The groaning in the beginning is the drain pump. Trying to get the rest of the water before the new cycle starts and sometimes it could be loud if the tub is already empty all the way. The whole sensor to go out is in common but most likely have a more of the issue of like the bearing is going out. Not able to reach there the basket speed. You can try wiggling the drum up and down if it has any play your bearing is going. Also could Be getting louder in high spin. Or when you spin is freely but hand you can hear a little grinding. You can try another whole sensor. Is it giving you any error codes?. Does it finish the cycle if you run it on normal?

My spider that holds the drum was cracked on all three arms. I thought it was the bearings but it was not. Like myappliance said, I also replaced the pumps. Now all is fine.