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

Wiki Article

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

A washing machine that dances across the floor, makes loud banging noises, or vibrates violently during the spin cycle is not just annoying—it can damage your flooring, hoses, and the machine’s internal components. While Samsung washers are known for their advanced technology, they are still subject to the laws of physics. The good news is that the majority of shaking issues are simple to fix without calling a technician.

Follow this systematic troubleshooting guide to restore peace and quiet to your laundry room.

#### 1. The First and Most Common Culprit: Shipping Bolts

If your Samsung washer is new or was recently moved, the most likely cause is that the **shipping bolts** are still in place. These long bolts secure the drum during transport to prevent damage. Operating the machine with them installed will cause violent shaking that can permanently destroy the suspension system.

**The fix:** Locate the four or five large bolts on the back panel of the washer. Using the spanner (wrench) provided in the accessory pack, loosen and pull each bolt straight out. You must then cover the holes with the supplied plastic caps. Keep the bolts in a safe place in case you move homes again.

#### 2. Leveling the Machine (The “Rocking Test”)

An unlevel washer is the second most common cause of vibration. If the machine sits on three legs instead of four, or if the floor is uneven, the drum will spin unevenly.

**The fix:** Push the washer gently from the top corners. It should not rock diagonally. If it does, adjust the front leveling feet:

- Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the locking nut on each foot.

- Rotate the foot clockwise to lower the machine or counter-clockwise to raise it.

- Once the machine is perfectly level (use a bubble level on top), tighten the locking nut firmly against the chassis.

- **Pro tip:** Press down hard on the top of the washer while tightening; this ensures the feet have solid contact with the floor.

#### 3. The Floor Itself: Surface and Mat Issues

Sometimes, the machine is level, but the *floor* is the problem. Samsung washers spin at up to 1,400 RPM. Soft floors (like wood or vinyl over a crawl space) or thin plywood can flex, creating a drum-like vibration. Also, never place a rubber anti-vibration mat under a Samsung washer. Unlike older machines, Samsung’s design requires rigid contact; a soft mat allows the machine to “bounce,” worsening the shake.

**The fix:** Remove any rubber mats. If your floor is wooden and flexing, install a ¾-inch plywood base under the machine to distribute weight. For concrete floors, simply ensure the feet are clean and gripping the rough surface.

#### 4. Overloading or Unbalanced Laundry Loads

A single heavy item—like a king-size comforter, a bath mat, or a pair of muddy boots—can throw off the drum’s balance. When wet, one side of the drum becomes much heavier than the other. The machine will try to redistribute, but if it can’t, it will shake violently to protect itself.

**The fix:** Stop the cycle and open the door. Remove large, heavy items and wash them separately. For mixed loads, ensure heavy items (jeans) are mixed with lighter items (t-shirts). If you are washing a single bulky item, add 2-3 dry towels to help balance the load.

#### 5. The “Self Clean” + Smart Check Feature

Samsung modern washers have two built-in solutions. First, run the **“Self Clean”** cycle (sometimes called “Drum Clean”) once a month. Scale and detergent buildup can cause the drum to spin unevenly. Secondly, use **Smart Check**:

- Press and hold the *Spin* and *Soil Level* buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.

- The display will show a code (e.g., “1E,” “4E,” “UB”).

- Open the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone and enter the code for a precise diagnosis.

#### 6. Suspension Rods and Shock Absorbers (For Older Machines)

If your machine is 3-5 years old, the drum is held by four suspension rods (like a car’s shocks). Over time, the plastic bushings wear out or the springs lose tension. A telltale sign is that the drum sits visibly lower on one side, or you hear a metallic “clunk” when the drum shifts.

**The fix:** Unplug the machine. Remove the top panel (usually 3 screws at the back, then slide the top off). You will see the four rods. If a rod’s plastic cone is cracked or the spring is corroded, you must replace the entire rod set. This is an intermediate DIY job; you can buy a “Samsung shock absorber kit” online for $30-$50.

#### 7. The Counterweight Bolts

Inside the front of the machine is a large concrete or plastic counterweight ring. If the washer has been dropped or overloaded severely, the bolts holding this weight can loosen or snap.

**The fix:** This requires removing the front panel. With the machine unplugged, remove the lower access panel, disconnect the door lock wiring, and remove the door boot clamp. You will see the counterweight. Tighten all bolts to 25-30 Nm of torque. If a bolt is snapped, you will need to drill it out and replace it.

### Final Safety Check

Before calling a technician, run a **Rinse + Spin cycle empty** (no clothes). If the machine is still shaking with no load, the problem is internal (shocks, bearings, or counterweight). If it runs smooth empty but shakes with clothes, the issue is user error (overloading, unbalanced items, or leveling).

**Do not ignore persistent shaking.** A vibrating washer will eventually crack its plastic tub, leak water, or snap its drive shaft. Most fixes cost under $50 and take 30 minutes. Start with the shipping bolts, then the leveling feet, and you will solve 90% of Samsung shaking problems.