How to repair LG washing machine drain pump

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September 10, 2022

Washing machine experts often refer to the pump as the “heart” of the machine. The fact is that it pumps the used water out of the machine, takes the heaviest loads and is subjected to severe wear and tear. Sooner or later the detail gets clogged or fails, and only an independent repair of the washing machine drain pump can save the situation. How to do it LG owners and what will be required for replacement?

Symptoms of pump failure

Do not immediately grab for a pump replacement. First it is necessary to identify the nature of LG washing machine pump failure. The cause of a failed drain can be not only the “heart” of the washing machine, but also other problems of the machine. In order not to make a mistake, consistently check the “sore points” of the drain system.

The LG washing machine system can diagnose pump problems by itself and display an OE error code on the electronic display.

1. Listen for a working pump. You can tell if the pump is in order by hearing. To do this, start the cycle and carefully assess first of all clean the filter the sounds coming from the unit. If during draining and dialing of water you hear a strong buzz from below, and the machine does not drain or dial – there is a problem with the system. The situation is similar when there is no noise, because normally a measured and implicit noise should be present.
2. Clean the trash filter. When the problem with the pump is fixed, you should pay attention to the trash filter. In the lower right corner of the housing, open the technical hatch and unscrew the plastic nozzle. There is probably a lot of dirt, hair and foreign objects on the spiral, preventing the water from draining down the drain. Frequent guests in the filter are coins and bra bones.
3. Probe the drain hose. The obstacle to a full drain is often the hose. Therefore, carefully probe the rubber for clogs, and better – disconnect from the body and sewer and rinse under the faucet. At this stage it is recommended to check the result of the work done by turning on the test wash. If the pump is still “capricious”, then look further.
4. Check the rotation of the impeller. After unscrewing the drain filter and shining a flashlight into the opening, you can see the pump impeller, a “wheel” with blades. Let your hand go to it and try to scroll the part. If this is not possible, then gently clean the part from obstructing objects. Most likely, there is hair, threads, lint or wire twisted on the protruding parts. When the rotation is not hampered, but the pump does not work, then the cause is something else, and to repair the pump will have to disassemble the machine completely.

More often than not, a clogged trash filter or drain hose prevents proper drainage.

Finally we check the pump contacts and sensors, which should be intact and functioning. If these are also okay, then test the control board for proper operation. When there is no problem with the control board, the only way out is to replace the pump. How the drainage system is repaired, we will tell you in detail below.

What do you need for repairs?

To fix a faulty pump with your own hands, you will have to stock up on some tools and accessories. Their number depends directly on the scale of the problem encountered and the habits of the master. If we consider the worst case of a broken pump, the following parts will be required:

• Drain pump;
• Impeller;
• Axle;
• Contacts;
• Pump sensor;
• Cuff;
• Rubber gasket;
• Pulley.

With the selection of parts for replacement should be careful – the parts must fit perfectly to the existing model of LG. Ideally, you should dismantle the old drain and ask the sales clerk to find suitable analogues. Another reference point will be the serial numbers, which are necessarily applied to all components of the pump.

When ordering parts to replace the pump through the online store, it is necessary to check the serial number of all pump parts and the LG model itself.

The tool kit is many times smaller. Most of the work can be done with a Phillips screwdriver and a penknife. Sometimes a multimeter is needed to test the contacts, sensors and power elements.

Is the pump hard to find?

The location of the drain pump in almost all LG models is standard, regardless of whether the machine is direct drive or belt-driven. Moreover, to get to the place of failure is not difficult – you do not have to completely disassemble the housing. There is also no need to even unscrew the back wall, top cover, tray or front panel. Detect the pump is many times easier, as only a number of simple actions are required.

1. Disconnect the technique from the electricity.
2. Drain the waste water from the drum with an emergency drain.
3. Shut off the water supply, disconnect from the sewer.
4. Tilt the body back by placing old rags under the machine.

If there are doubts in their power, it is better to apply to the service repair washing machines for professional help.

That’s it. We look under the bottom and get free access to the entire drainage system. There is another way – move the machine to the center of the room and put it on the left side.

Remove and disassemble the pump

The key to repairing the pump is to disassemble it. This is the only way to find out if the impeller is spinning on the shaft and if it is fixed on the retainers. Also, you cannot do without internal inspection, if the rotation of the blades is difficult, but there are no visible obstructions, debris, foreign objects, hair. Then you will have to disassemble the housing and look for the problem inside. The standard disassembled pump is “opened” as follows:

• Disconnect the pump from the volute by removing the retaining screws;
• Press the pump from the side of the drain valve, and then pull the housing toward you;
• Drain the remaining water from the part;
• Pry up the latch on the pump housing from both edges;
• Remove the pump from the coil.

If the LG model is equipped with a “non-disassembled” type of pump, you should not refuse to repair it. Even such mechanisms “can be” disassembled – you only need to follow certain instructions.

1. Disconnect the pump casing together with the impeller from the volute and coil.
2. Inspect the seemingly monolithic part.
3. Put on gloves.
4. Take any construction hair dryer and set the device to the lowest temperature setting.
5. Carefully heat the “shank” of the pump – the long rear tip.
6. After a few minutes of warming, use a Phillips screwdriver to pry the crosshead and remove it from the housing. The magnet, which makes the construction “indestructible”, is taken out together with the crosshead.
7. Carefully clean the disconnected part and the seat from accumulated dirt.
8. Remove the magnet from the shaft.
9. Locate the bearing on the removed magnet and lubricate it with an appropriate compound. Don’t forget the second bearing on the bottom of the housing.
11. Return the removed pump parts to their original locations.
12. Press the top of the housing until a “click” is heard and the o-ring “sits” snugly in place.

Before installing a new pump, all elements of the drain system should be thoroughly cleaned: the volute, the seat, the impeller, the appropriate spigots.

If during the inspection it turns out that the pump cannot be repaired, you will have to accept replacement. You only need to buy a new pump and install it in place of the old one.