That unmistakable thumping sound from your washing machine isn’t just annoying—it’s a warning sign. When my LG front-loader started sounding like a helicopter taking off during spin cycles, I knew the shock absorbers were failing. As someone who’s repaired over two dozen washing machines, I’ve learned that choosing the right replacement part makes the difference between a permanent fix and repeating the same repair six months later.

The GLOXTED washer shock absorber caught my attention with its metal and ABS construction and competitive pricing. But in the world of appliance repair, specs on paper don’t always translate to real-world performance. After installing and testing this part across multiple machines, I’m sharing what you won’t find in the product description—the installation nuances, long-term durability concerns, and whether it’s truly worth your money compared to OEM and budget alternatives.

Key Takeaways

• Immediate vibration reduction is noticeable, but the ABS components may not withstand heavy loads long-term
• Installation is straightforward for DIYers with basic tools, though accessing the mounting points requires patience
• Compatibility claims are accurate for most LG models listed, but verify your specific part number before purchasing
• Price-to-performance ratio makes sense for light household use but not for heavy-duty or commercial applications
• Build quality compromises become apparent when compared side-by-side with OEM parts

Quick Verdict

Best for: Homeowners with moderately used LG washing machines who want to reduce vibration without OEM part prices and don’t mind potentially replacing them again in 2-3 years.

Not ideal for: Heavy-use households, commercial laundromats, or perfectionists who want factory-original performance and durability.

Core strengths: Immediate vibration reduction, straightforward installation, competitive pricing, and adequate performance for average household needs.

Core weaknesses: Questionable long-term durability of ABS components, slightly noisier operation than OEM parts, and fitment that’s good but not perfect.

Product Overview & Specifications

The GLOXTED washer shock absorber (model 383EER3001E) is an aftermarket replacement designed to stabilize your washing machine’s drum during operation. Unlike generic parts that cut corners, this one combines metal construction with ABS plastic components in a hybrid design that aims to balance durability with cost-effectiveness.

Having handled both OEM and aftermarket shock absorbers for years, I appreciate that GLOXTED includes the mounting pins—a small but crucial detail that cheaper alternatives often omit. The part feels substantial in hand, though the plastic components immediately raise durability questions compared to all-metal OEM designs.

Real-World Performance & Feature Analysis

Design & Build Quality

The GLOXTED shock absorber uses a hybrid construction approach—metal for the main body and cylinder, ABS plastic for the end caps and mounting components. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it represents a compromise. OEM shock absorbers typically use all-metal construction throughout, which explains their higher cost but also their superior longevity.

During installation, I noticed the metal components have adequate thickness and finish, comparable to mid-range aftermarket parts. The ABS components, however, feel slightly thinner than what you’d find on OEM parts. This doesn’t impact immediate performance, but in my experience, plastic components in high-vibration environments tend to fatigue faster than metal ones.

The mounting pins included are a thoughtful touch—they’re hardened steel and match the diameter of OEM pins exactly. Many budget alternatives either don’t include pins or provide undersized ones that create play in the mounting system.

Performance in Real Use

I tested the GLOXTED shock absorbers in two scenarios: a residential LG WM1811CW used 3-4 times weekly, and a laundromat WM2075CW running 8-10 cycles daily. The results highlighted the product’s strengths and limitations clearly.

In the residential setting, vibration reduction was immediately noticeable. The machine went from walking across the floor during spin cycles to remaining stable with minimal movement. Noise levels dropped significantly, though not quite to factory-new quietness. There’s a subtle mechanical sound during direction changes that OEM parts don’t produce.

In the commercial environment, performance was adequate for the first month but began degrading noticeably by week six. The ABS components showed visible stress marks, and vibration control became less effective during high-speed spins. This confirms my initial assessment: these are fine for home use but can’t handle commercial demands.

What matters most in real use isn’t just initial performance but consistency over time. After three months of residential testing, the GLOXTED units still function but with slightly increased noise and less dampening during unbalanced loads.

Ease of Use

Installation follows standard shock absorber replacement procedure: access the bottom of the machine, remove old units, install new ones. The GLOXTED parts fit LG mounting points correctly, though I noticed the bushings are slightly tighter than OEM, requiring more force during installation.

The biggest challenge isn’t the parts themselves but accessing them. Like most front-load washers, you’ll need to tilt the machine forward and support it safely while working. This isn’t GLOXTED’s fault—it’s inherent to washer design—but it’s worth mentioning for DIYers considering this repair.

One non-obvious tip: lubricate the bushings with soapy water before installation. The tight fit means dry installation can damage the components. OEM parts typically include lubrication packets, while GLOXTED assumes you’ll figure this out yourself.

Durability & Reliability

Three months of testing revealed both promising and concerning durability characteristics. The metal components show no signs of corrosion or fatigue, performing as well as any mid-range aftermarket part. The piston movement remains smooth, and the overall construction hasn’t developed play or looseness.

However, the ABS components concern me for long-term reliability. Already, the residential test unit shows minor stress whitening around the mounting points—early signs of material fatigue. In high-vibration applications, plastic tends to crack before metal fails, making this the likely failure point.

My professional assessment: these will likely last 2-3 years in average household use but might fail sooner in households with large families or heavy bedding loads. OEM parts typically last 5-7 years in similar conditions, justifying their higher price for some users.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Immediate vibration reduction that’s 80-90% as effective as OEM parts
• Complete kit includes necessary mounting hardware
• Straightforward installation for those with basic mechanical skills
• Cost-effective solution for extending washer life
• Accurate compatibility with listed LG models

Cons:

• ABS components raise long-term durability concerns
• Slightly noisier operation than factory parts
• Fitment is tight requiring lubrication during installation
• Not suitable for heavy-use or commercial applications
• Limited warranty coverage compared to OEM alternatives

Comparison & Alternatives

Understanding where the GLOXTED sits in the market helps determine if it’s your best option. Having used all three tiers extensively, here’s my breakdown:

Cheaper Alternative: Generic eBay/AliExpress Shock Absorbers ($12-18)

I’ve tested multiple budget shock absorbers, and they share common flaws: thinner metal, questionable hardening treatment, and often missing or poorly manufactured mounting hardware. While they might solve immediate vibration issues, they typically fail within 6-12 months. The GLOXTED represents a significant step up in quality from these options.

When to choose: Only if you’re preparing to replace the entire machine soon and need a temporary fix.

Premium Alternative: OEM LG Shock Absorbers ($45-65 each)

Factory parts offer superior materials (all-metal construction), perfect fitment, and proven longevity. The performance difference is noticeable—quieter operation and better dampening during unbalanced loads. You’re also getting LG’s warranty backing.

When to choose: If you plan to keep your machine long-term, value quiet operation, or have heavy usage patterns.

The GLOXTED occupies the sensible middle ground—better than bargain-basement options but with acknowledged compromises compared to OEM. For most homeowners, this balance makes financial sense.

Buying Guide / Who Should Buy

Based on my testing and real-world usage scenarios, here’s who will benefit most from the GLOXTED shock absorber—and who should look elsewhere.

Best for Beginners

If you’re new to appliance repair, the GLOXTED offers a good balance of affordability and performance. The included mounting pins eliminate sourcing complications, and the fitment is accurate enough for straightforward installation. Just be prepared for the tight bushings and have lubricant ready.

Best for Professionals

Service technicians might stock these for budget-conscious clients or older machines where OEM parts don’t make economic sense. They install quickly and solve the immediate vibration problem, though I’d recommend disclosing the potential longevity trade-offs to customers.

Not Recommended For

Avoid the GLOXTED if you have a heavy-use household (multiple loads daily), frequently wash large items like comforters, or operate in a commercial setting. The ABS components simply won’t withstand these demands. Also, if absolute quiet operation matters most, spend the extra for OEM parts.

FAQ

How long do these typically last compared to OEM parts?

Based on my testing and material analysis, expect 2-3 years of reliable service in average household use versus 5-7 years for OEM parts. The difference comes down to the ABS components versus all-metal construction in factory parts.

Are these really compatible with my specific LG model?

The compatibility list is accurate, but always verify your existing part number matches one of the replacements listed. The most common mistake I see is homeowners assuming compatibility based on machine model alone without checking the actual shock absorber part number.

What tools do I need for installation?

Basic socket set, screwdrivers, and something to safely support the machine while you work (wood blocks work well). The job requires mechanical aptitude but not professional-level skills. If you’ve never worked on appliances before, watch several tutorial videos first.

Is the vibration reduction noticeable immediately?

Yes, the difference is dramatic if your old shocks were worn out. The machine will stop walking during spin cycles and noise levels will drop significantly. However, don’t expect factory-new quietness—there’s still more mechanical noise than with OEM parts.

When should I NOT buy these?

If your machine is still under warranty (use OEM), if you have heavy usage patterns, or if you’re the type who prefers buying once and forgetting about it. The cost savings come with a longevity trade-off that doesn’t make sense for everyone.