Why Your LG Front Load Washer Is Damaging Clothes (And How to Fix It)

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

Have your favorite clothes been coming out of the wash with mysterious tears, snags, or holes? Fabric damage is frustrating, but the good news is that this problem often comes down to a few specific parts that can be inspected and repaired.

Whether you’re brand new to appliance repair or already comfortable tackling bigger projects, this walkthrough will help you understand what’s happening inside your washer and how to get it back to treating your clothes gently.

How an LG Front Load Washer Can Damage Clothes

The most common causes of fabric damage include:

• A failed spider shaft assembly causing the inner drum to shift
• Damaged or burred drum baffles catching clothing
• Rough or uneven movement of the spin basket
• Metal edges or gaps forming inside the wash drum

When these issues appear, clothes can get pinched, snagged, or torn during agitation or high-speed spin cycles.

Tools Needed and Safety Reminder

Before you start, gather your tools and prepare the washer safely.

Tools You’ll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• 10 mm socket
• 17 mm socket
• Rubber mallet
• Block of wood

Safety First

Always disconnect power to the washer before starting:

• Unplug the washer or turn off the circuit breaker

You’ll be handling heavy components and electrical connections, so take your time and work carefully.

Step 1: Check the Spin Basket for Spider Assembly Failure

The spider shaft assembly supports the inner spin basket. Over time, corrosion or metal fatigue can cause it to crack or break, allowing the basket to wobble.

How to Diagnose a Failed Spider Assembly

1. Open the washer door
2. Grab the spin basket from the inside
3. Gently rock it back and forth
4. Watch the gap between the inner basket and the outer tub

What to Look For

• Gap changes as you rock the basket: This indicates spider assembly failure
• Gap closes during movement: Clothing can get pinched and torn
• No movement or gap change: Spider assembly may still be good

If the basket shifts noticeably, the spider assembly has failed and will need to be replaced. This is a major repair, but it’s still manageable for an experienced DIYer.

Step 2: Inspect Drum Baffles for Burrs or Damage

If the spin basket feels solid, the next likely cause of fabric damage is the drum baffles.

Drum baffles are the raised plastic fins inside the drum that lift and tumble clothing. When they crack, warp, or develop sharp edges, they can easily snag fabrics.

How to Inspect the Baffles

Run your hand slowly along each baffle. Feel for sharp edges, cracks, burrs and loose or lifted sections. If you find any damage the baffle should be replaced. Minor imperfections are enough to ruin delicate clothing.

Step 3: Disassemble the Washer Exterior

If repairs are needed, you’ll need to fully access the washer’s internal tub assembly.

Remove the Top Panel

1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws at the back
2. Slide the top panel back
3. Lift it up and set it aside

Remove the Dispenser Drawer and Control Panel

1. Pull out the detergent dispenser drawer
2. Remove the two screws behind it
3. Remove the screw at the back right corner of the control panel
4. Rotate the panel forward and lift it up
5. Disconnect the wiring harness
6. Set the panel on a flat surface

Step 4: Remove the Front Panel and Door 

Door Lock and Gasket

1. Remove the two screws securing the door lock
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the spring clamp from the door gasket
3. Peel the gasket off the front panel

Drain Pump Cover

1. Open the drain pump access panel
2. Remove the Phillips screws
3. Disconnect the drain tube from its bracket
4. Push the tube into the cabinet
5. Remove the screw behind the pump cover
6. Set the cover aside

Remove the Front Panel

1. Remove the screws along the top of the front panel
2. Rotate the panel forward slightly
3. Lift it up and off the bottom brackets
4. Set it aside

Step 5: Remove Counterweights and Heater Wiring

LG front load washers use concrete counterweights to balance the drum during spin.

1. Use a 10 mm socket to remove the front counterweights
2. Disconnect the heating element wires
3. Remove the ground wire using a 10 mm socket

Step 6: Access the Rear and Motor Components

Remove the Rear Access Panel

1. Remove the four Phillips screws
2. Lift the top of the panel
3. Tilt it outward and slide it down to remove

Remove the Rotor and Stator

1. Use a 17 mm socket to remove the rotor bolt
2. Pull the rotor straight off the shaft
3. Use a 10 mm socket to remove the stator bolts
4. Disconnect the stator wiring

Step 7: Disconnect Hoses and Shock Absorbers

1. Disconnect all hoses connected to the tub
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to release the shock absorber pins
3. Remove the pins from the tub

Step 8: Remove Suspension Springs and Extract the Tub

1. Move to the top of the washer
2. Lift and remove one suspension spring
3. Carefully lower the tub
4. Remove the second suspension spring
5. Lift the tub out through the front of the washer

Pro Tip: This step is much easier with a second person to help.

Step 9: Separate the Tub and Remove the Spin Basket

1. Use a 10 mm socket to remove the bolts around the tub seam
2. Separate the front and rear tub halves
3. Pull the spin basket out of the rear tub

At this point, you can clearly inspect the spider shaft and confirm whether it has failed.

Step 10: Replace a Damaged Drum Baffle

If the spider assembly is good and the baffle is damaged, replacement is straightforward.

Remove the Old Baffle

1. Remove the baffle mounting screws
2. Fold up the metal locking tabs
3. Slide the baffle forward and out

Install the New Baffle

1. Slide the new baffle into place
2. Fold the locking tabs down
3. Secure with the mounting screws

Step 11: Reassemble the Tub and Washer

Reinstall the Spin Basket and Tub

1. Insert the spin basket into the rear tub
2. Install the tub gasket
3. Bolt the tub halves back together

Reinstall Suspension and Shocks

1. Lift the tub back into the washer
2. Reattach suspension springs
3. Secure shock absorbers with the pins

Reconnect Everything

1. Reconnect hoses
2. Reconnect wiring at top and bottom
3. Reinstall counterweights
4. Reconnect heater wiring

Step 12: Reinstall Motor Components and Panels

1. Mount the stator and reconnect wiring
2. Reinstall the rotor and secure it with the 17 mm bolt
3. Reattach the rear access panel
4. Reinstall the front panel
5. Feed the drain hose through the opening
6. Secure with screws
7. Reinstall the door lock
8. Refit the door gasket and spring clamp
9. Reinstall the drain pump cover
10. Slide the top panel into place and secure it

Final Steps and Testing

Once everything is reassembled:

1. Plug the washer back in
2. Run a short test cycle with no clothes
3. Listen for unusual noises
4. Watch for smooth drum movement

If everything looks and sounds normal, your repair is complete.

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to contact or call us at 877-477-7278. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!

Since 1999, AppliancePartsPros.com has helped millions of people repair their broken appliances by providing high-quality original parts at well below retail prices, free support and troubleshooting, and award-winning customer service from an expert, friendly, US-based customer support team!