Samsung washing machine There is a humming noise during spinning

Wiki Article

A humming noise from your Samsung washing machine during the spin cycle can range from a minor inconvenience to a sign of a significant mechanical problem. While some operational noise is normal, a persistent or loud hum often indicates an issue with balance, installation, or internal components . 

### 1. Start with the Basics: Installation and Balance

Before assuming a major fault, check the most common causes related to the washer's environment and usage.

**Level the Machine**

An uneven surface is the most frequent cause of noise and vibration . Use a spirit level to check the washer. If it wobbles, adjust the four levelling feet:

- **Type 1:** Turn the feet in or out to adjust height, then tighten the locking nut with a screwdriver.

- **Type 2:** Loosen the locking nut with a spanner, adjust the foot by hand, and then retighten the nut .

Ensure the machine is on a solid floor; wooden floors may require reinforcement to minimize vibration.

**Verify Shipping Bolts are Removed**

If the machine is new or was recently moved, check the back of the unit. Transit bolts are fitted to secure the drum during transport and **must** be removed before use. Operating the machine with these bolts in place will cause violent shaking, loud humming, and permanent damage . Use the supplied spanner to loosen and pull them out, then fill the holes with the plastic caps provided .

**Check the Load Balance**

A single heavy item (like a bath mat or duvet) or washing a very small load can cause the drum to spin unevenly. This imbalance forces the motor to work harder, creating a humming or thumping sound as the drum struggles to stabilize . Try pausing the cycle and redistributing the clothes manually, or add a few towels to balance the load .

### 2. Maintenance and Simple Fixes

If the machine is level and the load is balanced, move on to these user-serviceable components.

**Clean the Debris Filter (Drain Pump)**

A clogged drain pump or foreign objects stuck in the filter can cause the pump to strain, producing a humming noise distinct from the spin motor .

1.  Unplug the washer. Open the small access door at the bottom front.

2.  Place a towel down to catch water. Pull out the drain hose and drain the water into a bowl.

3.  Twist open the filter cap. Remove lint, hair, and small items (like coins or bobby pins). Check for grey plastic shreds or debris, which can indicate a foreign object trapped between the inner and outer tub .

4.  Reassemble securely.

**Remove Obstructions (Polystyrene or Debris)**

For new machines, a piece of shipping polystyrene sometimes breaks off and lodges under the drum, causing a humming or vibrating noise. If you suspect this, tilt the machine back carefully (with assistance) and remove any trapped packing material . Also, check pockets for metal objects (coins, keys) which create clanging sounds, and turn garments with zippers inside out to reduce noise .

**Run Calibration Mode**

Samsung washers have sensors to detect load weight. If these sensors are off, the machine may spin at the wrong speed. Calibration resets this detection .

1.  Empty the drum completely.

2.  Turn the machine off, then on again.

3.  Press and hold **Temp** and **Delay End** simultaneously for 3 seconds. "CB" should appear on the display .

4.  Press **Start/Pause**. The drum will rotate for about 3–4 minutes without water.

5.  When "0" appears, the process is complete, and the washer will turn off .

### 3. Diagnosing Internal Mechanical Failure

If you have tried the steps above and the machine still hums loudly or grinds during the spin cycle, the issue is likely mechanical. These repairs often require disassembly and professional help.

**Worn Drum Bearings**

This is a very common issue in older machines (typically 4-8 years old). If the bearings are failing, the noise is often described as a **loud roaring, rumbling, or grinding hum** that gets louder as the spin speed increases .

- **The Test:** With the machine off, open the door and spin the empty drum by hand. If it feels rough, gritty, or makes a scraping sound, the bearings are likely worn out .

- **The Repair:** Unfortunately, in most modern Samsung washers, the bearings are integrated into the rear tub assembly. You cannot replace just the bearings; you must replace the entire **rear tub assembly** (Part number example: DC97-12957A) . This is a labor-intensive repair involving stripping the machine down to the frame.

**Loose Spider Arm or Broken Tub**

In some cases, the "spider" arm (the metal bracket connecting the drum to the shaft) breaks, or the plastic outer tub cracks. A user on a DIY forum discovered that the metal bearing housing had actually loosened from the plastic outer tub, causing the drum to grind through the casing . This presents as a severe vibration and humming that does not go away.

**Damaged Shock Absorbers**

Samsung washers use suspension rods or shocks to dampen movement. If these are leaking fluid or broken, the drum will bounce excessively during the spin cycle, causing a heavy thumping or humming sound as the machine tries to compensate .

**Motor or Belt Issues**

While less common for a pure "hum," a failed motor or a seized rotor can sometimes cause a humming sound when the machine tries to engage but cannot turn. If the machine hums but the drum does not turn at all, this suggests a mechanical lock or motor failure .

### Summary Table: Diagnosis by Sound

| Type of Noise | Most Likely Cause | DIY Fix Possible? |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| **Loud, low humming + shaking** | Unbalanced load or unlevel feet | **Yes** (Redistribute clothes/Level feet) |

| **Constant humming, drum won't spin** | Clogged pump or faulty motor | **Maybe** (Clean filter first) |

| **Roaring/Rumbling (gets faster)** | Worn drum bearings | **No** (Requires rear tub replacement) |

| **Thumping/Banging + hum** | Broken suspension rods | **No** (Requires internal replacement) |

| **Metallic scraping + hum** | Foreign object in tub or broken spider | **Maybe** (Remove object if accessible) |

### When to Call a Professional

If you have leveled the machine, checked the filter, and run a calibration, but the humming persists—especially if it sounds like a deep rumble—you likely need a professional. Bearing replacement is a complex job that requires fully disassembling the washer. Attempting it without experience can lead to injury or further damage to the machine . If your machine is less than two years old, contact Samsung support immediately, as the repair may be covered under warranty .