How to Fix Drum spider arm crack on LG WM9000HVA (Front Load)

Drum Spider Arm Crack

In this step-by-step repair guide, I’ll walk you through fixing a drum spider arm crack on your LG WM9000HVA (Front Load). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in about 1-2 hours and save themselves a costly service call.

Part of our Top 20 Washing machine Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all washing machine repair guides for related models and issues.

Common Symptoms & Causes

If your LG WM9000HVA is suffering from a cracked drum spider arm, you might notice one or more of the following symptoms during operation:

• The drum produces a loud banging or clunking noise during the spin cycle
• The washer vibrates excessively and walks across the floor at high spin speeds
• Clothes come out unevenly distributed or wrapped tightly around the drum
• The drum visibly wobbles or feels loose when rotated by hand with the door open

A cracked spider arm typically results from metal fatigue due to years of heavy loads and high-speed spinning, often accelerated by detergent buildup that corrodes the aluminum casting over time.

Safety First

• Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
• Shut off the water supply valve before disconnecting any water lines or hoses.
• Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
• Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
• Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• ¼” nut driver
• Torx T20 screwdriver
• Multimeter
• Bucket and towels

Replacement Parts

• Drum spider arm
• Drum rear bearing kit
• Tub seal
• Torque wrench
• Snap ring pliers

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

First, confirm the spider arm crack by removing the door boot seal (release the wire spring retaining ring), taking off the front panel, disconnecting both counterweights (2 × 13mm bolts each), and pulling the rear panel (4 × T20 Torx) and bearing cover (5 bolts). With the drum exposed, grip the drum rim and attempt to wobble it side to side — noticeable play combined with a grinding sensation confirms the spider arm is cracked. A healthy drum should spin true with no lateral movement. Pro tip: wear gloves when handling the drum rim, as burrs from a fractured spider can cause cuts.

Step 2

Next, separate the inner tub from the outer tub by releasing the 12 clips evenly spaced around the seam. Working them off gradually can prevent clip breakage. Then, remove the three 8mm drum-to-spider bolts to free the drum assembly. This separation is necessary because the spider arm sits on the back of the inner drum and cannot be accessed any other way. Take photos of clip positions before removal so reassembly is straightforward.

Step 3

Replace the spider arm and drum bearings as a matched set, even if the bearings appear usable. A cracked spider often indicates that the bearings have worn and allowed shaft misalignment and vibration to occur. If you leave the old bearings in place, you’re almost guaranteed that the new spider will crack again. Sourcing an OEM-equivalent spider and bearing kit for the LG WM9000HVA ensures you get the correct shaft diameter and bolt pattern. Safety note: do not reuse the old tub seal, as it will have taken a set and will not seal reliably.

Step 4

Press the new bearing squarely into the outer tub bore using a bearing driver or a flat block. Never strike it at an angle, as a cocked bearing will fail prematurely and can score the tub housing. Install the new tub seal with the lip facing inward toward the drum, then torque the spider-to-drum bolts to 20 ft-lbs in a star pattern to ensure even clamping. Uneven torque is a common cause of spider bolt loosening under the high spin speeds this machine produces.

Step 5

Reassemble in reverse order: seat the inner tub clips all the way around the seam, reinstall the counterweights and torque their bolts to 30 ft-lbs. Under-torquing can allow the weights to shift and lead to imbalance faults. Fit the rear panel, front panel, and finally the door boot seal. When seating the boot seal, start at the 6-o’clock position and work around in both directions so the seal sits evenly in its groove, clipping the wire spring last. Double-check that the wire spring is fully seated; a partially seated spring is the most common cause of water leaking onto the floor after this repair.

Step 6

Run a full spin cycle at the highest speed setting and listen for any rumbling while observing for any side-to-side drum movement through the door. Both should be completely absent if the spider and bearings were installed correctly. A brief, quiet run-in noise for the first minute is normal as the new bearing settles in, but any persistent grinding or vibration means the bearing was not pressed in fully and must be corrected before regular use. Pro tip: run an empty cycle first so you can observe the drum without laundry masking any residual movement.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

You can find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your LG WM9000HVA (Front Load) on Amazon:

• LG WM9000HVA drum spider arm 4434ER0003B replacement
• LG front load washer drum bearing kit 4036ER2004A
• LG washer outer tub replacement 3045ER1006A

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all the steps above, the problem may involve a failed main control board, a worn drive motor or bearing assembly, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. If that’s the case, contact a licensed appliance technician — and be sure to shut off both the hot and cold supply valves before any work that opens the fill circuit.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

A replacement drum spider arm for the LG WM9000HVA typically costs between $40 and $90 in parts alone. Professional repair services usually charge $150 to $300 once you factor in the service call fee and labor. Tackling this repair yourself can save you $100 or more while restoring your washer to full working order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my LG WM9000HVA drum spider arm is cracked?

Common signs include loud banging or grinding noises during the spin cycle and visible wobbling of the drum. You can confirm the crack by removing the rear panel and inspecting the spider arm casting directly.

Can I still use my washer with a cracked spider arm?

No, continuing to run the machine can cause serious damage to the drum bearings, tub, and motor. Stop using the washer immediately until the spider arm is replaced.

Is replacing the drum spider arm on the LG WM9000HVA a DIY repair?

This repair is moderately complex, requiring full drum disassembly and the correct replacement part. Confident DIYers with basic tools can complete it, but I always recommend hiring a technician if you are unsure.

Recommended Products

Here are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:

• 【UPGRADED】4434ER0003C Rear Drum Support (Spider) by Beaquicy – Replacement for Kenmore LG Washing Machine – Flange Shaft Assembly Replaces 4434ER0003A 4434ER0003B
• XiKe 4036ER2004A, 4036ER4001B, 4280FR4048E and 4280FR4048L Front Load Washer Tub Bearing & Seal Kit Rotate Quiet and Durable, Replacement for LG and Kenmore Etc.
• Front Load Washer Tub Bearings and Seal Kit Fit for LG & Kenmore Etc Replacement Part 4036ER2004A 4280FR4048L 4280FR4048E 4036ER4001B
• 4036ER2004A Front Load Washer Tub Bearings and Seal Kit Replacement for LG Models WM2233HW, WM2240CW, WM2250CW, WM2277HB, WM2277HS, WM2301HR, WM2301HS, WM2301HW for Kenmore 4280FR4048L 4280FR4048E

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The Spider Assembly Replacement That Stops the Drum Wobble on Your WM9000HVA

When that spider arm cracks, the drum loses its structural support and you’ll feel it immediately—clothes tumbling unevenly, and sometimes metal-on-metal grinding sounds. This upgraded spider assembly is the direct replacement that actually addresses the root cause instead of masking symptoms.

What works

• The flange and shaft alignment is tight and precise—no play in the drum after installation, which is critical on this model where tolerances matter.
• Beaquicy’s upgraded version actually addresses the metallurgical weakness in the OEM spider arms, so you’re not just replacing the failed part with an identical weak one.
• Fits both the A and B versions, which saves you from ordering twice if you’re unsure which revision your machine has.

What doesn’t

• Installation is not quick—you’re looking at 3–4 hours minimum if this is your first time, because the drum has to come completely out and the bearing support needs careful handling.
• If your tub seal or rear bearing is also failing (and it often is on machines that have a cracked spider), you’ll want to replace those at the same time, or you’ll be back inside the machine again in six months.

I’ve seen DIYers order just the spider arm thinking that’s the only failure, then discover halfway through disassembly that the tub seal is leaking and the bearing is shot. Budget for the full bearing and seal kit if your machine is showing any signs of water seepage around the drum area. Drum spider arm

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