Ub
Samsung Washing Machine
Severity: MinorWhat it means
Samsung washer Ub error means the laundry inside the drum is unbalanced — Samsung's 'Unbalanced load error'.
Heavy items have clumped on one side, so the drum can't spin safely without shaking the machine apart.
The fix is simply to open the door and redistribute the load.
Affected Models
- Samsung Front Load Washer
- Samsung Top Load Washer
- Samsung AddWash Washer
- Samsung EcoBubble Washer
- Samsung QuickDrive Washer
Common Causes
- Heavy items (towels, jeans) clumped on one side
- A single heavy item (duvet, jacket) spinning alone
- Washer not level on the floor
- Transit bolts left in place after delivery
- Suspension springs / shock absorbers worn (older washers)
How to Fix It
-
Open the door and redistribute.
Pause the cycle, open the door, pull out the clumped items.
Spread them evenly around the drum.
For a single heavy item like a duvet, add a couple of large towels to balance it. -
Check the washer is level.
Look at the floor under the washer.
If the machine rocks when you push a top corner, adjust the screw-out feet at the front and back until the washer sits firm and level on all four corners. -
Confirm transit bolts removed.
If you've recently moved or just installed the washer, check the back panel for the four transit bolts that lock the drum during transport.
They must be removed before use; leaving them in causes Ub and severe vibration. -
Try a smaller load.
Run the cycle with just half the laundry.
If Ub clears, the drum was overloaded; reduce future loads slightly.
If Ub appears even with a small balanced load, the suspension is worn.
When to Call a Professional
If Ub keeps appearing on every cycle even with a balanced load and a level machine, the suspension springs or shock absorbers are worn and need replacement — about an hour's work for a technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Samsung washer show Ub on every spin lately?
If Ub used to be rare and is now appearing on every cycle — even with normally-balanced loads — the suspension springs or shock absorbers underneath the drum are worn out.
They're meant to absorb the drum's wobble during high-speed spin; once worn, the drum's natural movement is enough to trigger the unbalanced sensor.
Replacement parts are inexpensive but the job needs the front of the washer opened up.