LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

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  • #30734
    meeshu
    Participant

    I have just purchased an LG washing machine (model WD-1238c). This replaced my Bosch washer which was sold.

    Used the LG washer today for the first time. However, I’ve noticed that just after wash and rinse cycle water has been pumped out, the drain pump (or something in it’s vicinity) makes a noticeable ‘fluttering’ type of noise!!??

    It sounds a bit like ceiling fan blades hitting against something which makes a whacking or fluttering type noise. Only the sound in the washer flutters faster, and lasts for about 3 seconds, then pauses (for 2 seconds), flutters again, pause, and final flutter. It also appears that the sound may be “moving”, due to slight variation in sound direction, and in sound pitch. Then the drain pump continues.

    This noise happens every time after wash and rinse waters have just drained. The first time I heard it, I thought that there may be something stuck in the pump impeller. However, I could not find anything obviously wrong after opening up the drain pump!? I also thought that the pump impeller worked loose and was flying up and down somewhere!!??

    As this noise seems to be occurring consistently during draining cycles, I’m wondering whether the washer is supposed to make this noise? Is this some sort of (pipe) cleaning mechanism? Or is there a lose or damaged component somewhere?

    The washer appears to work OK otherwise.

    However, I am getting the washer looked at (on Monday), just to be sure.

    In the meantime, does anyone have any ideas about this washer noise?

    #228198
    qas
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?

    I realise it has probably already been looked at, but I would not normally suspect a problem if the machine drains fully.

    It sounds, from your description, like the pump is developing an airlock once the water has been drained away. The sound I think you are describing, I would normally associate with a dishwasher that has been oversudsed

    Let us know the outcome please.

    Steve

    #228199
    meeshu
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?

    The washer installation technician came around yesterday (Monday), to check out the washer. And, of course, the washer behaved itself while he was there! 😳 No fluttering noise whatsoever!!??

    After he left, I did some washing, and THEN the washer started making these noises again!! I suspect this noise may start only after one or two washes have been completed first(?).

    I contacted the installation technician and explained that the washer had started making these noises again. The technician contacted the service division, which resulted in the suspicion that some pump components may not be properly installed (loose).

    Anyway, an Engineer is due to visit tomorrow (Wednesday). We’ll see what happens after their visit.

    #228200
    meeshu
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?

    Engineer came to check on the washer. And guess what! Washer didn’t make strange noises, again! 😳 😳

    However, I suggested a wash cycle, and to call Engineer again when/if washer made strange noise.

    So, I started a full wash, and after wash water had drained, washer started making those noises! Paused washer, rang Engineer, Engineer returned and (finally) heard noises when washer was restarted!

    Conclusion was that the pump was faulty. Apparently there was some timing issue, and the pump was overheating. New pump is to be installed.

    According to Engineer, this model (WD-1238c) washer has been around for about 8 months (here in NZ), and Engineer was aware of only one other washer with similar type of fault.

    I asked Engineer regarding reliability of LG, Asko and Miele washers. Engineer couldn’t comment on Miele because they didn’t service them. But, apparently, LG washers reliability are about equivalent to Asko washers!!! VERY interesting!! ❗ 💡

    Now I have to wait for a new pump which may take up to two weeks to get. Apparently, LG are in the process of shifting from Wellington (near where I live) to Auckland. So obtaining parts may be delayed because of this. Also, I was told that LG (here in NZ), only stock parts on an ‘as required’ basis. Parts may have to be sourced from Australia (or elsewhere if need be)!? 🙁

    #228201
    qas
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?

    LG spares are normally very good (in Australia at least). Your model uses a very standard LG pump so I doubt it will take long to get the part in.

    LG appliances are among the best value available in our end of the world. They are well priced for spare parts so at least if there is a problem, it can be relativey cheaply repaired.

    #228202
    meeshu
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?

    Still waiting for spare pump.

    It is my understanding that LG washers are supposed to be reasonably reliable. So I was both surprised and annoyed that a new washer came with a faulty pump!?

    If the replacement pump fails (immediately, or very soon after installation), I will seriously consider replacing this LG washer with another brand washer (maybe Asko, IF I can afford it, or maybe Electrolux).

    Out of curiosity, can anyone comment on and/or confirm the reliability of these LG washers (in particular their pumps)?

    #228203
    qas
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?

    The pump that is in the LG is probably made by the same manufacturer as the pumps in Electrolux, Whirlpool and others. Generally pumps will last approx 5-8 years but it not that unusual to have one fail during the warranty period.

    I would not judge the machine by the pump as they are made by different manufacturers.

    #228204
    meeshu
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?

    Just a quick update.

    The replacement pump has not yet arrived (I rang the service agent). Also, apparently, LG do NOT stock parts in NZ. Parts have to be imported from Australia!! This is why it may take two to three weeks for parts to arrive!

    NOT impressed with that!! :tdown:

    I am now regretting buying this LG washer. Part failure from new, and parts taking weeks to arrive! Overall, this is poor, from a consumer point of view!

    Asko?? I wonder what their parts availability is like here in NZ? I am now considering switching to an Asko washer. ❓

    #228205
    bigsmokepiker
    Moderator

    Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?

    The Pump that Goes in Your machine Fits About 30-40 Different
    Model LG Washer/Dishwashers going Back 7-8 Years
    Any Service agent Worth there Salt Would have one In Stock
    I Cant fathom how there would Not be one In NZ

    #228206
    Penguin45
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?

    He may be a contract engineer, BSP. We have the ridiculous situation in the UK that we can buy Askoll/Askoll type magnetic pump motors for £3 a go, but, if you do contract repair work, you have to fit the company “genuine” item, for £12-£15 a pop – even if there’s a suitable unit sat in the van. Absolutely barking……….

    And they call it customer service :rolls: .

    I hope they’re not starting this nonsense down your end of the world.

    Penguin45.

    #228207
    bigsmokepiker
    Moderator

    Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

    Thats my point
    Pumps from LG are Dirt Cheap
    If you are a Service Agent for LG a pump would be the First Thing i would Stock for use In & out of the warranty period
    It makes economical sense -Only one visit
    We also have to fit genuine items to Machines under Warranty

    #228208
    Glyn
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

    Hi
    I have just bought an LG 8 kg washer in the UK which makes this noise
    at the end of draining
    What was the final outcome?

    #228209
    Penguin45
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

    Ongoing…… Waiting to hear from Meeshu.

    Penguin45.

    #228210
    meeshu
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

    Service agent has now received a replacement pump (after two week wait)!

    Replacement pump is due to be installed tomorrow. We’ll see how the washer goes after this replacement pump has been installed.

    I’ll update this topic as necessary.

    Glyn, if your washer is having similar problems, then it may be that your washers pump is faulty as well. If so, then the pump will probably have to be replaced.

    As your washer is new, the replacement should be done under warranty. The only issues, perhaps, being availability of spare parts and when an Engineer can actually carry out the replacement work.

    #228211
    meeshu
    Participant

    Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

    Engineer replaced the pump today.

    And the replacement pump made the same noises as the previous pump, and on the first wash ❗ ❗ 👿

    The previous pump at least did not make noises until the second wash!

    This has gone from bad to worse ❗ ❓

    An Engineer is due to have another look at the washer tomorrow morning.

    Either there is a batch of faulty pumps around at the moment, or there may be other issues involved here, such as faulty control module perhaps?

    We might have a better idea tomorrow after the Engineers visit.

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