How to Fix A Washing Machine Making Noise During the Spin Cycle?
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A noisy Samsung washing machine during the spin cycle can be more than just an annoyance; it often signals an imbalance or a correctable issue. Before calling for service, you can resolve most of these loud noises yourself with a few systematic checks.
### ????️ Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Work through these solutions in order. In most cases, the issue is simple and requires no tools.
#### 1. Start with the Basics: Levelling and Installation
An uneven surface is the most frequent cause of excessive noise and vibration .
- **Check the Floor:** Ensure your washer is on a level, solid floor. Wooden floors may need reinforcement, and soft surfaces like carpet or slippery tiles do not provide adequate resistance, causing the machine to "walk" or vibrate excessively .
- **Adjust the Feet:** Samsung washing machines have adjustable front legs.
1. Rock the machine diagonally to see if it wobbles.
2. To adjust, tilt the machine slightly and turn the adjustable feet up or down. For Type 1 feet, tighten the locking nut with a screwdriver once level. For Type 2 feet, loosen the locking nut with a spanner, adjust the foot by hand, then tighten the nut against the washer cabinet .
3. Once level, push each corner down; the machine should not rock. If it does, repeat the adjustments.
#### 2. Verify the Shipping Bolts are Removed (Crucial for New Washers)
If your machine is new or was recently moved, this is the most critical step. Shipping bolts secure the drum during transport, but **must be removed before use** .
- **The Fix:** Locate the 3 to 5 bolts on the back panel. Using the supplied spanner, loosen and pull the bolts straight out. Insert the plastic covers provided into the holes. To verify, open the door and push the drum; it should move freely . Running the machine with these bolts in place can cause permanent, irreparable damage to the suspension.
#### 3. Inspect the Laundry Load
How you load your machine dramatically affects spin noise.
- **Avoid Imbalanced Loads:** Washing a single heavy item (like a bathmat, comforter, or pair of jeans) will cause the drum to become unbalanced, leading to loud **thumping** sounds as it tries to spin . The machine may even stop and display a "UB" (Unbalanced Load) error code .
- *Solution:* Add a few similar items to help balance the load. If washing a large blanket, roll it and wash only one at a time .
- **Prevent Overloading:** Overloading prevents clothes from tumbling freely. A general rule is that the drum should be no more than **3/4 full** for a large load. If you have to push clothes down to close the door, it is overloaded .
- **Check for Foreign Objects:** Small items like coins, keys, or buttons can become trapped in the drum or pump, producing a metallic **clicking or clanging** noise. Check pockets thoroughly and turn clothes with metal zippers or decorations inside out .
#### 4. Run the Calibration Mode
Samsung washers have a built-in "Calibration Mode" (displayed as `Cb`) that resets the internal sensors to detect load weight accurately. This is often overlooked but highly effective for vibration issues.
- **How to do it:** Empty the drum completely. Turn the machine off, then on again. Press and hold the **Temp** and **Delay End** buttons simultaneously for about 3 seconds until `Cb` appears on the screen. Press **Start/Pause**. The drum will rotate for about 3 minutes without water. When `0` appears, the process is complete .
#### 5. Examine Mechanical Components (Deeper Dive)
If the noise persists after checking the steps above, the issue may be mechanical.
- **Check the Door Seal (Gasket):** Visually inspect the rubber seal around the door opening. If it is torn or loose, it can rub against the spinning drum, often producing a **squeaking or rubbing** noise, sometimes accompanied by a burning smell .
- **Clean the Debris Filter:** A loud **humming** noise or noise during draining can indicate a blocked pump.
- *The Fix:* Unplug the machine. Open the small service flap at the bottom front. Place a towel down, pull out the drain hose to empty water into a bowl, then unscrew the filter. Clean out lint, coins, or plastic objects. In one case, grey plastic shreds in the filter indicated internal damage requiring professional repair .
- **Inspect Shock Absorbers and Bearings:** If you hear a deep **rumbling** or **grinding** that gets louder as the speed increases, it likely points to worn-out drum bearings or damaged shock absorbers. This is a complex repair. If you push the empty drum up and down and hear a clunk or feel excessive play, the suspension is failing .
### ???? When to Call a Professional
While many noises are fixable with the steps above, some require a technician. If you have tried the solutions for levelling, loading, and calibration, but the noise remains a loud, persistent **grinding, scraping, or heavy thudding**, do not disassemble the machine yourself. Contact Samsung Support or a certified repair technician, especially if the machine is less than two years old and potentially under warranty . Issues like a separated spider arm or failed drum bearings require full disassembly and specialized tools.
### ???? Summary Table of Sounds & Solutions
| Type of Noise | Most Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Loud Banging / Thumping** | Unbalanced load or loose floor | Redistribute laundry; add clothes |
| **Squeaking / Rubbing** | Loose door seal or worn belt | Inspect rubber gasket; check belt |
| **Clicking / Clanging** | Coins or objects in drum | Check pockets; clean debris filter |
| **Roaring / Rumbling** | Worn drum bearings | **Call for service** (requires disassembly) |
| **Vibrating / "Walking"** | Uneven levelling feet | Adjust the four levelling feet |
| **Humming (not draining)** | Clogged pump filter | Clean the debris filter at the bottom |
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