LG Washer Loud Noise and Vibration: How to Reduce It with 4 easy steps

Short answer: LG’s U.S. support page lists three reasons for Washer Loud. Noise and excessive vibration: shipping bolts that were never removed, a washer that is not level, and an unbalanced load. Check them in that order. If the noise continues, clean the filters (front-load washers) and contact LG.

This guide covers LG front-load and top-load washers. Steps and parts differ by model, so each section says which type it applies to. It is based on LG’s U.S. support pages, not our own testing.

If your washer shows an error code on the display, start with LG’s error code list instead.

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👉 [LG U.S. – LG Washer Error Codes List]

Safety first

• Before cleaning any filter, you must turn the washer off with the power button and unplug it.
• Turn off both the hot and cold water taps completely before you disconnect any hose.
• If you need to tilt a front-load washer back, you can do it with two people.
• If you cannot remove the shipping bolts, the service will be required.

👉 [LG U.S. – How to Clean the Tub of Your LG Washing Machine]

Step 1: Make sure the shipping bolts are removed.

This matters most if the washer is new or was recently moved or installed.

The shipping bolts are fastened to the rear of the washer to hold the tub in place during transport. If they are not removed, the tub creates excessive noise and vibration.

How to check (front-load):

1. Open the door and move the tub forward and backward.
2. If the tub moves, the bolts are out. If it does not move, they are still fastened.
3. Remove all the bolts from the rear using a suitable wrench, turning counterclockwise.
4. Plug the bolt holes with the caps from the accessory pack.
5. Keep the bolts in case you move the washer later.

LG’s front-load video also says failing to remove the bolts and retainers can cause severe vibration and noise and can lead to permanent damage.

Check for the foam block (front-load only). In front-load washers ship with a foam block and base to support the tub. A block can get caught under the washer. To tilt the washer back to check with two people and to remove the foam block if it is wedged under the tub.

👉 [LG U.S. – LG Washer: Troubleshooting Vibration Issues]

Step 2: Check that the washer is level.

The drum spins at very high speeds, so the washer must be level, on a solid floor, with properly adjusted feet.

1. Place a level across the top. Adjust the feet until they are level side to side and front to back.
2. Tighten the lock nuts on all four feet with the wrench that came with the washer.
3. Press down on the top corner to the corner (diagonally) and check for rocking.
4. If one side moves down, adjust the feet on that side and test again.
5. Run a light load on rinse and spin. If the washer still rocks or vibrates, adjust a front foot, then tighten its lock nut again.

The tub should be centered and not leaning to one side. If it leans, adjust the leveling legs again.

Step 3: Fix the load.

The washer performs best when the tub is loaded to about two-thirds of its capacity, so the laundry can move freely.

According to LG’s front-load video, vibration can come from:

• A single heavy item
• Heavy items mixed with light ones
• Tangled loads
• Bulky items or comforters

To rebalance: pause the washer, take the laundry out, put it back spread evenly, and choose a spin intensity that suits the load. Spin options vary by model.

Step 4: Check the floor and the space around the washer.

• Floor type. The washer should sit on a hard, even floor such as concrete. The wooden, metal, or steeply sloped floors may cause vibration and noise.
• Floor strength. The floor must be strong and rigid enough to hold a fully loaded washer without flexing or bouncing. The floor should be clean and dry so the leveling feet cannot slide.
• Space. At least 1 inch on each side and at least 4 inches at the back. The side panels rubbing against a wall can amplify vibration and noise.
• Anti-vibration pads. After leveling the washer, anti-vibration pads can provide extra stability. This is an add-on, not a replacement for leveling.

If the floor itself flexes, that is a building problem rather than a washer problem. A qualified contractor can assess it. This guide does not cover floor repair.

Routine care that helps the washer run well

LG recommends cleaning the drain pump filter, detergent dispenser, inlet filters, and door gaskets as part of a monthly tub clean. These steps do not fix a missing shipping bolt, but they help with slow draining and slow filling.

Drain pump filter (front-load washers only)

The drain pump filter collects lost buttons, coins, and lint. It exists only on front-load washers and combo units, not on top-load washers. cleaning it monthly and checking it sooner if the washer drains slowly or shows an OE error code.

1. Turn off the washer and unplug it.
2. Open the access panel at the lower front by pulling the tab down and out.
3. Unclip the drain hose and remove its cap to drain the water left inside.
4. Twist the pump filter counterclockwise to remove it.
5. Clean the filter and its opening with a soft-bristle brush and warm water. The filter is not washed in the dishwasher.
6. Put the filter back securely and close the cover.

Inlet filters

The inlet filters can clog over time, especially in areas with hard water, and a clogged filter can slow the fill.

1. Turn off the washer, unplug it, and turn off both hot and cold water taps.
2. Unscrew the hot and cold hoses from the back of the washer. Keep a towel or bucket ready for water in the hoses.
3. Pull out each inlet filter with your fingers or pliers and clean away buildup with a brush.
4. Put the filters back, reconnect the hoses, and turn the water on.

Detergent (front-load washers)

Front-load washers need HE detergent. The little or no visible suds are normal, and those visible suds are a bad sign in these machines. Too much detergent, or regular non-HE detergent, can cause excess suds and residue. Soft water can cause over-sudsing even with HE detergent, so you may need to use less.

👉 [Best HE detergents for LG washing machines]

When to contact LG

Contact LG support or request a repair if:

• You cannot remove the shipping bolts.
• The washer still vibrates or is loud after the bolts, leveling, load, and floor checks above.
• An error code stays on the display.

This guide does not cover opening the cabinet or working on internal parts. None of LG’s steps above require it.

👉 [LG U.S. – Request a Repair]

FAQ: LG Washer Loud Noise and Vibration

Why is my LG washer so loud during spin?

The LG washer was so loud during spin because of an unbalanced load and shipping bolts that were not removed as reasons for excessive vibration. Start with those three.

How do I know if the shipping bolts are still in?

On a front-load washer, open the door and move the tub forward and backward. If it does not move, the bolts are still fastened. They are on the rear of the washer.

Do I need anti-vibration pads?

Level the washer first. Anti-vibration pads can add extra stability after leveling.

How often should I clean the drain pump filter?

LG recommends monthly service on front-load washers. Top-load washers do not have one.

Bottom line

Check the shipping bolts, level the washer, rebalance the load, and look at the floor and the space around the washer, in that order. If it is still loud, contact LG.

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• DIY Guide: Repairing a Faulty Washing Machine Motor
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