How to fix shaking and vibration in a Samsung front-load washer

When your Samsung front-load washer shakes or vibrates too much during the spin cycle it can be noisy, disruptive, and over time, it can even cause damage to the washer itself. The good news is that many of the causes of shaking and vibration can be fixed with a few simple steps on your own, saving you time and money.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most parts arrive within just two business days, and we offer thousands of free guides to help you install your new parts with ease.

Common causes

To figure out why your Samsung washer is shaking or vibrating, it helps to know the key parts involved, where they’re located, and what they do:

• Drum: The drum is the large cylinder inside the washer where you place your clothes. It spins quickly during the spin cycle to remove water from the laundry. For the washer to work properly, the drum needs to stay balanced as it moves.
• Leveling feet: These are found at the base of the washer. They can be adjusted to make sure the washer sits evenly on the floor. If the washer isn’t level, it can rock back and forth during operation.
• Shock absorbers: Located at the bottom of the washer, these connect the drum to the washer’s frame. Their job is to reduce movement by absorbing the energy from the spinning drum, keeping vibrations under control.
• Suspension springs: These springs are attached to the top of the drum to help hold it in place and keep it stable. They work together with the shock absorbers to minimize movement while the washer runs.
• Shipping bolts: These bolts are attached to the back of the washer to secure the drum during delivery. They prevent damage in transit but must be removed before the washer is installed, as they can cause excessive vibration if left in place.
• Flooring: A sturdy, level floor is important to keep vibrations to a minimum.

Read more: How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine

Safety precautions

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Read more: Washing Machine Making Loud Noise: Top 10 Reasons and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers

How to troubleshoot

Check for unbalanced loads

1. Pause the washer mid-cycle and open the door. A quick look inside will show if the clothes are piled on one side of the drum.
2. Redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum to balance the load. Uneven loads, especially when washing bulky items like blankets or towels, can cause the washer to shake excessively.
3. If you’re washing a single heavy item, like a comforter, add a few smaller pieces of laundry to help balance the weight. This prevents the drum from being thrown off balance during the spin cycle.

Ensure the washer is level

1. Place a bubble level on top of the washer to check if it’s even from side to side and front to back. An uneven washer will rock back and forth, causing unnecessary vibration.
2. If the washer isn’t level, adjust the leveling feet at the bottom. Turn the feet clockwise to lower them or counterclockwise to raise them. Make small adjustments and recheck the level after each change.
3. Once the washer is level, tighten the locking nuts on the feet to keep them secure. This prevents the feet from shifting out of position over time.

Inspect the shock absorbers

1. Start by unplugging the washer for safety and removing the back panel to access the shock absorbers. These are the parts that connect the drum to the washer’s frame and help absorb movement during spin cycles.
2. Check the absorbers for any visible signs of wear, like cracks, bending, or looseness. If they’re damaged or not functioning properly, the drum’s motion won’t be controlled, causing the washer to shake.
3. If the absorbers need replacing, unscrew and remove them from their mounting points. Install the new ones by screwing them into place according to the instructions in your washer’s manual.

Examine the drum and suspension springs

1. Open the top or back panel of the washer to locate the suspension springs. These springs are attached to the drum and help stabilize it during operation.
2. Look for any springs that are stretched out, disconnected, or broken. Damaged springs can’t hold the drum in place, leading to excessive movement and vibration.
3. If a spring needs replacing, carefully remove it from its attachment points and replace it with a new one. Double-check that the new spring is securely in place before reattaching the panel.

Remove shipping bolts (if new or recently moved)

1. If the washer was installed recently or moved to a new location, check the back for shipping bolts. These bolts are used to secure the drum during transport but must be removed before operation.
2. Use a wrench to unscrew and remove the bolts completely. Operating the washer with the shipping bolts still attached can cause severe vibrations and potentially damage the drum or other components.

Check the floor and surface

1. Look at the surface under the washer to make sure it’s sturdy and level. A weak or uneven floor can amplify vibrations during the spin cycle.
2. If the floor is uneven, consider placing anti-vibration pads or a mat under the washer. These can help absorb some of the motion and keep the washer stable.
3. Clear away any debris or clutter around the washer to give it a stable, unobstructed space to operate.

Read more: How do I know if my washer motor is bad?

Need more help?

When you need replacement parts, be sure to visit us at AppliancePartsPros.com with your model number. With millions of parts available, most ship fast and arrive in just two business days. For assistance, call our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While waiting for your part, check out our DIY blog and our YouTube channel, where you’ll find thousands of helpful repair videos.

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