Whirlpool Washing Machine: loud knocking noise
What is this symptom?
Experiencing a loud knocking noise from your Whirlpool washing machine during agitation or the spin cycle? This disruptive sound may indicate an unbalanced load, a washer that is not level, or potential issues with internal components. Addressing these concerns can restore your machine's quiet operation and efficiency.
Important Tips for Whirlpool Models
- Official Whirlpool guidance highlights unbalanced loads, leveling, and hoses knocking against cabinet as key causes of knocking/thumping noises
- Community repair sources note loose inner baskets, tub bearings, and suspension issues specific to Whirlpool spin cycle bangs
Possible Causes
Unbalanced or uneven laundry load
How to Identify: Loud knocking noise correlates with spin cycle; load contains heavy items concentrated on one side
Part: Drum and load distribution
Washer not level on floor
How to Identify: Excessive vibration and movement during spin, noise stops or reduces after leveling
Part: Leveling feet and washer base
Loose or unsecured hoses banging against cabinet
How to Identify: Knocking noise but no abnormal drum movement; hoses visibly loose against washer cabinet interior
Part: Water inlet and drain hoses
Worn or damaged suspension components (rods/shocks)
How to Identify: Persistent knocking even with balanced load and level machine; excessive drum movement when manually pushed
Part: Suspension rods or shock absorbers
Worn tub bearings or loose internal drum
How to Identify: Grinding or rumbling in addition to knocking; noise changes with spin speed; drum feels loose when moved by hand
Part: Tub bearings/inner drum assembly
Motor coupling or drive belt issues
How to Identify: Knocking or thumping correlated with drive engagement and speed changes
Part: Motor coupling or drive belt
DIY Solutions
Redistribute laundry load
- Pause the cycle and open the washer lid/door
- Evenly spread clothes around the drum, avoiding clustering heavy items
- Restart the wash or spin cycle
Level the washing machine
- Place spirit level atop the washer to check current level
- Adjust the feet by turning them until the washer is level side-to-side and front-to-back
- Tighten locking nuts on feet and recheck level
Secure hoses to prevent cabinet contact
- Inspect back of washer for loosely hanging hoses
- Use zip ties to secure hoses away from cabinet
- Run a short cycle to verify noise reduction
Next step
Choose the next step for loud knocking noise
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Washer Shock Absorber
Dampens tub movement and vibration during high-speed spin cycles.
- Typical part-only price
- $25 - $100
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 45-90 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Washer Suspension Rod Kit
Supports and stabilizes the washer tub during agitation and spin.
Drive Belt
Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.
Washer Motor Coupling
Transfers motor power to the washer transmission on models that use a direct-drive coupling.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace suspension rods or shock absorbers
Replace tub bearings or inner drum assembly
Inspect and repair motor coupling or belt
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Balance loads properly: Unbalanced drum movement and knocking noise
Frequency: every wash -
Check and adjust washer level: Drum imbalance and excessive vibration
Frequency: monthly or when relocated -
Inspect hoses periodically: Hoses rattling against cabinet
Frequency: quarterly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Whirlpool Washing Machine loud knocking noise?
How do I fix Whirlpool Washing Machine loud knocking noise myself?
How much does it cost to fix loud knocking noise?
When should I call a technician for loud knocking noise?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Unbalanced load in the drum
- Worn or damaged suspension springs
- Foreign object trapped in the drum or pump
User Suggested Solutions
-
Redistribute the load evenly in the drum. Open the lid, rearrange the clothes to balance the load, and run a short cycle to test.
-
Inspect and replace worn or damaged suspension springs. Unplug the machine, remove the front panel, and check the springs for wear. Replace if necessary.
-
Check for foreign objects. Inspect the drum and pump for any items like coins or small clothing pieces. Remove any found objects.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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