the machine to clear the door boot drain hole regularly!
I purchased a Washing Machine Tub Spring Expansion and Removal Tool from Amazon; and that makes removing and replacing the metal wire ring holding the door boot easy. I did it once with a pair of pliers and it took me 45 minutes and drove me nuts.
Note that it does not make the noise when it is pumping water out.
From your description, the **drain pump is a strong suspect**, especially as the noise seems to come from the **bottom right front** and appears only when a pump is running. On many LG washers that’s where the pump/filter area is. It could also be a loose mounting, debris in the pump, or less commonly the inlet valve buzzing when filling.
1. **Pin down exactly when the noise happens** Try a **drain/spin only** cycle and then a **fill/rinse** stage if possible. - If it happens when **emptying water**, suspect the **drain pump**. - If it happens when **taking water in**, the **inlet valve** may be buzzing or vibrating.
2. **Check the pump filter** **Isolate from the mains first** before inspecting anything internal. Open the little flap at the lower front and check/clean the **pump filter**. Look for coins, hair grips, bra wires, buttons, or lint. Even a small object can cause an intermittent rattling/grinding noise.
3. **Listen for vibration from the pump housing** If the filter is clear, the pump itself may have **worn bearings/impeller play** or a **loose fixing**, which can cause a buzzing/rattling noise but still allow it to pump normally.
4. **Check for foreign objects in the sump hose** Sometimes debris sits in the hose between tub and pump and only moves into contact when draining.
5. **Age-related point** At 15 years old, a pump can become noisy before it fails completely. If the machine otherwise works normally, this may be an early warning rather than an immediate breakdown.
If you confirm whether the noise is only on **drain** or also on **fill**, that would narrow it down a lot. For any internal electrical checks, or if the pump needs replacing, it’s best to use a qualified appliance engineer. Also, any mains, gas, or sealed refrigeration work should be left to a qualified engineer.
WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant
This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Your Answer
Sign in to share your expertise and post an answer.