Our 10-year-old LG WM2487HWMA front load washer had gradually developed multiple problems. It sounded like a jet engine during high speed spin, both the drain pump and circulation pumps were noisy, it would not drain properly (water was coming in during spin cycle), no water was spraying out at the top of the door into the drum like it is supposed to when the circulation pump was running. It's amazing we had still been able to wash clothes at all! With the help of the excellent AppliancePartsPros.com videos for almost all of the operations, I set out to tackle all of these issues, performing nearly a complete overhaul of the machine. The LG washer test mode (google it) was helpful for diagnosing some of the problems. Here is what I did, along with a few observations/tips:
- Moved washer into our kitchen, which is adjacent to our cramped laundry room, for repairs (on sliders, kept it on the pedestal). The extra space was essential to remove the tub, etc.
- Replaced tub bearings, bearing seal, and seal between the tub halves. This was the most difficult part of the repair (not easy, but doable). Don't wonder if you really need to use PB/penetrating oil on the bearings to get them out - you do!! Using a generous amount at the bearing perimeter, and allowing it to soak overnight, was key, and it still took quite a bit of time to knock them out. A 5/8" x 6" long bolt with stacked washers and nuts from a big box store helped to remove the old bearings and install the new bearings.
- Replaced both the drain pump and the recirculation pump. These were both quite straightforward to remove and replace.
- With everything apart, removed the three large rubber hoses (F310, F315, K520) and cleaned out the gook and hard water deposits in them. This took quite some time. A cable-operated hose clamp pliers (available from auto parts stores) was very helpful to replace some of the harder-to-reach clamps, such as the vent hose clamp.
- Removed and cleaned out the short gasket drain hose (K570) and the hose that goes between the recirculation pump and the top of the door gasket, using a wire and then faucet water pressure. These were both completely clogged, resulting in no gasket drainage and no water spraying into the drum from the drum light area.
- Replaced the tub suspension springs and dampers for good measure, since the tub was out.
- Suggest also replacing the washer door gasket at this time, if you haven't already (I had).
- There was some play in the plastic splines of the tub motor rotor assembly (K360), which could be felt when rotating it back and forth. I carefully wrapped one layer of 3/4" adhesive tape around the splines on the shaft, pressing it into the splines, before reinstalling the rotor assembly. This filled the gap enough to remove the play (hopefully it will last a while - we shall see!).
- Replaced the cold and hot water supply solenoid valves (faulty valve was resulting in water supply being on during spin cycle). These were pretty easy to replace.
- Reinstalled machine with new water supply connection hoses (they were ten years old as well).
Overall the repairs took 12-13 hours (I tend to work deliberately and not particularly fast) over the course of about two weeks. Total parts bill was under $400, and parts arrived in just 2-3 days from AppliancePartsPros.com with regular delivery. All in all it was a significant investment, but now just about all of the moving parts in the machine have been replaced, and everything about it works like new! And it was satisfying and fun to learn about how it all works and goes together. THANK YOU APP for the great parts service!!!