LG WT5170HW washer Parts

LG top load washers like model WT5170HW are built for convenience and capacity, but the most common disadvantages are more vibration with off-balance loads, more sensitivity to installation and leveling, and more complex electronics that can be costlier to diagnose and repair. For model-specific operating tips, use the WT5170HW owner's manual.

Common disadvantages (what owners notice most)

• Off-balance vibration and noise: Bulky items (blankets, towels) can shift and trigger rebalancing, longer cycle times, or a reduced spin.
• More “finicky” performance if not leveled: A slightly uneven floor or loose leveling legs can amplify shaking.
• Electronics add cost and complexity: Control boards, lid locks, and sensors can be more expensive than purely mechanical designs.
• Water fill and drain complaints: Slow filling or poor draining is usually a supply, hose, or pump issue, not the tub itself.
• Wash action preferences vary: Some users prefer an agitator feel; many LG top-load designs use a washplate style that cleans differently.

What to check first (quick fixes that reduce the downsides)

• Level the washer front-to-back and side-to-side; confirm all feet are firmly on the floor.
• Sort loads by fabric weight; wash heavy items together and avoid mixing one heavy item with many light items.
• Do not overload; leave enough room for items to circulate.
• Verify strong water flow at the faucets and clean inlet screens if flow is weak.
• Confirm the drain hose is not kinked or shoved too far down the standpipe.

Parts that commonly relate to these complaints (WT5170HW)

Symptom	Often involved	Example part for WT5170HW
Won’t spin, stops mid-cycle, lid-related errors	Lid lock system	Washer lid lock EBF61674802
Shaking, banging, walking	Suspension components	Washer suspension rod and spring assembly 4902EA1002E
Slow fill, no fill, fill errors	Water inlet valve	LG washer water inlet valve assembly AJU73213301
Won’t drain, water left in tub	Drain pump or drain path	LG washer drain pump 5859EA1004G

Why it matters

Most “disadvantages” come down to load balance, leveling, and water flow. When those basics are right, an LG top load washer like WT5170HW typically runs quieter, finishes cycles faster, and avoids repeat rebalancing.

You can order WT5170HW replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

An LG washer and dryer typically last about 10 to 13 years with normal household use and basic maintenance. For your LG WT5170HW washer, using the right load size, keeping it level, and addressing vibration or draining issues early helps you reach that expected lifespan; see the WT5170HW owner's manual for care and operating guidance.

Typical lifespan at a glance

These ranges reflect normal use (several loads per week) and standard home conditions.

Appliance	Average life	What shortens life fastest
Top-load washer (like WT5170HW)	10 to 13 years	Chronic out-of-balance spinning, overloading, poor leveling
Electric or gas dryer	10 to 13 years	Restricted venting, overheating, heavy lint buildup

What you can do to help your washer and dryer last longer

We recommend these practical habits because they reduce stress on the motor, suspension, and controls.

• Keep the washer level and stable; re-check after moving or flooring changes.
• Avoid overloading; large loads strain the drive system and increase UE-type imbalance events.
• Use the correct HE detergent amount; too much suds can cause longer cycles and residue.
• Leave the lid open between loads to reduce moisture and odor.
• Fix slow draining quickly; a struggling drain system can lead to repeated pump wear.
• For dryers, keep the lint screen and vent path clear to prevent overheating.

When a repair makes sense vs. replacement

A single failed part often does not mean the appliance is “worn out.” If the washer is otherwise in good shape, replacing a common wear component can extend life.

Symptom	Common direction	Example part on this model
Won’t drain or drains slowly	Check pump, hose, clogs	LG washer drain pump 5859EA1004G, washer drain hose AEM73213001
Won’t fill or fills incorrectly	Check inlet valve, pressure system	LG washer water inlet valve assembly AJU73213301, LG washer water-level pressure switch 6501EA1001R
Won’t lock or won’t start	Check lid lock	Washer lid lock EBF61674802

Why it matters

Knowing the typical 10 to 13 year lifespan helps you plan: if your washer or dryer is near that age, repeated major repairs (motor, control panel, tub support) usually signal end-of-life; if it is younger, targeted part replacement is often the best value. You can order WT5170HW replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

An unbalanced load in your LG WT5170HW washer is usually fixed by redistributing the items evenly in the basket, running the correct cycle for the load type, and making sure the washer is level on the floor. If the tub still bangs or won’t spin up, check the suspension and balance components.

Quick fixes we recommend first

• Pause the cycle and spread items evenly around the washplate (avoid one heavy clump).
• Remove a few items if the basket is tightly packed; bulky loads need more room to move.
• Wash similar items together (towels with towels, jeans with jeans) to reduce imbalance.
• Use a lower spin speed for bulky items if your cycle allows it.
• Confirm the washer sits solidly on the floor with no rocking; adjust leveling feet as needed (see the owner's manual).

When it’s more than load distribution

If you repeatedly get out-of-balance shaking with normal loads, a worn suspension or a damaged balance component is a common cause.

Parts that commonly affect balance on this model

Symptom	What it often points to	Example part for WT5170HW
Tub bangs during spin, even with small loads	Weak suspension	Washer suspension rod and spring assembly 4902EA1002E
Basket wobbles, vibration seems worse over time	Balance system issue	Washer basket balance ring AAJ72909602
Washplate feels loose or shifts	Washplate/hub hardware issue	Washer washplate AGZ72909711

Why it matters

Running unbalanced loads can cause loud banging, poor spin-out (clothes stay wet), and extra wear on the drive system and tub support. Fixing the cause early helps protect the motor, shifter, and tub mounting components.

Ordering the right parts

We list model-specific replacement parts for LG WT5170HW on this page; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you need additional options.

Last updated: February 2026

A “5.5 cu. ft.” washer refers to the wash basket’s internal volume, not the outside cabinet size. For your LG WT5170HW, use the exact exterior dimensions and clearance requirements in the WT5170HW owner's manual; capacity labels alone are only for load-size comparison.

Typical outside size for many 5.5 cu. ft. top-load washers

Most extra-large capacity top-load washers in the 5.5 cu. ft. class commonly fall in these planning ranges:

• Width: 27 to 28 inches
• Height: 43 to 45 inches (to the top of the control panel)
• Depth: 28 to 31 inches
• Rear clearance: allow space for fill hoses and the drain hose
• Top clearance: allow room for the lid to open fully

What to measure before you install a washer

These measurements prevent fit and hookup problems in a laundry room:

• Measure the opening width (walls, cabinets, door trim)
• Measure depth from the back wall to the front edge of the space
• Plan 3 to 6 inches behind the washer for hoses and airflow
• Confirm the standpipe or laundry sink location matches your drain hose route
• Measure doorways and turns on the path into the room

Capacity vs. dimensions (quick comparison)

Spec	What it tells you	What it does not tell you
5.5 cu. ft. capacity	How much laundry fits in the basket	Exact width, height, depth
Exterior dimensions	Whether it fits your space	How much it holds
Clearance needs	Whether hookups and lid access work	Basket volume

Why it matters

Correct sizing helps prevent crushed fill hoses, a kinked drain line, and poor service access. Clearance also makes common repairs easier, such as replacing the washer water inlet valve assembly AJU73213301 or the washer drain hose AEM73213001.

If you’re shopping for parts for this washer, order from the WT5170HW parts list or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026