WA50R5200AW/US - replaced the tension bars and still out of balance

[btfisherman24]

I just replaced all four tension bars, recalibrated the washer and the drum is still violently banging against the side. What else could the issue be...

[Ajw19]

I am having the same issue. Replaced tension bars, leveled, and calibrated it. Made sure not to overload and to evenly distribute clothes. The washer still becomes unbalanced and will not complete the cycle not mater what I do. WA50R5400AV/US

[jaramburo67]

I did the same thing and still unbalanced. I can't believe Samsung hasn't recalled this machine. What a poor design. The unit is under 4 years old. A washing machine should last at least 10 years. The old ones used to last more than 20 years. Come on SAMSUNG, do something. 

[user6Uub3n7BGb]

I have had the same problem with my washing machine and it’s 4 to 5 years old changed everything on there that could be changed and still cannot wash a load of clothes without it being unbalanced. I’m so sick of a Samsung washing machine

[alisam1122]

i’m having this issue now as well with a four year old washer 

[Cadiz]

Same problem here. Have had enough. Will not be buying any more Samsung appliances. Esp since they won’t do right by people and recall. This model is still being sold. Mine is less than 4 years old and is headed to the scrap heap. 

[mms83]

We are having same exact problem, family of 3. Change all rods and springs and recalibration and still have to take all my wet clothes out at spin cycle and put the in again all even and still have to cross my fingers. Washer is 4yrs old.

[userC0DRj4ayxE]

We have the same issue that has been going on for months! Sometimes washing small loads of similar clothing will work, but get a towel in there and it will be unbalanced! So very frustrating! We will never buy Samsung again after we had issues with a microwave, dishwasher and now this! 

[Danman1]

We are having the same problem with our washer which we've owned about 3 years. It started with one wash where there was a blanket in the tub and it got violently out of balance, ever since it's been a problem, although every so often you'll get a load that's OK. However over the last month it's gotten so bad we can't even wash a sheet by itself. Trying very low spin settings only helped occasionally.  The washer is a piece of garbage and I said so to the Samsung tech I called to ask about it, after a single load took over 4 hours to complete and I had to change it to the spin only cycle then babysit it.

I have bought a set of replacement rods, as that was the most common recommendation, and am planning on putting them in, as I noticed the tub sits very low, right on the bottom of the factory rods, when washing a load.

However, reason I'm writing is I've seen a few credible sources which indicate it's the balance ring on top screwing up. Apparently it has some liquid in it which is supposed to counterbalance the load on the bottom, which makes sense, but something can go wrong with it. Perhaps something internal gives way. One thread said the liquid crystallizes and won't move around the way it should. 

I've found a couple of places selling them (including Amazon) for 150 bucks average, but the reviews note you have to essentially cut the thing out. While I would enjoy taking a sledge and a sawzall to this garbage product, (which they apparently paid JD Power to claim was #1 in customer satisfaction - for 12 months of ownership only, they seem to go bad in the 2nd or 3rd year - I will be contacting JD Power and sending them links to all the threads on the internet complaining about this issue) I am not quite ready to do that yet as they are not cheap. 

Will try the rods, but if that doesn't work and I cannot find anything obvious with the balance ring, I'm not planning to do that as well, or, buy a complete new tub assembly which comes with it, as it's almost as much as a new washer from a better company, and who knows if that piece would last longer than 3 years anyway. I saw Samsung had to do a major recall with their last family of washers due to rust and leaks. If enough people complain (and to the BBB, review companies as I plan to) they may get irritated enough to do something. But I doubt it, as corporate greed takes precedent over customer satisfaction, every time. Shame as we love their TV's, and the dryer we bought is working very well. Would have considered them for our fridge replacement, but will be looking elsewhere.