How to Fix A Samsung Washing Machine Making Noise During the Spin Cycle?

Wiki Article

A noisy Samsung washing machine during the spin cycle is a common issue, but the good news is that many causes are simple and can be fixed without calling a technician. Since the spin cycle is the fastest and most intense part of the wash, even small issues become loud and noticeable.

### 1. Start with the Simple Checks (User Error)

Before taking the machine apart, check for these common—but easily fixable—causes.

**Remove the Shipping Bolts**

If your machine is new or has been recently moved, this is the most critical step. Samsung washing machines come with shipping bolts on the back to secure the drum during transport. **If these are not removed, the machine will violently shake and make loud banging noises during spinning, potentially causing permanent damage** .

- *Solution:* Look at the back of the machine. If you see plastic bolts with a gap between the bolt head and the machine body, they need to be removed. Loosen them with the supplied spanner, pull them out, and insert the plastic covers provided .

**Check the Floor and Leveling**

An uneven surface or "floating" legs cause the machine to "walk" or vibrate excessively.

- *Solution:* Push the machine to see if it rocks. Adjust the front feet by turning them up or down to lock the machine firmly in place. Use a spirit level if available. Ensure the machine isn't touching the wall or cabinets beside it .

**Balance the Laundry Load**

This is the most frequent cause of sudden noise. A heavy, wet item (like a bathrobe, duvet, or jeans) rolling on one side of the drum creates a "thumping" or "galloping" sound.

- *Solution:* Pause the cycle. Open the door and redistribute the clothes manually. If you are washing a single heavy blanket, add a few towels to balance the load. Avoid washing one heavy item alone .

**Foreign Objects**

Coins, keys, bra wires, or plastic clips can fall out of pockets and slip between the inner drum and the outer tub.

- *Solution:* Listen for a metallic scraping or clicking sound. Check the drum seal for visible objects. Run a short drain cycle to see if the object flushes to the filter.

### 2. Clean the Filter and Drain Pump

Sometimes the noise isn't the drum spinning, but the drain pump struggling to eject water or debris.

- *Solution:* Samsung washers have a filter door at the bottom front left or right. Open it, place a towel down to catch water, and twist the filter cap open. Clean out lint, coins, and debris. If you find grey plastic shavings or black rubber bits here, it indicates internal parts are wearing down .

### 3. Run a Calibration

If you have adjusted the legs and balanced the load but the machine still feels "rough," the internal sensors might need a reset.

- *Solution:* Empty the drum completely. Press and hold the **Temp** and **Delay End** buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds until "CB" appears. Press Start. The machine will spin and vibrate to calibrate its weight sensors. Wait for it to finish automatically .

### 4. Identifying Mechanical Failures (The Harder Fixes)

If you have completed all the steps above and the noise persists (e.g., loud grinding, deep knocking, or rattling), the issue is likely mechanical.

**Suspension (Shock Absorbers/Springs)**

- *The Sound:* A loud, deep thud or bang as the drum moves violently.

- *The Fix:* Over time, the shocks wear out. You can test this by pushing the drum down hard from the inside; if it bounces freely without resistance, the shocks are gone. Replacing these requires tilting the machine or removing the panel .

**The Spider Arm**

- *The Sound:* A rhythmic scraping or grinding that gets louder as the spin speed increases. You might also notice "grey dust" or rust on clothes.

- *The Fix:* This is a common failure in Samsung front loaders. The aluminum arm holding the drum corrodes and breaks. This is a major repair (requiring full disassembly) and often costs as much as a new machine .

**Drum Bearings**

- *The Sound:* A rumbling, roaring, or grinding sound when you spin the drum by hand.

- *The Fix:* If the bearings are shot, replacing them is labor-intensive, requiring the entire tub to be split open .

### 5. The "Loose Pulley" Fix

A recent discovery by technicians involves a simple fix for knocking noises.

- *The Sound:* A knocking noise that persists even after replacing suspension parts.

- *The Fix:* Unplug the machine and remove the back panel. Locate the large plastic pulley wheel attached to the back of the drum. In the center of that wheel is a large nut. **Check if this nut is loose.** Tightening it can instantly stop a major knocking noise .

### Summary Checklist for Solving Noise

1.  **Check:** Are the shipping bolts out? (For new machines).

2.  **Check:** Is the floor level and are the feet locked?

3.  **Check:** Is the load too small (1 item) or tangled?

4.  **Check:** Does spinning the empty drum by hand make a noise?

5.  **Check:** Is the central pulley bolt tight at the back?

If you have verified the simple fixes (load, leveling, bolts) and the noise is still there—especially if it is a deep rumble or grinding—it is likely a bearing or spider issue. While a suspension spring or loose bolt is cheap to fix, bearing failure often signals the end of the machine's life unless you are handy with repairs .