Solved...Had the same problem with a 2001 He3t front loader....checked all the mentioned items but sounded more like a banging due to something hitting the cabinet....change shock absorber (4) which helped but did not quieten the noise....more investigation led to the lower front panel clanging against the cabinet at top lip and sides (only attaching screws are across the bottom of the panel) so install thin felt pads across top and down sides...replaced the panel and now the machine is so quite you can't hear the spin cycle unless you stand in front of the machine....easy, cheap and simple fix....