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

Drum spider arm crack

This step-by-step repair guide walks you through fixing drum spider arm crack on your LG WM9000HVA (Front Load). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and avoid 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.

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Common Symptoms & Causes

If your LG WM9000HVA is experiencing a cracked drum spider arm, you may 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 is typically caused by metal fatigue from years of heavy loads and high-speed spinning, accelerated by detergent buildup that corrodes the aluminum casting over time.

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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

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, because 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

Separate the inner tub from the outer tub by releasing the 12 clips evenly spaced around the seam — working them off gradually prevents 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 together as a matched set, even if the bearings appear usable, because a cracked spider is caused by bearing wear that allows shaft misalignment and vibration — leaving old bearings in place virtually guarantees the new spider will crack again. Sourcing an OEM-equivalent spider and bearing kit for the LG WM9000HVA ensures 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 allows the weights to shift and cause imbalance faults), then 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 both directions so the seal seats 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 rumbling and watch for 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 seats, 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

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

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all steps above, the problem may involve the sealed refrigerant system, a failed main control board, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. Contact a licensed appliance technician — attempting sealed-system repairs without EPA 608 certification is illegal and unsafe.

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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.

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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 hiring a technician is recommended if you are unsure.

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