A customer in Hartville called about their LG top-load washer making a grinding noise during operation. When we arrived, the sound was unmistakable — a harsh grinding coming from the bottom of the tub that got worse during the spin cycle. The bearing housing assembly had worn out, allowing metal components to grind against each other.
The Problem
The homeowner reported a loud grinding noise that started intermittently but had become constant during wash cycles. The noise was most pronounced during agitation and spin, making laundry day unbearable. The washer still completed cycles, but the sound indicated serious wear in the drive components.
Diagnosis
We removed the agitator and outer tub to access the bearing housing assembly at the bottom of the washer. The plastic housing showed clear signs of wear — cracked sections where the bearings ride, and metal shavings around the assembly. This part supports the entire wash basket and takes tremendous stress during high-speed spinning. Once the plastic wears through, metal-on-metal contact creates the grinding noise and rapidly damages other components if not addressed.
The Repair
- Parts replaced: AEN73131403 — bearing housing assembly (clutch housing)
- Work performed: Disassembled drive system, removed worn housing, installed new bearing assembly, reassembled tub and drive components
- Result: Ran complete test cycles — no noise, smooth operation, proper spin speeds achieved
Is It Worth Repairing?
This LG WT4801CW is from their reliable top-load series, and bearing housing failure is typically a one-time issue if addressed promptly. At 8-10 years old, this model still has good service life remaining. The repair preserves a washer that should run reliably for several more years with proper maintenance.
Maintenance Tips for LG Top-Load Washers
- Keep loads balanced — heavy items on one side stress the bearing assembly unnecessarily
- Use HE detergent only — regular detergent creates excess suds that can damage seals and bearings
- Run the tub clean cycle monthly with LG’s recommended cleaner to prevent buildup around moving parts
Appliance Repair in Hartville, OH
Hartville is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Alliance, North Canton, and Louisville. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your appliance needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Stark County and surrounding areas.
Louisville Appliance Repair serves Stark County and surrounding areas.
Schedule your repair online,
call (330) 693-9163,
or see our reviews on Google.