An LG WT7150CW that makes a grinding, humming or rumbling noise gives you clues in when it happens. Run the washer empty on a short cycle and listen through the fill, the wash, the drain and the spin. A grinding or rattling that comes while water drains points at the drain pump, where a coin, a button or a piece of plastic can catch in the impeller. A noise that comes during the wash points at the drive:
The checks in more detail
LG top-loaders use a belt-less Direct Drive motor under the tub, so there is no belt to squeal, but the motor, its rotor and the coupling can make noise when they wear or when something is loose. A noise that rises with the spin speed points at the tub bearings or the suspension. Look in the drum first. Remove the clothes, lift out any items trapped under the agitator or impeller plate and look for a coin, a hair clip or an underwire.
Check that the agitator or impeller, if removable, is fully seated; a loose one knocks. A washer that is not level can rub the tub against the cabinet, so adjust the feet until it does not rock. Overloading increases strain, so try a half load. With the washer unplugged, turn the basket by hand. It should turn smoothly; a gritty, rough or rumbling feel suggests worn bearings. Push sideways on the basket and feel for play.
A humming drone when the drum does not turn, or a clicking from the motor area, may be the motor or its control, and the LE code (motor lock) can accompany it. Bearings and motor work belong with a technician, who will want the model number from the label and a description of when the noise occurs. Because the washer has a long warranty on the direct drive motor, check your purchase date before paying for a repair.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG WT7150CW top-load washer makes grinding, squealing, clicking or banging noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
An object in the drain pump
What separates it Grinding while water drains
How to confirm Look for a coin or button
- 2
A loose impeller or agitator
What separates it Knocking during the wash
How to confirm Reseat it
- 3
Worn tub bearings
What separates it Rumbling that rises with spin speed
How to confirm Spin the basket by hand
- 4
An unlevel washer
What separates it The tub rubs the cabinet
How to confirm Level the feet
- 5
A motor or control fault
What separates it A hum or click with an LE code
How to confirm Technician check
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- When the noise happens in the cycle
- Whether an LE code appears
- Whether the agitator or plate is loose
- How the basket feels when turned by hand
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedRun it empty
ReversibleNote when the noise happens.
Look in the drum
ReversibleFor objects.
Reseat the impeller
ReversibleOr agitator.
Level the washer
ReversibleAdjust all feet.
Spin the basket by hand
ReversibleFeel for roughness.
Book service
ReversibleFor bearings or the motor.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Listening method
- When the noise occurs names the part: draining suggests the pump, washing the drive, spinning the bearings or suspension.
- No belt
- LG washers use Direct Drive, so a squeal from a belt is not on the list of causes.
- Bearings
- A gritty feel when you turn the basket by hand is the sign of wear.
- The LE code
- LE means the motor is locked; it can come with a hum or a click.
- Warranty
- Check the date before paying for a motor or bearing repair.
- LG help
- Quote WT7150CW and describe the noise.
- Parts for this problem on the WT7150CW (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- shock absorber with pin, part number AGM74269801, at $71.94; drain pump, part number AHA75673404, at $130.15.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop a cycle that grinds loudly
- !Unplug before reaching under the plate
- !Call LG for bearing or motor noises
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my washer grinding?+
Often an object in the pump or a worn bearing.
Is there a belt to replace?+
No, LG uses a direct drive motor.
What does LE mean?+
A motor lock error.
Can I keep using it?+
Not if it grinds loudly.
Is the motor covered?+
LG gives a long warranty on the direct drive motor.