Knocking noise My Kenmore Washer Elite HE3, front loaded, makes a very loud knocking noise when it spins ?

Your problem may not be a broken spider assembly. My Kenmore Elite (model # 110-42822-203) had a kocking problem as well. After taking the back off, I discovered that the nut holding the pulley to the drum shaft (on the outside of the outer basket) was slightly loose. I simply re-tightened this an the knock went away. The pulley was shifting on the shaft ever so slightly, leading to the knock. Cost of fix: $0. :-).

I had the same problem with our Frigidaire front loader. Had to take the washer completely apart and traced the problem to broken two out of three arms that attach the basket to the shaft in the back that turns it. I had to purchase new basket for $200.00 and replace it by myself. If I had it replaced by service man, it would probably cost $400.00 or almost half of new machine.

There could be other, less expensive causes. There are springs and cables that counterweigh the weight of the basket. These springs sometime un-attach themselves due to the vibration of the machine. Simple re-attachment of these may correct the problem.

Any of these solutions require the washer to be opened and the exact cause diagnosed. Try not to use the washer untill it is repaired as continuing vibrations and banging will do more and more damage to the machine.

If you decide to do further investigation on your own, make sure the machine is unplugged before attempting to open the back covers!

Alex