"Charles" wrote in message
news:Ms0sf.652091$x96.450703@attbi_s72...
The unit is brand new, never used. It is like something slamming
outward when it starts spinning, or maybe a loose connection between
the drive motor and whatever it's driving - like slack is being taken
up.

I did find that it was incredibly more quiet when I installed the
little rubber thing into the opening. I couldn't believe it could
deaden the sound so much. I'm guessing it's operating as designed,
although I don't really understand why it needs to be this way.

Most disposals have a couple of metal parts that help with the grinding.
Starting empty they may slam outward from centrifugal force. Try putting
some garbage in and see if that stops the bang. Never had a GE so I don't
know if it is normal.