How To Fix A Samsung Washing Machine That's Shaking Or Vibrating

Wiki Article

A violently shaking or vibrating washing machine is more than just a nuisance; it can be a sign of incorrect installation or an impending mechanical failure. Fortunately, the most common causes are simple to fix.

### 1. The Installation Check: Shipping Bolts & Feet

Most vibration issues in new machines trace back to two installation oversights: forgotten shipping bolts or unleveled feet.

**Remove the Shipping Bolts**

If your washer has never been used, or if it shook violently right out of the box, you likely forgot to remove the **shipping bolts**. These bolts are screwed into the back of the machine to secure the drum during transport. If left in place, they prevent the suspension system from working, causing the entire machine to "walk" or vibrate aggressively, potentially causing permanent damage.

- **The Fix:** Locate the 3 to 5 bolts on the rear panel. Using the supplied spanner (wrench), loosen and pull the bolts straight out. Insert the plastic caps provided into the empty holes to prevent noise. *Keep the bolts in case you move houses.*

**Level the Washing Machine**

An uneven floor is the top reason for vibration.

- **The Check:** Press down on the four corners of the washer's top panel. If it rocks or feels wobbly, the feet need adjustment.

- **The Fix:** Samsung uses two types of leveling feet. For Type 1, turn the feet manually to adjust height, then tighten the locking nut with a screwdriver. For Type 2, loosen the locking nut with a spanner, adjust the foot, then retighten the nut.

- **The Test:** Once adjusted, place your hands on opposite sides and rock it. There should be no movement. Ensure all four feet are firmly planted on the floor, not hovering.

**Check the Floor & Clearance**

Soft surfaces cause vibration. Carpet or soft tile floors do not resist movement well.

- **The Fix:** If you must place it on a wooden floor, reinforce the floorboards. Ensure the machine has the recommended clearance: 25mm on each side and 50mm from the rear wall to prevent the machine from hitting the walls during spin cycles.

### 2. The Laundry Routine: Load Balancing

If the installation is correct, the issue is likely how you are loading the clothes. Samsung washers detect imbalance via sensors; if the load is uneven, the machine will stop spinning and display a **"UE" or "UB" error code** to prevent damage.

**Avoid "Single Heavy Item" Syndrome**

Washing a single heavy item—like a bath mat, a doon a (duvet), or a single pair of jeans—is a common mistake. These items become waterlogged and stick to one side of the drum, causing it to spin lopsidedly.

- **The Fix:** Add 2 or 3 small towels or similar items to the wash to help balance the weight distribution.

**Overloading vs. Underloading**

If the drum is packed too tightly, the laundry cannot tumble properly, resulting in a heavy, unbalanced mass that shakes the machine. Conversely, washing a single small item can also cause imbalance.

- **The Fix:** A loose pile is best. Do not push clothes down to fit more. Generally, the drum should be 1/2 to 3/4 full for medium to large loads.

**Manual Redistribution**

If the washer is shaking violently during the spin cycle or showing a "UE" code:

- **The Fix:** Pause the machine. Open the door (if possible) and manually spread the wet laundry evenly around the drum. Remove a few items if the load looks too heavy, or add a few if it looks too light. Restart the spin cycle.

### 3. Advanced Fixes: Calibration & Hardware

If the physical setup and the laundry load are correct, the machine may need an electronic reset or a physical inspection.

**Run Calibration Mode**

Samsung washing machines have a "Calibration" mode (displayed as "CB") that resets the internal weight sensors. This tells the machine how to detect load sizes accurately.

- **How to do it:** Empty the drum completely. Turn the machine on. Press and hold the **Temp** and **Delay End** buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. When "CB" appears on the screen, press **Start/Pause**. The drum will rotate for about 3 minutes. When it finishes, "0" will appear.

**Inspect for Physical Obstructions**

- **Packaging Trapped:** Sometimes, small pieces of the polystyrene foam packaging get stuck under the drum during unpacking. If you hear a loud rattle or feel severe vibration, you may need to tip the machine back (unplugged) to check for trapped foam.

- **Door Seal:** In rare cases, the rubber door seal (gasket) may be damaged and rubbing against the drum. Inspect the seal for tears or wear.

### 4. When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all the steps above—removed the shipping bolts, leveled the feet, balanced the laundry, and run calibration—yet the machine still shakes violently, there may be internal damage.

- **Symptoms:** A loud "thudding" noise accompanied by a burning smell, or visible damage to the rear suspension.

- **Action:** Contact Samsung Support. A technician may need to replace the suspension rods, the shock absorbers, or the tub bearing, which are not user-serviceable parts.

By following these steps, you will resolve 99% of vibration issues without needing a repairman.