LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

[meeshu]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

Engineer came today to check the washer. And despite running about 15 ~ 20 brief drain cycles through the washer, the washer behaved itself (of course) and it did not make any unusual (fluttering) noises! :bang: ❓ ❓

Engineer suggested that the washer may have to be taken into the workshop for further investigation if the problem noise returns.

Engineer was not sure what was causing noises to begin with.

After Engineer left, I did some washes, and sure enough the noises returned ❗ ❓ 👿

I rang the service agency, but the Engineer could not be contacted. I was to be rang back once the Engineer was contacted. That was about 3 hours ago. Agency has not rung back yet!!??

Anyway, I’ve noticed that the replacement pump does not seem to flutter as much as the first pump. There is some fluttering, then it stops. Then there is a faint whining sound. More fluttering. Stop. Whining sound. Fluttering. Stop. Whine. Then the pump appears to continue as usual.

My impression is that the fluttering may be due to the pump impeller (blades) hitting against something(?). The whining noise may be due to pump trying to turn impeller, but impeller may be momentarily jammed (this coincides with the brief stopping of fluttering sound).

I am beginning to suspect that there is a “bad batch” of pumps making the rounds at the moment. Or, there may be a “new design” of pump appearing. But either the design is flawed, or the pump components are not correctly assembled?

Still not a happy with the situation at the moment! 👿

[meeshu]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

Today, I rang the service agent again as they didn’t return my earlier call on Friday.

Response from service agent later today was that they replaced the pump already, and it was unlikely that there was a problem with the replacement pump. Also, they were not keen on taking the washer to the workshop because it is too heavy! :rolls: :rolls:

I mentioned that there could be a batch of faulty pumps around; no comment from agent.

I made the comment that the noises seem to occur more likely during full washes (using detergent) and at the end of drain cycles. Also, I mentioned that it sounds as though impeller was hitting something. Agent mentioned cavitation could lead to more noise.

Anyway, I eventually convinced them to have an Engineer come again on Wednesday, as the replacement pump makes noises similar to the first (faulty) pump although not to the same extent.

We’ll see what happens on Wednesday . . . ➡

[qas]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

meeshu wrote:
Agent mentioned cavitation could lead to more noise.

This would be my thoughts also (note my first response to this thread)

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

As the machine is draining fully I very much doubt that there is a problem.

[meeshu]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

Hmmm!

The pump seems to drain the washer OK, despite the noises.

However! I am still a bit concerned about these noises! It still sounds like the impeller is (momentarily) hitting against something. If so, this would increase loading on pump motor, and this in turn may reduce the motors useful life (because motor is being subjected to (brief) higher than normal loads)?

I have made four audio recordings of these noises (in “wav” format). One recording was for the wash drain cycle, and the remaining three recordings were for the three rinse drain cycles. The noises for all cycles sound identical, but there are slight variations in “noise” for the cycles.

If anyone is interested, I could email or upload these recordings (recordings are about 800kB each). And I would be keen to know what others opinions are of these noises. 💡

[meeshu]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

Did two light wash loads yesterday. Pump made those fluttering noises at end of drain cycles.

Engineer came today and heard pump fluttering noises during (a full) wash. After taking some measurements, it was determined that the control module appeared to be faulty (even though it appeared to work OK on previous occasion), and it would have to be replaced.

As spare parts for LG washers are not (yet) available in NZ, they have to be imported from Australia. So it will take about two weeks or so to receive the replacement control module. We’ll see what happens after the module is replaced.

Owing to overwhelming response (NOT), the (moderately high quality) sound recordings of the fluttering noises are still available to anyone interested? This could be educational!?

[qas]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

Having listened to Meeshu’s sound files, it does sound like the blades on the pump impellor are hitting something.
It’s very hard to diagnose from a distance (and I have been wrong before when trying) but I would certainly be having a close look at the pump and trying to see if there is any sideways give in the pump impellor.

Do keep us updated please

[meeshu]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

Engineer came today with replacement control module. And guess what!? The washer STILL makes those fluttering noises ❗ ❓ ❓

Washer is going to be taken into workshop for closer examination. A loan washer will be provided in the meantime.

I suggested that the pump be looked at more closely, given that the noises suggest the pump impeller is striking something.

Sigh!!!! :taz:

[kwatt]

Meeshu,

We do try to warn people about LG. 😉

Lucky my a**! 😆

(Apologies, I couldn’t resist it. ;))

K.

[meeshu]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

On a severely limited income, it is not really practical to buy an Asko or Miele washer. Actually, I rather like the very latest Asko washers, but I simply can’t afford them!! 🙁

Engineer took away the LG washer to the workshop for further investigation. A loan washer (Fisher & Paykel top-loader; . . charming ❗ :eeek: ) was provided in the meantime. Engineer stated that it may take a week or more to determine cause of noise and to make appropriate repairs.

I did four light/moderate wash loads yesterday, and the pump did not make as much noise as on previous occasions. Pump settling in perhaps ❓

I asked Engineer how the pump was powered, and he said it was powered through a relay. So the pump is connected to mains supply to make it run, and pump power is not supplied/controlled directly by electronics (thyristors etc.) on the control module. This suggests that the pump itself is faulty rather than the mains power supply, since mains power is steady and reliable here.

Another possibilty is that the pump relay may “chatter” (open and close rapidly) due to fluctuating voltage being supplied to it from the control module. If so, then the control module may be at fault. However, no chattering noise was detected in the vicinity of the control module by myself or the Engineer. So this possibilty of relay chatter is very remote.

We’ll see what happens now ❗ ❓

[meeshu]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

Apparently, the service agent and LG (in Australia) were unable to determine the cause of the fluttering noises. ❗ ❓

So I was given another brand new LG washer (same model WD-1238c). That was nice!

The Engineer from the service agency installed the washer, and tested the pump also. The washer seemed to work fine with no unusual noises.

I had some washing to do. But, during the first wash, the new washer (pump) made the same unusual fluttering/rattling noises as the previous washer ❗ :shake:

I’ll be ringing the service agency again tomorrow. :rolls:

The result of this call tomorrow could be interesting.

[meeshu]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

Neverending!!

I rang service agency. They said there was little more they could do at this stage, but if there was no progress after contacting the original dealer, then they’d see what they could do.

I rang the dealer, and I was advised (by L) that they would try to make some arrangement (probably have the washer checked by another service agency). That was about two weeks ago. I’ve since not been contacted by anyone regarding the washer.

I rang the dealer again yesterday, but the person I spoke to said that L was away, and would be back tomorrow. So a message was left for L to contact me (today).

No one phoned today, so I visited the dealer in person. I spoke to two staff. L had (conveniently?) left for the day before I arrived. Also, it was determined that L was the boss of the dealership (I wasn’t aware of that previously). I briefly explained the problem with the LG washers (and related sequence of events).

I complained that I hadn’t heard from anyone for two weeks, and that wasn’t good enough. Unfortunately there was no one “higher up” to complain to, as L was THE boss. The dealership, I think, is a franshchise type operation.

A senior staff member promised to give L a nudge regarding the issue of the noisy LG washer pump.

Anyway, is there anyone else having problems with LG washer pumps making rattling noises?

Is there anyone using LG washer (model WD-1238c in particular) with a pump that does NOT make rattling noises at the end of drain cycles?

Glyn? Have you resolved your washer problems? If so, what was done please?

[qas]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

I am an LG service agent and have not come across anyone else with noisy pump issues. LG pumps are exactly the same as used in many other brands (they are not made by LG) so if it was a widespread problem it would have been encountered since this started if not before.

I realise that the noise concerns you, but as I have said before – if the machine is pumping out effectively, there is not much to be worried about. The machine has at least a 2 year warranty, so if it is a problem then the pump should fail or get noticably worse in that time.

Unfortunately the price you pay for a cheap machine is that they can be a little more noisy or rough on the clothes. I still think that in the price range you bought, LG is the best value, but it is still a price/quality compromise

[Glyn]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

😯 Hi There.
I got in touch with LG in the UK who put me in touch with a contract
repair guy.
I explained the noise to him over the phone.
He said it was a common noise and not a sign of a fault.
I think it happens when there is no water in the pump?
So I am just living with it and hoping it gets no worse!

[meeshu]

Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?

Glyn,
Thanks for your reply!

My service agent claimed NOT to have heard the noises before. So it makes you wonder what is going on.

Maybe the pump IS supposed to make these noises due to its design? However, I have not as yet received confirmation from my dealer as to whether these pumps are supposed to make these noises or not.

Ultimately, the washer (and pump) works, so I guess that is the most important factor.

Still, I wonder about these pump noises. ❓

EDIT: As of today (02 February 2008), the washer pump continues to make these noises, but the washer still works (fortunately).

I have still not received confirmation from the dealer whether the pump is supposed to make these noises.

I discovered today that my dealer (and possibly their service division as well), have closed down!! So I am not sure who will service my washer now? Probably have to contact LG and see what they have to say about servicing.

Lucky Goldstar

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