Samsung Washing machine emits noises and shakes while spinning
An uneven surface is one of the most frequent reasons for excessive noise and vibration . Your washing machine needs a **solid, level floor** to operate correctly. Carpeted or soft flooring can amplify vibrations, causing the machine to "walk" or shake during the spin cycle.
- **Level the Machine:** First, check if the machine is level. Adjust the four levelling feet at the bottom of the appliance. On many models, you can turn the feet in or out by hand. For others, you may need to loosen a locking nut with a spanner, adjust the foot, and then re-tighten the nut .
- **Ensure all feet are firmly on the floor:** After levelling, try to rock the machine gently. It shouldn't wobble .
- **Check for clearance:** Make sure the machine isn't touching a wall or cabinet, as this can transfer vibrations and create noise .
### 2. Crucial First Step: Remove Shipping Bolts
This is a critical step for new machines. To prevent damage during transport, Samsung washing machines are secured with **shipping bolts** at the rear . If these are not removed before use, they will cause severe vibration and loud noise, and can permanently damage the machine.
- **How to check:** Open the door and push against the drum. It should move freely and bounce slightly. If it feels rigid and doesn't bounce, the shipping bolts are likely still in place .
- **How to remove:** Using the supplied spanner, loosen and pull out all the shipping bolts (usually 3-5) and then fill the holes with the plastic caps provided .
### 3. The Load: Balance and Quantity
An unbalanced load is the most common operational cause of shaking and noise . The machine's drum spins at a very high speed, and if the weight isn't distributed evenly, it will struggle to maintain balance.
- **Distribute evenly:** Make sure clothes are spread evenly around the drum and not bunched up on one side .
- **Mix item sizes:** Washing a single heavy item, like a large bath mat, a duvet, or a single pair of jeans, will almost certainly cause an imbalance. The machine will try to redistribute the load but may stop and display a `UE` or `UB` error code . Try adding a few towels or other items to help balance the load .
- **Avoid overloading and underloading:** An overloaded drum doesn't have enough space for clothes to move and tumble, which can create noise and strain the motor. Conversely, an underloaded drum may not have enough mass to spin smoothly. A good guide is to fill the drum loosely; you should be able to fit a hand's width between the laundry and the top of the drum . The machine's capacity (e.g., 7kg, 8kg) is for dry laundry, and clothes should be in a loose pile, not tightly packed .
### 4. Advanced Troubleshooting and Maintenance
If the above steps don't solve the issue, the problem may be internal or require a more specific fix.
- **Run a Calibration Mode:** Some Samsung models feature a "Calibration" mode that helps the machine accurately detect the weight of the load to distribute it better . Ensure the drum is empty, then follow your model's specific instructions to enter calibration mode (often by holding down the "Temp" and "Delay End" buttons for 3 seconds to see a "CB" code) and press start .
- **Check the Door Seal (Gasket):** In rare cases, the rubber door seal can rub against the drum during spinning, creating an unusual noise, sometimes accompanied by a burning smell . Inspect the seal for any damage or debris.
- **Look for Foreign Objects:** Something as simple as a coin, key, or a piece of broken packaging (like polystyrene) can become lodged under the drum or in the pump, causing a rattling or grinding noise .
### 5. When to Contact Support
If you have tried all the above and the machine still shakes violently or makes loud grinding noises, the issue may be more serious. A common fault involves the drum spider (the component that supports the drum) breaking, which requires professional repair. If the problem persists or you suspect mechanical damage, contact Samsung support for further assistance .