An LG SideKick that makes a grinding, thumping or rattling noise is a very small washer working in a large way, and the noise is usually about the load, the pedestal or something caught in the drum. The SideKick is a 1.0 cubic foot mini-washer, model WD300CV, built into a pedestal under an LG front-load washer. Because it is compact, a load of even a few heavy items makes the drum go off balance and thump during the spin,
The checks in more detail
and because it sits low and close to the floor, it transmits vibration through the pedestal. Start with the load. Take everything out and try a few small, light items. The SideKick is designed for small second loads and delicates, not for towels, jeans and bedding; an overfull drum bangs and may not rinse or drain. Mix a few items so that the weight is spread, and do not wash a single bulky item. Then check for objects.
A coin, a button or a metal zip can slip through the drum and scrape; open the door and turn the drum by hand, listening. Check the drain filter, if reachable, and the drain hose for a blockage that makes the pump labor. Then the installation. The SideKick sits in a pedestal beneath the main washer, and the whole assembly should be level and tight; use a spirit level and adjust the feet.
Ask whether the pedestal is secure and the two washers are not touching or rubbing. A loose pedestal panel or hose touching the cabinet can rattle. Because the SideKick has its own bearings and drive, a persistent grinding that is not about the load or an object is a job for LG service, who need the model number from the label and a description of when the noise occurs. Remember that its small capacity is by design, and a normal-sized load belongs in the main washer.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG SideKick WD300CV pedestal washer makes grinding, squealing, clicking or banging noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
An overfull drum
What separates it The drum thumps and may not drain
How to confirm Take out half the load
- 2
Heavy items in a small drum
What separates it A knock on the spin
How to confirm Mix light items
- 3
An object in the drum
What separates it A scrape on every turn
How to confirm Turn the drum by hand
- 4
A loose pedestal or touching hoses
What separates it A rattle from the base
How to confirm Level and secure the pedestal
- 5
Worn bearings or drive
What separates it A grinding that is not about the load
How to confirm LG service
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- How many items are in the SideKick
- Whether a heavy item is in the load
- Whether the pedestal is level
- Whether the noise is on the spin only
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedTake out half the load
ReversibleThe drum is tiny.
Mix light items
ReversibleAvoid one heavy piece.
Look for objects
ReversibleTurn the drum by hand.
Check the pedestal
ReversibleLevel and tight.
Check the hoses
ReversibleFor rubbing.
Book LG service
ReversibleIf it grinds.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Small by design
- A 1.0 cubic foot drum takes small loads; an overfull drum knocks.
- Balance
- A few heavy items cannot balance in a tiny drum.
- The pedestal
- The washer sits under another washer; the assembly must be level.
- Objects
- Small items escape through the drum holes.
- Separate controls
- The SideKick has its own error codes and filter.
- LG help
- Quote WD300CV and the serial number.
- Parts for this problem on the WD300 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- motor rotor bolt assembly, part number 4040FR4051C, at $15.96.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop the cycle if the pedestal shakes the main washer
- !Do not wash towels in a full load
- !Call LG if the noise is not about the load
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my SideKick thump?+
The load is too big or lopsided.
Can I wash towels?+
A handful at most.
Does the pedestal matter?+
Yes, it must be level and secure.
Is it separate from the main washer?+
Yes, with its own controls.