What the Samsung Washer Ub and Ur Codes Mean

The Ub and Ur error codes on a Samsung washer both indicate an unbalanced load during the wash cycle. The Ub code may sometimes be misread as U6, however, it refers to the same issue. The most common causes for these error codes include clothes tangling together during the wash cycle, overloading the washer beyond its capacity, and the washer not being level with the floor. Additionally, if you are seeing the Ub (U6) or Ur codes, you will need to inspect the mechanical components of the washer which are responsible for keeping the washer steady during use such as the shock absorbers, levelling legs, suspension springs and dampening straps.

What Does the Ub (U6) and Ur Code Mean on Samsung Washers?

The Ub (U6), and Ur codes mean that your Samsung washer is unbalanced. The Ub code is telling you that the washer itself isn't balanced properly, while the Ur code is telling you that the clothes inside aren't evenly distributed, making the drum unsteady. These codes usually show up during or just before the spin cycle. It's also easy to confuse 'Ub' with 'U6' since they look alike on the washer's display, but they are the same code. To prevent damage, the washer will automatically stop when these codes appear.

What Causes the Ub and Ur Codes on Samsung Washers?

• Tangled Clothes: When clothes tangle, they can create a heavy spot in the drum. This often happens with items that have strings or tassels if they're not placed in netted bags.
• Overloading the Washer: If you fill the drum beyond three-quarters of its capacity, it can prevent clothes from moving freely, leading to uneven distribution and imbalance. It's better to wash bulky items separately rather than overloading the machine.
• Washer Not Being Level: If your washer isn't level with the floor, it can cause imbalance issues.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, mechanical parts like shock absorbers and dampening straps can wear out. When these parts are worn, they can no longer effectively stabilize the drum during the spin cycle.
• System Glitches: Occasionally, the Ub (U6) error code may be triggered by a system glitch, even when there's no actual imbalance.

How to Clear the Ub (U6) or Ur Codes on Samsung Washers

To resolve the Ub (U6) or Ur codes on your Samsung washer, start by redistributing your laundry, attempting a reset next, then checking if the washer is level, and if all else fails, taking a closer look at its internal parts.

How to Balance the Load in a Samsung Washer

To address the Ub (U6) or Ur error code on your washer, make sure that the laundry is neither unevenly distributed nor overloading the drum.

• Redistribute Clothing Evenly: First, open the washer and rearrange the clothing. Make sure that heavier items such as towels, sheets, coats, and jeans are not concentrated on one side. Untangle any sheets and evenly distribute cotton items, bearing in mind that different materials absorb water differently and can become heavier when wet.
• Remove Excess Items: If the drum appears overloaded, it's important to lessen the load. This is particularly crucial with bulky items like comforters, jackets, or jeans. Remove some items and then run a test cycle to see if the error code has been resolved.

How to Reset a Samsung Washer

The control board on your Samsung washer controls the functions of the washer by sending and receiving signals to and from other parts of the washer. If it experiences a minor glitch, it may be unable to communicate with the washer properly resulting in the appearance of the Ub or Ur error codes. Resetting your washer is an effective way to clear these codes. This process can often erase error codes by refreshing the washer's internal memory and resolving temporary software glitches. Power cycling your Samsung washer means turning it off and on again to reset its system. Here's how to do it:

1. Disconnect the washing machine from its power source. You can do this either by unplugging it from the wall socket or by switching off the dedicated circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel.
2. Leave the washing machine unplugged for up to 5 minutes.
3. Reconnect the washer to its power supply and operate it as you normally would, checking to see if the error codes have been successfully cleared.

How to Check the Level on a Samsung Washer

If power cycling does not work, you need to check and adjust the level of your washer's legs so it sits perfectly horizontal on the floor. If the levelling legs are broken, you need to replace them.

1. Place a level tool on top of your washer. If it shows that the washer is not level, you need to adjust legs.
2. To make adjustments, locate the locking nut on each leg and use a wrench to loosen it. Turn the leg clockwise to lower it or counterclockwise to raise it. Continue adjusting all the legs until the washer is level.
3. Make sure all four leveling legs are firmly in contact with the floor. If you have slippery floors, consider placing non-skid pads under the legs for added stability.
4. Finally, tighten the locking nuts against the washer base using a wrench to secure them in place and enhance stability.

How to Troubleshoot and Replace the Levelling Legs on a Samsung Washer

It's common for the levelling legs on your washer to wear down over time or become damaged. This is especially true if the washer was not installed correctly or is constantly moving around. Faulty levelling legs will make the washer unsteady and result in shaking and moving during use. This movement may affect the balance of the laundry load and result in the Ub or Ur error code.

1. Disconnect the washer from the outlet or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
2. Tilt the washer backwards to access the levelling legs.
3. Unscrew the levelling legs using a set of pliers and remove them from the washer.
4. Place the new legs over the mounting holes and manually thread them in using your hands. Be careful not to over tighten the legs as this can damage them and the washer.
5. Tilt the washer back forward back onto the floor.
6. You can take your level too once again and check that the washer is now level.
7. Reconnect your washer to the power source and run a short cycle to ensure the error code is resolved.

How to Troubleshoot and Replace the Shock Absorbers on a Samsung Washer

Shock absorbers prevent excessive shaking and bouncing during your washer's spin cycle. As their name suggests, these components absorb the shocks generated while washing, stabilizing the machine. They are typically located inside the washer, nestled between the outer tub and the base frame. If the shock absorbers are faulty, your washer may become unsteady and shake excessively during use, resulting in the Ub (U6) or Ur error code.

If you notice unusual banging or thumping noises coming from your washer, observe a sagging or drooping tub, or spot visible cracks or fluid leakage from the shock absorbers, it's time to replace them.

1. Unplug the washer or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the top panel by unscrewing the back screws and lifting it off.
3. Remove the front components such as the dispenser drawer and hose. Unscrew and set aside the housing and control panel.
4. Access the shock absorbers by opening the door, removing the seal, lock, and front panel screws.
5. Unscrew the old shock absorbers and replace them with new ones.
6. Reattach the front panel, seal, and door. Reconnect electrical connections and control panel. Put the top panel back and screw it in.

How to Troubleshoot and Replace the Suspension Springs on a Samsung Washer

Suspension springs are designed to control and minimize movement and vibrations in your washer, especially during heavy-load washing and spinning cycles. If the springs are no longer working properly, the washer will become unsteady and unbalanced, resulting in the Ub (U6) or Ur error code. You can usually find the suspension springs at the bottom of the washer frame, connected to each of the four corners of the appliance or the base frame.

When checking your suspension springs, look out for signs that they need replacement. These signs include visible stretching, bending out of shape, corrosion, or detachment from their attachment points.

1. Start by unplugging the washer and gathering the necessary tools: a Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, lubricant, and rope puller.
2. Remove the top panel by unscrewing its back screws and lifting it off.
3. Access the springs, one of which is visible and another located under the dispenser housing.
4. Detach the hose and take out the dispenser drawer.
5. Wearing gloves for safety, unscrew and remove the rear access panel.
6. Use the flat blade screwdriver to open the spring holder. Then, use the rope puller to remove the old spring and install the new one, ensuring you lubricate the hooks first.
7. Reattach the rear panel, detergent housing, hose, drawer, and top panel.

How to Troubleshoot and Replace the Dampening Straps on a Samsung Washer

Dampening straps in your machine keep the inner tub stable during washing. They are usually found at the top corners of the washer, connecting the tub to the cabinet frame. These straps, along with suspension rods, control the tub's movement and vibrations. If the inner tub is unstable, your washer may be unbalanced and unable to distribute the load in the drum evenly, resulting in the Ub or Ur error. You can tell that they need to be replaced if they appear frayed, stretched out, or have any visible cracks or tears.

1. Begin by unplugging the washer.
2. Access the dampening straps by opening the washer cabinet and locating the four straps connected between the tub and cabinet corners.
3. Unthread the screws at the back of the control panel and rotate it forward, disconnecting any necessary wires.
4. Release the spring clips using a putty knife and remove the front panel.
5. Unthread the screws to lift off the main top.
6. Proceed to unthread the screws holding the old straps to the tub and frame, then remove the old straps.
7. Secure one side of each new strap to the tub with a screw and attach the bracket from the old strap to the new one. Connect the bracket and strap to the frame. Repeat this step for all the straps.
8. Reassemble the washer by replacing the main top, snapping back the front panel, and reconnecting the control board and its wires.

How to Troubleshoot and Replace the Bearings on a Samsung Washer

Bearings are metal rings that support the rotation of the tub during the cycle. They are typically located beneath the outer tub towards the back of the machine and can be accessed by removing the back panel. If the bearings are worn down the tub will be unable to spin smoothly, or at all, which makes it difficult to distribute the washer load, and therefore resulting in the Ub (U6) or Ur error code. The bearings need to be replaced if they are rusted or damaged.

1. Unplug the washer for safety. Gather these necessary tools: wrenches, screwdrivers, socket set, gear puller, rubber mallet, silicon sealant, lubricant, and replacement bearings.
2. Remove the back panel with a screwdriver to access the bearings. For front-loading machines, also remove the top panel, control panel, and door gasket.
3. Drain any water using the drain hose. Remove the front panel, gasket, tub weights, hoses, thermistor, heater wires, and rear panel. Disconnect and remove the drum.
4. Use a gear puller to remove old bearings. Clean the housing, install new bearings using the rubber mallet, and lubricate.
5. Reinstall the drum, reattach springs, shock absorbers, hoses, and wires. Reconnect stator and rotor assembly.

Understanding the causes of an unbalanced Samsung washer will help you to troubleshoot your machine and ensure it continues to run optimally. If the Ub or Ur codes continue to appear despite your best efforts, seeking professional repair assistance for a comprehensive diagnosis and solution is the wisest course of action to ensure your Samsung washer operates smoothly.