Shaking or a banging from the LG WM4500HBA has the causes LG's manual lists under vibrating, thumping and squeaking noises: shipping material still on the washer, a load that is unevenly distributed, leveling feet that are not resting firmly and evenly, and a floor that is not rigid. LG also notes that a bang while the washer fills is water hammer, not a defect. A washer that spins to 1300 rpm and weighs 202 lb shows these faults quickly.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG front-load or top-load washer shakes, walks or bangs during spin”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Shipping material that was not removed
What separates it A vibrating or squeaking noise from the first cycle onward
How to confirm Check the rear panel for shipping material; the manual says failure to remove it causes excessive noise and vibration
- 2
Leveling feet that do not rest firmly and evenly on the floor
What separates it The cabinet rocks when pressed and the noise is loudest in the spin
How to confirm Press each corner of the top and adjust the feet until there is no movement
- 3
A floor that flexes or is not rigid
What separates it The washer is quiet on a concrete floor and loud upstairs
How to confirm Move the washer to a solid area or reinforce the floor; LG says the floor must be solid and not flex
- 4
An unevenly distributed load
What separates it A thumping that matches each turn of the drum
How to confirm Pause the cycle and redistribute the load after the door unlocks
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- When it happens: at the start of the spin, at full speed or while filling
- Whether the shipping material was removed and whether the feet sit firmly on the floor
- What the load was and whether a drain pan is fitted
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedPause and redistribute the load
ReversiblePause the cycle, wait for the door to unlock and spread the laundry evenly. LG says heavy loads can thump normally but a thump that continues means the washer is out of balance.
Remove any shipping material
ReversibleFollow the Unpacking and Removing Shipping Material steps in the manual; LG lists shipping material among the causes of vibrating and squeaking noise.
Level the washer on a clean, dry floor
ReversibleClean and dry the floor so the leveling feet do not slide, then adjust each foot for firm, even contact. LG notes a drain pan or poor leveling increases vibration and noise.
Check the floor
ReversibleMake sure the floor is solid and does not flex. A flexing floor amplifies vibration.
Listen for water hammer
ReversibleA bang as the washer fills is the plumbing moving when the valves shut off. Fit water hammer arrestors between each fill hose and the washer, or lower the household water pressure.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Installation checks that affect vibration
- Remove all shipping material, adjust the leveling feet for firm even contact on a clean dry floor, keep the floor solid and use water hammer arrestors if the plumbing bangs.
- Tools and supplies
- A bubble level, an adjustable wrench for the feet, towels and a flashlight.
- Parts for this problem on the WM4500HBA (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- shock absorber, part number ACV72909506, at $47.40; shipping bolt, part number FAA31690710, at $32.14; leveling leg assembly, part number AFC72755404, at $26.27.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WM6500HBA, WM5500HWA, WM4200HWA, WM4000HWA, WM3600HWA, WM3400CW, WM8900HBA, WM9500HKA, WM6998HBA, WKEX200HBA, WKEX300HBA, WT8405CW, WT7900HBA, WT7400CW, WT7300CW, WT6105CW, WD300CV.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the washer walks across the floor or hits the wall, stop the cycle and unplug the washer
- !If a rattle or clank continues after you check the drum and drain filter, call LG service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
LG USA support page listing this model's manuals and warranty.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my LG WM4500HBA vibrate?+
Shipping material left on, an unevenly distributed load, leveling feet not resting firmly and evenly, or a floor that is not rigid.
What is water hammer?+
Banging while the washer fills, caused by plumbing flexing when the washer's valves shut off. LG says it is not a defect.
How do I stop water hammer?+
Install water hammer arrestors between the fill hose and the washer, or lower the household water supply pressure with a regulator or a plumber.
Does a drain pan matter?+
Yes. LG says use of a drain pan and failure to level the washer properly may increase vibration and noise.
How heavy is the washer?+
201.5 lb (91.4 kg) net, according to the specification table.
What causes squeaking?+
Packaging materials that were not removed.
What causes rattling and clanking?+
Foreign objects such as keys, coins or safety pins in the drum or pump; check the drum and drain filter.