How to Inspect an LG Front-Load Washer Spider Arm

The spider arm sits at the back of the stainless drum and takes the full twisting load of every spin. Over years, detergent and moisture corrode the aluminum casting until an arm cracks, and once it does the drum can no longer stay centered. The symptoms overlap with worn shocks or bearings, so the real skill here is confirming the spider before you tear a machine down for a repair this deep.

That confirmation step is worth dwelling on, because the cost of guessing wrong is measured in hours. Worn shock absorbers, stretched suspension springs, and failing drum bearings all produce the same heavy vibration and spin knock a cracked spider does, and each is far easier to reach and cheaper to fix. So before any tub comes apart, rule those out first — check the dampers and springs, and spin the drum for a bearing rumble — then open the machine only once a visual on the casting actually shows the crack. A tear-down done on a hunch is the most expensive mistake on this repair.

Tools and parts#

Have a Phillips #2 screwdriver, a 14mm socket, a 10mm socket, a flashlight, and a mirror for inspection. For the part, order the spider arm assembly for your model — but only after you have confirmed the crack, since it is model-specific and the repair is heavy.

Inspect first, then replace#

1. Inspect without full disassembly. Spin the empty drum by hand and feel for a wobble or catch, and listen on a spin cycle for a knock that rises with speed. Use the mirror and flashlight through the rear or the boot to glimpse the spider casting.
2. Confirm the crack. Look for a fracture across an arm or corrosion pitting deep enough to have weakened it, and rule out worn shock absorbers or a failed bearing, which mimic the same shaking. Do not open the tub until you are sure.
3. Fully disassemble for replacement. With the crack confirmed, remove the top, front, and the tub components in order to reach the drum — this is the long part of the job and where a service manual for your model earns its keep.
4. Remove the spider arm. Separate the drum from the tub, then unbolt the cracked spider from the back of the stainless drum with the 14mm and 10mm sockets.
5. Install the new spider arm. Bolt the new casting to the drum evenly, torquing in a cross pattern so it seats flat and the drum runs true.
6. Reassemble. Rebuild the tub, drum, and cabinet in reverse order, taking care to reseat the door boot and every seal so the machine does not leak.
7. Test thoroughly. Run a full cycle and watch a high-speed spin closely — a balanced, quiet spin confirms the new spider is seated and the drum is centered again.

When to call a pro#

Given the hours of disassembly and the risk of a leak or a mis-seated seal, this is a repair many owners hand to a technician, especially on an older machine where the cost approaches its value. Strongly consider professional service if you are not equipped for a full tub tear-down.

Need professional help?#

• washing machine repair service
• LG appliance repair
• washing machine repair cost guide