Samsung washing machine There is a humming noise during spinning
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A humming noise from your Samsung washing machine during the spin cycle can be alarming, but the cause is often a simple fix you can handle yourself. The sound usually stems from one of four main areas: a **drainage issue** (most common), **unbalanced loads**, **installation problems**, or **electronic malfunctions** .
### 1. Listen Closely: Is it the Drain Pump?
The most frequent culprit for a loud hum during spinning is the **drain pump**. If the machine is humming but the water isn't draining, or if the humming starts right before the spin cycle, the pump is likely struggling .
- **The Fix:** Locate the **Debris Filter**. On most Samsung models, this is behind a small access panel at the **bottom front** (left or right) of the machine .
- **Action Plan:**
1. Unplug the washer.
2. Place a towel and a shallow tray on the floor in front of the panel.
3. Open the panel, pull out the drain hose (if present), and drain the remaining water into the tray.
4. Unscrew the large filter cap counter-clockwise.
5. **Clean it out:** You will likely find coins, lint, hairpins, or sock fluff. Even small debris can block the impeller (the fan inside the pump), causing a humming or buzzing noise instead of a smooth whirring sound .
6. Once clean, reinsert the filter tightly and close the panel.
### 2. Check the "Water Supply" Error Code
While less common during a spin (as the machine is trying to remove water, not add it), Samsung’s logic sometimes interprets a lack of water flow as an error. If the machine tries to balance the load by adding a splash of water but the taps are off, it may produce a humming or buzzing sound .
- **The Fix:** Ensure both the hot and cold water taps behind the machine are fully open. Check the hoses for kinks.
### 3. Balance the Load and Level the Machine
If the hum is deep and rhythmic (like a "thumping" hum), the drum might be struggling to spin a heavy, wet load. Samsung washers have "Auto Balance" systems; if the load is severely unbalanced (e.g., washing a single heavy bath mat), the motor strains, producing a hum .
- **The Fix:**
- **Pause the cycle** and redistribute the clothes manually. Mix large and small items together.
- **Check the floor:** Is the machine wobbling? Use a spirit level to check the top of the machine. If it is uneven, adjust the front leveling feet by turning them clockwise or counter-clockwise to lock the machine firmly to the floor .
### 4. Perform a "Calibration"
Modern Samsung washers have sensors that detect the weight of the load. If these sensors are confused, the machine might spin too aggressively or fail to engage properly, creating noise. This is often necessary after a power outage or moving the machine .
- **How to Calibrate:**
1. Empty the drum completely.
2. Turn the machine off, then on again.
3. Press and hold the **Temp** and **Delay End** buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
4. The display should show "**Cb**" (Calibration).
5. Press **Start/Pause**. The drum will rotate for about 3-4 minutes (it will be noisy as it finds its limits).
6. When finished, the machine will turn off automatically .
### 5. Is it the Motor or Bearings? (Advanced)
If you have tried all the above and the machine still hums loudly *only during the spin cycle* (and fails to spin up to speed), the issue might be mechanical:
- **Motor Brushes/Rotor:** In older belt-driven or direct drive models, a faulty motor control board or a seized rotor can cause a loud electrical hum as the motor tries to move but cannot .
- **Tub Bearings:** If the hum is accompanied by a loud **rattle or grinding** noise that gets worse as the drum spins, the drum bearings might be worn out. Unfortunately, this is a major repair requiring full disassembly .
### Summary Checklist for Solving Humming
1. **Stop the cycle** and unplug the machine for 30 seconds to reset the main board.
2. **Clean the debris filter** (Bottom front panel).
3. **Redistribute the laundry** to ensure the load is balanced.
4. **Run Calibration Mode** (Temp + Delay End).
5. **Check for error codes** like `SC` (Drain) or `3C` (Motor) on the display .
If the machine is still under warranty or the hum persists after cleaning the filter and leveling the feet, contact Samsung Support. A continuous loud hum accompanied by a burning smell usually indicates a failed pump motor or drive motor that requires professional replacement .
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