My LG washer makes a horrendous noise when it in use. what could cause this?

BALL CHANGE DRUM WASHING MACHINE

If the washer is making a loud noise the rear drum with bearing might need to be replaced. On this washer the bearing might not be sold separately, the entire rear drum might have to be replaced. This is a very involved repair and will require disassembling most of the washer. However, the problem is going to get worse very quickly and so either the drum and bearing will need to be replaced or the washing machine.

It is so common that the washing machine can make terrible noise in many ways and is a common fault. In all occasions it is important that your observation is most important and so is vital to the identification /rectification and solution. If you have noticed that machine is vibrating when it is running then the motor /drum suspension has to be inspected. Since these fittings are located on the underside of the machine it is important that you look for the noise with a good inspection lamp. Manually turn the motor and drum and listen for the noise, if so the motor bearings, the drum agitator shaft and fittings must be checked. Also the suspensions which include the shock absorbers and springs, the body clamps must be checked to be in correct alignment and not changed in position. Tightening of the mounting is also very important. Finally in most cases a drop of OIL or smear of grease on the moving parts cane solve most issues.

Check this link :

http://www.espares.co.uk/advice/washing-machines/a/7/1210/wobbly-washing-machine-or-tumble-dryer.html
For replacement of bearings check for tips on this visual link: http://www.espares.co.uk/advice/washing-machines/a/7/1401/how-to-replace-the-bearings-on-a-washing-mach.html

Thanks for choosing FixYa and welcome to the site. It sounds like it is your spin bearings. It would explain the grease and the noise also. The spin bearings have to do with the spinning of the washer. Usually, if there are loud noises associated with the washer, it is either the motor drive or the spin bearing.

Hi,

When my washer did that, I found that the shocks that hold the tub were bad...

Check out this tip I wrote about the noise and vibration that front load washers can make..

Washer Problems Washer noise when spinning

heatman101

The drum bearing has perished this wild cause the noise and the brown spots on your clothes is probably the grease from the bearing

Unfortunately It sounds like your bearings have failed...Not recommended as a DIY job...Good luck...Nomess

Hi,
When my washer did that, I found that the shocks that hold the tub were bad...

Check out this tip I wrote about that...

Washer Problems Washer noise when spinning
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3663122-washer_problems_washer_noise_when

heatman101

You didn't give to much detail about the noise, other then clunking. Does it sound like it's metal against metal? Does it sound hollow? When does the noise take place before, during or after the spin cycle.

The easiest thing to do is check to see if the motor is loose, or if you might have too much slop or slake in the belt, if you do then replace and readjust the belt.

You may have something inside the drain pump and the pump fins are just knocking the large debris around.  You will need to disassemble the drain pump to see what's inside it.  This will require a call from a qualified LG technician.