off balance problem

this LG top load washer goes off balance almost every load. not loading or doing anything different than I did in the past. started doing this 2 months ago. Is it the balance ring, suspension rods, need software update, or combination of all? I can hear water in the balance ring, has some of it leaked out? Bearings and tub are in good condition. tub nut is not loose and bearings are not worn or loud. machine is level and firm on the floor. I have read this is a very common problem with LG top loaders. Select Normal cycle, fills, agitates, then after a few minutes starts spinning in one direction with clothes and water, tub starts banging against side of washer. Then it stops and reverses direction, spinning with clothes and water, bang, bang, bang, stops and goes back to agitating. The machine will do this with no clothes in it, on the normal cycle.