Why a knocking washer happens#
When a washer starts making a knocking noise, I look first at foreign object in drum: a coin, wire or clip is trapped and tumbling inside the drum. Not far behind sits loose drum spider — the table below sorts every likely cause so you are not guessing. The timing of the sound — at start-up, on spin, or all the way through — is your best early clue. In most cases this is a single-component fix, so a noisy washer rarely means the whole unit is done.
What a knocking really means, ranked by odds#
A washer knocking is a noise whose exact pitch and timing point toward the failing part. You will usually catch the knocking during the high-speed spin, when the drum is turning fastest.
| Likely cause | What's happening | How likely | First thing to check | Fix it yourself? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign object in drum | a coin, wire or clip is trapped and tumbling inside the drum | Most likely | check the drum, gasket and pump filter for stray items | Yes — often DIY |
| Loose drum spider | the cast drum spider arm has corroded and cracked, unbalancing the tub | Possible | rock the drum and watch for play at the rear hub | No — pro repair |
| Worn tub bearings | the tub bearing has worn until the spinning drum grinds on its shaft | Less likely | spin the empty drum by hand and feel for grinding | No — pro repair |
Typical repair cost: $150–450, depending on which part has failed.
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Safe checks, then the cost call#
Start safe — cut the power at the breaker before you touch anything. Work methodically and let each result point you to the next step. With that done, check the drum, gasket and pump filter for stray items. After that, rock the drum and watch for play at the rear hub. It is also worth a moment to spin the empty drum by hand and feel for grinding. Pay attention to when the sound rises and falls; a note that tracks the drum or the fill usually fingers the loose part on its own. If the trail leads to the drum spider, or you simply cannot see the source, that is your cue to book a technician instead of forcing another cycle. With the diagnosis in hand you are typically looking at $150–450 for the fix — worth doing on any washer that still has good years ahead of it.
Common questions when the knocking starts#
Why is my washer making a knocking noise?#
The usual answer is the foreign object, with the drum spider the next most common. Both are quick to narrow down using the ranked table above. A short look normally tells you which one you are dealing with.
Could foreign object in drum be the cause of the knocking?#
It can be. The drum spider is one of the top causes here, so check it early before moving on. If it comes up clean, the next candidate is right behind it.
Does loose drum spider also make a washer knocking?#
Yes — the drum spider is a real suspect for this exact symptom and sits high on the list. Rule it out first, then work down to the next cause. A quick look usually tells you whether you have found it.
What about worn tub bearings — can that do it?#
Most often it is the foreign object, and failing that the drum spider. The table above puts the causes in order of likelihood so you check the smart one first. From there it is fast elimination.
Is the knocking dangerous?#
A single off note is low risk on its own, but a straining motor or metal grinding on metal should not be left to run. Switch the washer off once you have spotted the trouble and have it looked at before the next load. Catching it early is what keeps a cheap fix from becoming an expensive one.
Senior Gas Appliance Specialist · 18 years experience
AGA-certified gas appliance specialist with 18 years of experience in residential and commercial oven, range, and cooktop repairs.
