For a loud or unusual noise from a GE Profile PFW950, GE's troubleshooting table names the causes: a clogged pump filter, a kinked or improperly connected drain hose, a clogged household drain, a drain hose pushed too far into the drain, cabinet movement of up to 1/4 in, leveling legs that are not firmly touching the floor, and an unbalanced load. GE's separate article covers a banging during the drain or spin cycle that comes from the drain hose hitting the back of the washer when it is not secured. Rubber legs must all touch the floor and be locked; push and pull on the back right and left corners to check.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE PFW950 front-load washer makes grinding, squealing, clicking or banging noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A clogged pump filter
What separates it There is rattling or a change in the drain sound because the pump filter is clogged
How to confirm Clean the pump filter; small items pass to the pump
- 2
An unsecured drain hose
What separates it There is banging in the drain or the spin because the drain hose is unsecured
How to confirm Secure the hose as the installation instructions show
- 3
Legs not touching the floor
What separates it There is rocking and noise in the spin because the legs are not touching the floor
How to confirm Adjust the rubber legs so they all touch and lock in place
- 4
An unbalanced load
What separates it There is thumping in the spin because the load is out of balance
How to confirm Pause, open the door and redistribute the load
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- What the noise is and at what stage
- Whether the drain hose is secured
- Whether all legs touch the floor
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedClean the pump filter
ReversibleClean the pump filter, by opening the access door, pouring out the water, turning the filter counterclockwise, and refitting it clockwise.
Secure the drain hose
ReversibleStraighten it, make sure the washer is not sitting on it and it cannot hit the back.
Level the washer
ReversiblePush and pull on the back corners; adjust the rubber legs until all touch and lock.
Redistribute the load
ReversiblePause, open the door and spread the load; run a rinse and spin with no load to test.
Check for shipping bolts
ReversibleCheck for shipping bolts, since they must have been removed before sliding the washer in place.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Legs and shipping bolts
- GE's vibration article says the shipping bolts and braces should not be removed before sliding the washer into place, and that if you press down on the drum and it will not move the bolts have probably not been removed. It also says to keep the legs as short as possible, since the more they are extended the shakier the washer will be running, especially in the spin cycle, and that all rubber legs must touch the floor and be locked.
- Moving the washer
- When moving the washer the tub should be kept stationary using the shipping bolts removed during installation; if they are not available GE's Parts and Accessories page tells you how to order. Ask the service technician to remove water from the drain pump and hoses first, and do not store the washer where it will be exposed to the weather.
- Parts for this problem on the PFW950 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- tub gasket between front & rear tubs, part number WH05X29620, at $12.76; shock absorber, part number WH03X29516, at $28.18; drain pump assembly with housing and coin trap, part number WH11X39237, at $98.82; washer drive motor, part number WH03X29524, at $230.28.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models GFW850, GFW655, GFW650, GFW550, GFW510, PFQ97, GTW840, GTW725, GTW720, GTW585, GTW525, GTW465, GTW335, GNW128.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the noise continues after the filter, hose and legs are checked, schedule GE service
- !If the drum bangs the cabinet, stop using the washer
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
GE's own support articles for front-load washers, each.
GE's own support articles for these symptoms.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my GE washer bang in the spin?+
An unbalanced load, or the drain hose hitting the back of the washer if it is not secured.
Is a little cabinet movement normal?+
Yes; GE says the washer is designed to move 1/4 in to reduce forces on the floor.
How do I test whether the load was the cause?+
Run a rinse and spin with no load; if it is normal the load was unbalanced.
Do leg extensions matter?+
Yes; keep the legs as short as possible, since the more they are extended the shakier the washer.
Where are the shipping bolts?+
Removed during installation; retain them for moving the washer.
What if the washer is on carpet?+
Do not install on carpet; the floor must be a hard surface.