A cracked drum support (spider) is the leading cause of the problem when the front-loading Samsung washer won’t complete the spin cycle. Samsung washing machines are among the most popular in Canada due to their excellent performance and reasonable price. Unfortunately, there is one crucial disadvantage: a weak washer’s drum support-shaft framework. The incomplete spin cycle occurs when the washing machine can’t reach high-speed rotation during the spin. This is the most upsetting and common problem with front-loading Samsung washing machines.
Misunderstanding of the problem
When you Google information about the incomplete spin cycle, you see many reasons, such as an unbalanced load, a drain system problem, and a broken door lock, but not the primary cause. All those issues exist, too, but in 90% of cases, they won’t be related to this spin problem of the front-loading Samsung washer. This fact proves once again that AI robots are responsible for writing most articles. I am a home appliance technician from Ottawa, ON. I receive a question about the Samsung washer not finishing the spin cycle problem daily. What will I ask them to understand the situation?
- Is there water in the drum or only in the clothes? Usually, there is not. So, this is not a drainage problem.
- Was it your usual load, or something bulky like a pillow? Usually, yes, regular load. Therefore, this is not a problem of unbalanced load.
- I will ask about more signs of an incomplete spin cycle, which should be similar to the description below. The washing machine would start a spin cycle and display approximately 10 minutes on the screen. The drum rotates more slowly and faster, trying to distribute the clothes. The time will count down to about 2-4 minutes, but the drum won’t reach the high-speed spin and stop. The time of about 10-12 minutes will appear again on the display, and the washer will restart the spin cycle. Another common complaint is that my washer smokes when I open the door after the spin cycle. When I heard it, I told the customer, ‘This is a drum support, spider-shaft problem.’ The repair is expensive and could easily cost $ 600-$ 700. Usually, I recommend buying a new washer.
This article explains the issue with Samsung front-loading washing machines’ incomplete spin cycles.
Understanding the Spin Cycle in a Washing Machine
Spin mechanism of the Samsung front-load.
During the spin cycle, the drum rotates at high speeds, creating a centrifugal force that pushes water out of the fabric. In the front-load washing machine, the drum’s shaft is connected to the rear side of the drum through a support that hugs the drum with its parts, much like a spider.
Security mechanisms prevent the spin cycle.
The high-speed rotating drum imposes intense pressure on the washer’s construction and can also be hazardous to the user. Every washing machine typically has three security mechanisms that provide a smooth and secure spin cycle.
First, the door switch will block the washer’s door to prevent the user from touching the spinning drum. Second, the washing machine will not start the spin cycle if there is still water in the drum. It could be if the drain system is blocked or the drain pump is broken. Water should be drained before the spin cycle, and it should quickly disappear during the spin. The washing machine will not start the spin cycle if water remains in the drum. How do you know that your washer didn’t start the spin cycle? You will hear a steady hum from the drain pump, but the drum won’t rotate. If there is a spin indicator on the panel, it won’t light. The third and most relevant security mechanism to our case is that the washing machine won’t complete the spin cycle by reaching high-speed spin when the load is unbalanced.
Let us examine these mechanisms in relation to our main topic. Please note that the first two mechanisms will prevent the start of the spin cycle, while only the last one will prevent the high-speed spin.
Common Reasons Why a Front-Loading Samsung Washer May Not Finish the Spin Cycle.
The importance of the problem.
The main word in our topic is incomplete, meaning it has not yet reached high-speed rotation. Many articles explain in general why washing machines fail to spin. It may be necessary for common understanding, but it is not sufficient for specific case diagnosis. I will narrow the topic to two main points: first, the front-loading Samsung washing machines, and second, the incomplete spin cycle issue. What is the importance of this precise topic? First, this is the primary issue with the front-load Samsung washer, which is unrepairable due to its high cost. Second, there is a misunderstanding in the diagnosis of this issue, even between the technicians. Some technicians would try to replace the drain pump, for example. Third, diagnostics can often be provided remotely, avoiding excessive travel for the technician and unnecessary costs for the customer. The free remote diagnostic builds a better relationship between the client and the repairman.
To choose the correct cause of the problem.
I will revisit the causes of the problem, as commonly noted online. I repeat that my remarks only relate to the front-load Samsung washing machine.
Door lock.
When the door lock doesn’t work, the washing machine doesn’t start any cycle. The same is true of the drain system problem. Before beginning any cycle, the washing machine checks the lock and the drain pump to ensure they are functioning correctly. These signs may vary for top-loading machines and other models.
Drain system.
There is a rare specific case when the drain system is blocked, but only partially. In this case, the washing machine can complete the spin cycle, making a high-speed spin, but the clothes remain damp. As I explained, the washing machine won’t start the spin cycle if it can’t empty water from the drum. The partially blocked drain system can empty the hub because the washer is programmed to give enough time for this process. When the spin cycle starts, the blocked drain system won’t have enough time to release the liquid because the spin cycle is limited by time. The same signs will appear when the drain pump works but less effectively. It could be blocked or damaged. Sometimes, the diagnosis of this subvariant could be challenging. The hints suggest that the washer completes the spin cycle and can perform a high-speed spin.
The correct cause is the broken drum support.
Now, I will address the leading cause. This is an unbalanced drum issue caused by a broken drum support. Yes, it could also be an unbalanced load. But when the washer is damaged, any distribution or even changing the load won’t have an effect. At the first stage of the issue, the washer would finish the spin cycle if you put in light loads. Some technicians could advise distributing the load, but it usually won’t help. Most users have been familiar with their washers for years and can recognize the uneven load issue.
The customer could tell you three cases showing the same problem: the Samsung washer won’t finish the spin cycle.
- The washer signs the spin cycle on the display. It tries to distribute the clothes, turns slowly forward and back, stops, and repeats the cycle infinitely. The time on the display will count from 10-12 to 2-4 minutes and back to 10-12 minutes, repeating the cycles. This occurs when the support is broken on one side and the shaft is misdirected. The drum is unbalanced because the support (spider) is cracked and loose.
- The washing machine will finish the spin cycle. When you open the washer’s door, it will smoke and smell of burned rubber. In this case, the support will be loose evenly, and the drum will advance from the washer’s back to the door. The drum edge will meet the door seal. While spinning, the drum will come into contact with the seal rubber, causing smoke and a burning smell. The washer completes the spin cycle, which is beyond the scope of our topic. I am leaving this case here because the broken drum support also causes the problem.
- The drum of the washing machine is completely loose and makes a noise when rotated by hand. In this case, the drum support is completely broken. Watch a video.
The broken drum support is the cause of all these cases.
In conclusion.
We can see that the same damaged part, the drum support spider, of the Samsung front-loading washing machine can cause several different breakdowns, which could make it challenging to diagnose the problem correctly. The rare cases of a partially blocked drain system and an unbalanced load should be distinguished. I hope my article will help the washer’s owner and the technician with their work.
How to repair and prevent the problem of the unfinished spin cycle because of the broken drum support
The prevention is easy. Do not overload the washing machine. Consistently distribute the clothes in the drum to avoid the unbalanced spins, which damage the washer. The Samsung washer is not as strong as, for example, the LG. It typically lasts for about five years before the issue arises.
Replacing the broken drum support is possible, but it is usually not economical due to the repair cost. First, the parts – the spider, its bolts, and possibly the bearing seal – will cost a minimum of $250. If we need to replace the damaged door seal, it will cost more than $150-200. We must disassemble the washing machine completely, separate the drum, remove the old support, install the new one, and then reassemble the washer. It will take at least 3-4 hours if everything goes smoothly. Watch a video.
Therefore, when the customer explained that the front-loading Samsung washer wouldn’t finish the spin cycle, I recommended that they replace the unit. Anyway, to be 100% sure, you can order the tech to see your washer.
