A grinding or rattling noise from an LG WT7400CW top-load washer is worth tracing, because on this machine the sound tells you which part is complaining. The WT7400CW uses a direct drive motor with no belt, so a belt squeal is not the cause, and the usual sources are an object in the pump, a loose load or wash plate, an unlevel machine or worn bearings. Listen to when it happens. A grinding or rattle in the drain stage is the drain pump, often with a coin, an underwire or a button inside;
The checks in more detail
a thump or rumble in the spin is an unbalanced load; a clatter in the agitating stage may be a loose wash plate or a loose item such as a button or key trapped under the plate; a roar that grows with speed even with an empty tub suggests bearings. Simple checks first. Empty pockets before washing. Check that the washer is level, with all four feet firmly on the floor and not rocking when you press on a corner, and tighten the locknuts on the feet.
Remove the wash plate cover if the manual shows how, and look for items trapped underneath. Check the load: heavy items such as a comforter alone cause a thump, so wash them with towels to balance, and avoid overloading. A washer in a closet on a flexible floor vibrates more, so a sturdy base helps. Then the drain pump. Unplug the washer, tilt or access the pump as the manual describes, and clear anything stuck in the impeller; the pump has a filter on many LG tops that you can reach from the front lower panel or the rear.
If the noise persists with an empty tub and a spin that grows rough, the bearings may be worn, a repair that requires a technician and may cost a good part of the machine's price. LG's motor warranty is long, but it does not cover bearings or the tub. Note when the noise occurs and what it sounds like, and contact LG with the model and serial number if you cannot find the cause. Stop using the washer if the noise is severe.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG WT7400CW top-load washer makes grinding, squealing, clicking or banging noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A coin or object in the drain pump
What separates it Grinding in the drain stage
How to confirm Clean the pump filter and impeller
- 2
An unbalanced or heavy load
What separates it A thump or rumble in the spin
How to confirm Redistribute or add towels
- 3
An unlevel machine
What separates it Rocking and noise
How to confirm Level it and tighten the locknuts
- 4
An item trapped under the wash plate
What separates it A clatter while agitating
How to confirm Check under the wash plate
- 5
Worn bearings
What separates it A roar even when empty
How to confirm Technician repair
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- When in the cycle the noise occurs
- The type of sound
- Whether the washer rocks
- Whether it sounds with an empty tub
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedNote when it makes noise
ReversibleDrain, agitate or spin.
Empty pockets
ReversibleAnd check the load.
Level the washer
ReversibleTighten the locknuts.
Check under the wash plate
ReversibleFor trapped items.
Clear the pump
ReversibleWith the washer unplugged.
Contact LG
ReversibleFor bearings.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Direct drive
- There is no belt to squeal.
- Wash plate
- Items can hide beneath it.
- Parts for this problem on the WT7400CW (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
- !If the noise remains with a clean pump and a level washer, contact LG with the serial number
- !Bearings need a technician
- !Stop using it if the noise is severe
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my LG top-load grind?+
An object in the pump or worn bearings.
Does it have a belt?+
No, it has direct drive.
Is a rumble in the spin serious?+
It may be balance or bearings.
Does the warranty cover bearings?+
The motor warranty does not.