LG Washer WM2455HW makes squealing noise when drum spins/rotates

[mjonjis]

Model Number

WM2455HW

Brand

LG

Age

More than 10 years

I've got a video clip that I'll upload.
If I manually rotate the drum, I don't hear any noise. So then I thought maybe it was the gasket (when the door is closed), but when I filmed the video, the squealing noise is coming from the rear/back of the Washer.

I saw a previous post where it was mentioned it was possibly the bearing or lubrication. I tried to push "up" on the drum and while it does move a little (maybe an 1/8" of an inch?), I don't think that's enough, but maybe I'm wrong. The drum doesn't seem to move " in/out" either (again, there's very little play).

I don't mind necessarily replacing the bearings, (I'll have to look up some videos on how nasty/involved it is), but would prefer a "high probability" of whatever the problem is, ideally.

I bought the unit new, BTW when Sears was alive/around (haha) in May of 2008. Haven't had any other issues with the unit (unlike the "Kenmore" dryer which is also an LG apparently).

Link to video:

 

[Jake]

It sounds like possibly the rubber tub seal is wearing out, due to the bearings going out.

Here's the tub seal:
4036ER2004A Seal


Here's the bearings:
MAP61913707 Tub Bearing


There is a video in the Tub Ball Bearing link that shows how to replace them:
4280EN4001C Tub Ball Bearing

 

[mjonjis]

Thank you! Parts are ordered and we'll see how it goes. Did find a very helpful YouTube video, so it does look like a major undertaking, but I'm fine with $150 or so in parts and a few hours of my time if it works. Better than $1,000 for a new washer right now.

 

[Jake]

Yes, I agree.

Let us know how it goes.

Jake

 

[mjonjis]

Well I tried. No matter what, I could NOT get the flange to release from the outside bucket. I wailed on that thing for hours (penetrating oil, etc.) Totally annihilated the several pieces of wood I used. Finally, when I figured I'd have nothing to lose I tried just whacking it directly. Still no go. Probably my fault for waiting almost a year to fix this (probably rusted to the point it's not going to come off). So ended up with a new Whirlpool top loader. Was hoping I could've repaired it, but oh well. No more LG for me. Was always able to repair my whirlpool stuff (had an old Sears Kenmore top-loader that was really a whirlpool and it was easily fixed). Same with Kenmore (Whirlpool) dishwasher.

 

[Jake]

Well I tried. No matter what, I could NOT get the flange to release from the outside bucket. I wailed on that thing for hours (penetrating oil, etc.) Totally annihilated the several pieces of wood I used. Finally, when I figured I'd have nothing to lose I tried just whacking it directly. Still no go.

Yes, those can be a pain to get off.

So ended up with a new Whirlpool top loader.

Good choice.

Thanks for the update!