DIAGNOSIS The washer is detecting an 'out-of-balance' load. This happens when clothes are all clumped on one side of the basket. The machine will try to redistribute them, and if it can't, it will stop or error out to prevent damage.
FIX Your main job is to help it balance. 1) Don't overload it. These washers work best with loose, mixed loads. 2) Make sure you're mixing large items (like towels) with smaller ones (like t-shirts). 3) Avoid washing a single heavy item, like a blanket or a pair of jeans, by itself. 4) If it starts banging, pause the cycle, open the lid, and manually redistribute the clothes around the basket before closing and restarting.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If you're consistently having balance issues with normal, mixed loads, the suspension rods or springs that hold the tub might be worn out. This lets the tub wobble too much. Checking these involves tilting the machine back—a bigger repair.
HEADS UP An unbalanced load isn't just noisy; it's hard on the transmission and frame. If you hear the heavy 'thump-thump-thump,' don't just let it go—pause and fix the load. It'll save you a much more expensive repair down the line.