A shaking or vibrating Samsung washing machine is a common issue, but it's often easy to fix. The problem usually stems from installation issues, an unbalanced load, or simple mechanical adjustments.
### 1. Check Your Installation: The Most Common Culprit
In many cases, the root of the problem lies in how the machine was installed. A few simple checks can resolve the issue immediately.
**Remove the Shipping Bolts**
This is the single most important step for a new machine. During transport, shipping bolts secure the drum to prevent damage. If you forget to remove them, the machine will vibrate violently during its first use .
- **The Fix:** Look at the back of your washer. Using the spanner supplied with the machine, loosen and completely pull out all the shipping bolts. Depending on your model, there are typically 3 to 5 of them. Once removed, cover the holes with the supplied plastic caps. To double-check, open the door and gently move the drum back and forth; it should move freely if the bolts are gone .
**Level the Machine on a Solid Surface**
An uneven floor is a major cause of vibration. The machine needs to be on a level, solid floor to function correctly. Soft surfaces like carpet can absorb vibrations and cause instability .
- **The Fix:** Check if all four of the machine's levelling feet are firmly touching the floor. Adjust the feet by turning them in or out. For front-loaders, a good tip is to screw the back legs to their maximum height and then adjust only the front legs to achieve a perfect level .
- **Type 1 Feet:** Turn the feet to adjust, then tighten the locking nut with a screwdriver .
- **Type 2 Feet:** Loosen the locking nut with a spanner, adjust the foot by hand, then retighten the nut .
After adjusting, tighten all locking nuts flush against the bottom of the washer to keep the feet in place .
### 2. Balance the Laundry Load
Even on a perfectly installed machine, the wash load itself can be the culprit.
**Avoid Unbalanced Loads**
Washing one heavy item, like a single bathmat, a large duvet, or a pair of jeans, can cause the drum to become unbalanced. This leads to loud thumping and shaking as the machine struggles to spin evenly .
- **The Fix:** Mix large, heavy items with smaller, lighter ones to balance the load. For instance, wash a heavy bathmat with a few towels . If you see a "UB" error code on your display, it means the machine has detected an unbalanced load and has stopped the spin cycle to prevent damage .
**Prevent Overloading**
Stuffing too many clothes into the machine is another common cause of vibration. An overloaded drum can strain the motor and cause excessive movement .
- **The Fix:** Know your machine's capacity, which is usually printed on the control panel (e.g., 7kg, 8kg). As a rule of thumb, the laundry should sit loosely in the drum without you having to push it down to close the door. If you have to force it, you've overloaded it .
### 3. Advanced Troubleshooting: Calibration and More
If you've checked the installation and the load, the issue might require a deeper fix.
**Run the Calibration Mode**
Samsung washing machines have a calibration mode that helps the internal sensors accurately detect the weight of the laundry. This fine-tunes the machine's balance. It's a crucial step after installation or if you move the machine .
- **The Fix:** First, ensure the drum is completely empty. Then, enter calibration mode.
- **For older models:** Press and hold the **Temp** and **Delay End** buttons simultaneously for about 3 seconds until a "CB" code appears. Press **Start/Pause** to run the calibration cycle, which lasts about 3 minutes .
- **For newer models with a navigation dial:** Tap and hold the additional function button for 3 seconds, then use the dial to select "Calibration" .
**Inspect for Packaging Debris**
This is a specific issue for new machines. Sometimes, a piece of the protective polystyrene packaging can break off and get lodged under the drum. As the machine spins, the debris rubs against the drum, causing significant noise and vibration .
- **The Fix:** Unplug the machine, carefully tilt it back (with assistance), and remove any trapped piece of polystyrene from underneath .
### When to Call for Professional Help
If you have tried all the steps above—removed the shipping bolts, perfectly leveled the machine on a solid floor, balanced the load, and run a calibration—and the machine still shakes violently, the problem might be more serious. This could indicate a damaged drum bearing, a detached motor, or an internal mechanical failure. In this case, it is best to contact a Samsung support professional for a thorough diagnosis and repair .