A violently shaking and noisy Samsung washing machine during the spin cycle is a common but solvable issue. This typically indicates that something is preventing the drum from spinning smoothly at high speeds. The problem is often simple to fix yourself, ranging from a forgotten installation step to an unbalanced laundry load.
### 1. The Most Common Culprit: Shipping Bolts
If your machine is new or was recently moved, the most probable cause is that the **shipping bolts** are still in place. These bolts are screwed into the back of the machine to secure the drum during transportation. If they are not removed before use, the drum cannot move freely to absorb the forces of spinning. This causes the *entire machine* to vibrate violently, potentially leading to permanent internal damage.
**How to check and fix:**
- **Locate the Bolts:** Look at the back of your washing machine for 3 to 5 large bolts with plastic spacers.
- **Remove Them:** Use the supplied spanner (wrench) to loosen and completely remove each bolt. Pull them straight out.
- **Install Caps:** You will find plastic covers in the accessory pack. Insert these into the holes left by the bolts to prevent leaks.
- **Test:** Open the door and try to move the drum by hand. It should move back and forth freely. If it feels rigid, you may have missed a bolt.
**Important:** Save the shipping bolts. You will need to reinstall them if you ever move the machine to a new home.
### 2. An Unbalanced Load
If the shipping bolts are removed, the next most common cause is an unbalanced laundry load. During the high-speed spin cycle, the machine needs the weight of the laundry to be distributed evenly around the drum. If it's bunched up on one side, the drum will spin off-balance, causing it to bang against the outer tub.
**How to solve it:**
- **Pause and Redistribute:** Stop the cycle, open the door, and manually spread the clothes evenly around the drum. Break up any tangled items or "sausages" formed by long-legged pants.
- **Mix Large and Small Items:** Washing a single large, heavy item like a bath mat, comforter, or pair of jeans will almost always cause a severe imbalance. Add a few towels or small items to help counterbalance the load.
- **Follow Size Guidelines:** For bulky items like bedding, it is recommended to wash only one or two items at a time. For a front-load washer, keep the spin speed at 800 rpm or less for large comforters.
**Pro Tip:** Your Samsung washer is designed to detect this issue. If you see a **"UE"** or **"UB"** error code on the display, it means "Unbalanced Load." The machine will try to re-distribute the load on its own, but if it fails, it will stop the spin cycle. This is a safety feature, not a malfunction.
### 3. An Unlevel Machine
Your washing machine needs to be perfectly level to function correctly. If it rocks back and forth or sits on an uneven floor, the internal vibrations will be amplified. Over time, an unlevel machine can walk across the floor or cause excessive wear on its components.
**How to check and level:**
- **The Rock Test:** Place your hands on opposite corners of the top of the machine and try to rock it. If it wobbles diagonally, the feet need adjusting.
- **Adjust the Feet:** Samsung washers have adjustable front feet. You turn them to raise or lower a corner of the machine. The locking nut on each foot must be loosened first, then tightened flush against the machine's body after leveling to keep it from moving.
- **Final Check:** After adjustment, the machine should sit firmly on all four feet with no rocking at all. Ensure there is a gap of about 10cm (4 inches) between the washer and the walls to prevent it from banging against them.
### 4. Other Less Common Issues
If the steps above don't solve the problem, check for these other potential issues:
- **Foreign Objects in the Drum:** Small items like coins, keys, or bra wires can fall out of pockets and slip past the drum seal. During the spin cycle, these objects get trapped in the inner drum and produce a loud, repetitive clicking or scraping sound against the glass door or outer tub.
- **Pump Filter Blockage:** A partially blocked drain pump filter can cause strange humming or gurgling noises, especially when the machine is trying to drain water before the spin cycle. Cleaning the filter (located behind a small access panel on the front bottom of the machine) is a good preventive measure.
- **Damaged Door Seal:** Check the rubber gasket around the door. If it is torn or has come loose, it can rub against the spinning drum, creating a rhythmic rubbing or squeaking noise.
### When to Call a Professional
If you have tried all the above solutions—removed the shipping bolts, leveled the machine, balanced the load, and checked for objects—but the violent shaking persists, the issue may be internal. A failing drum spider (the support arm behind the drum), a worn-out bearing, or a broken shock absorber could be the cause. These repairs are complex and require a professional technician. You can schedule a service appointment directly through Samsung's website.