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How to Remove a Stuck Wash Plate From an LG Washing Machine

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

Introduction

Use this guide to remove a stuck wash plate (also called a pulsator) from an LG-style top-load washing machine. A seized wash plate can make service or inspection difficult, and it may take some force to remove without damage. Note: The source video doesn’t mention disconnecting electrical power or water, so follow the washer’s service manual for any required safety shutdown steps.

What you need

  1. Edit

    • Feel around the pulsator cap to find the small opening for a screwdriver tip.

    • Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry up on the cap opening and remove the cap.

    • Set the cap aside and clean it, because the area underneath is usually extremely dirty.

  2. Edit

    • Use a 10 mm socket wrench to remove the bolt that holds the wash plate to the main shaft.

    • Hold the wash plate down with one hand while loosening the bolt if the plate is worn and wants to spin.

  3. Edit

    • Pick two screws that fit the holes in the wash plate and can thread into the plate material.

    • Avoid #10 screws because they are too large, and avoid #6 screws because they are too small.

    • Use #8 screws with coarse threads and a sharp point so they can stab through the metal and plastic easily.

    • Use #8 deck screws, because they thread into the wash plate holes with less effort than other screw types tested.

    • Use 1 inch screws, or use 3/4 inch screws as an alternative length.

  4. Edit

    • Thread the two screws into the wash plate holes until they bite and hold firmly.

    • Apply force as needed to get the screws to start threading, because it can take pressure to make them bite.

    • Stop threading before the screws go too far past the bottom of the wash plate.

    • Don’t bury the screws into the plastic tub, because puncturing the tub could cause a leak.

    • Expect the wash plate to move a bit while you thread the screws, and keep working until both screws are secure.

  5. Edit

    • Use slip-joint pliers to grip both screw heads so you can lift straight up on the wash plate.

    • Pull up as hard as you can on the screws until the wash plate pops loose.

    • Keep pulling if it doesn’t release right away, because this method can also work on extremely difficult wash plates.

  6. Edit

    • Remove the screws from the wash plate after the plate comes free.

    • Inspect the screw holes for metal burrs created by the screws if you plan to reuse the same wash plate.

    • File or sand down any burrs you find before reinstalling the wash plate.

  7. Edit

    • Clean the wash plate if you plan to reuse it, because there may be dirt under the cap and debris on the underside.

  8. Edit

    • Push the wash plate back into place on the shaft.

    • Reinstall the center bolt.

    • Press the cap back into place to finish.

Conclusion

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong screw size (#10 is too large and #6 is too small), using fine-thread or blunt screws that won’t bite, and threading the screws too deep where they could damage the plastic tub and cause leaks. If you reuse the wash plate, check the screw holes for burrs and clean the plate before reinstalling.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Ben Schlichter

Member since: 01/21/25

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