A knocking sound near the rear of a washer can come from the external fill or drain hoses striking the cabinet, wall, or each other. Maytag and Whirlpool both document this visible installation cause. It is worth checking before assuming the basket, suspension, or drive system has failed.
Use timing to find the likely hose
A fill hose may jump when an inlet valve opens or closes, while a drain hose can move when the pump sends water into the standpipe. High-speed spin can also transmit vibration to any line resting against the cabinet. Note whether the knock follows fill, drain, or drum speed.
Inspect only the accessible exterior
- Turn the washer off and wait for all motion to stop.
- Look behind the machine without crushing or sharply bending hoses.
- Move stored objects, brooms, and racks away from the cabinet.
- Use the supplied beaded strap or an approved tie point when the manual provides one.
Protect drainage and water flow
Securing a hose should not flatten it, close its bend radius, pull it from the standpipe, or create a sealed drain connection. Leave the air gap and insertion depth required by the installation instructions. Replace a hose that is cracked, blistered, or leaking rather than tightening it harder against the cabinet.
When the knock comes from inside
If the exterior lines are clear but the cabinet still receives repeated impacts, check load balance and washer level. Stop use for violent movement, scraping, or a leak. Suspension, counterweight, and drive inspection requires cabinet access and should be handled by a qualified service provider.
Model and observation notes
If access behind the washer is too tight to inspect without pulling on plumbing or the power cord, stop and arrange help. A heavy appliance can tip or crush a hose when moved alone. After securing visible lines, leave enough slack for normal vibration and service access. Run a supervised test with the machine in its final position; a quiet test while it is pulled away from the wall may not reproduce cabinet contact. If wall pipes bang even when the hoses are clear, the installation may need a plumber rather than an appliance repair. Keep water-hammer devices and pressure changes within local plumbing practice.
Related washer guides
Repeated tub impact belongs under washer making a banging noise. Smaller sounds from loose items or objects near the cabinet can be checked in washer making a rattling noise.