My Front Load Washer Makes a Loud Knocking When Spinning Counter Clockwise

Bunched Clothing

• Laundry items can sometimes become bunched when the washtub spins counterclockwise. If clothing balls-up, it could make the washtub unsteady and cause it to vibrate when it moves. Vibration may cause your top-loading washing machine to make a knocking noise, especially if the washer hits the floor and walls around it when it rocks back and forth. Stop the washing machine and separate items.

Not Level

• A front-load washing machine should not vibrate when it agitates or spins, regardless of whether or not the washtub spins counterclockwise or clockwise. Run your washer on the spin cycle when it is empty. Observe the washer’s leveling legs; they should remain firmly on the ground. If the legs wobble, the washer is not balanced, and the knocking sound you hear is probably your washer’s legs hitting the floor. Turn each leg clockwise to make it longer or counterclockwise to make it shorter until the washer is even. Place a level on the washer to confirm that it is stable. The Repair Clinic website recommends verifying that your front-load washing machine is level at least once a year.

Poor Belt Condition

• A worn belt on a front-load washing machine could cause the washtub to knock the cabinet’s sides when the tub spins in either direction. Remove the washer’s rear panel by loosening the screws that hold the panel in place and expose the outer washtub. Inspect the belt that goes around the middle of the tub for wear. If the belt appears stretched-out, frayed or cracked, replace it. Also, change out the belt if it is missing some or all of its ribbing -- strips of raised rubber lines on the interior of the belt that allows it to grip the tub and spin it.

Malfunctioning Transmission

• A front-load washer’s transmission changes the direction in which a washtub spins. If you only hear a knocking noise when the tub spins counter-clockwise, but not clockwise, the transmission might be worn or the shaft that attaches the component to the tub might have deteriorated. Contact a washing machine repair technician to have the appliance serviced.