A washer that makes strange sloshing sounds or refuses to spin properly often has a problem with the balance ring. This component keeps the washer stable during fast spin cycles, and when it stops working, the machine may shake, interrupt cycles, or display unbalanced load errors. Fortunately, you can replace the balance ring on a Samsung washer with basic tools and a little time.
Most modern washers use two balance rings. These are sealed plastic tubes filled with a saltwater solution that moves as the drum spins. The shifting liquid helps prevent the washer from shaking or pulling to one side. The sound can be surprising, but it is normal. However, if the ring leaks or loses fluid, the washer cannot stay stable during a spin cycle. At that point, replacement becomes necessary.
This repair usually takes one to two hours. The guide below explains what the balance ring does and how you can replace it yourself.
What Is a Balance Ring
A sloshing noise coming from a dry washer is almost always the balance ring. This sealed plastic ring is attached to the washer tub and contains a saltwater solution. As laundry moves to one side during a spin cycle, the liquid inside the ring shifts to the opposite side. The movement of the fluid counteracts the uneven distribution of weight. This helps reduce vibration and allows the drum to spin more smoothly.
When the ring is cracked, empty, or damaged in any way, the washer can no longer stabilize the load. The machine may shake, stop mid-cycle, or frequently display unbalanced load errors. A replacement ring solves these issues.
Signs Your Balance Ring May Need Replacement
These symptoms often point to a damaged or empty balance ring:
- Frequent unbalanced load messages even with small or evenly sized loads
- A loud sloshing sound that seems unusually faint or unusually strong
- Visible cracks in the ring or signs of dried salt residue around it
- Strong vibration or movement of the washer during spin cycles
- Repeated interruptions of the cycle because the drum cannot gain speed
- Water leaking from the top of the drum area
- The drum shifting to one side when spun by hand
- A persistent knocking sound when the washer accelerates
- Difficulty completing a full spin even after redistributing clothes
Common Causes of Balance Ring Failure
A balance ring can fail for several reasons. The most common include:
- Aging plastic that becomes brittle after many heat cycles
- Impact from overloaded drums that strain the ring mount
- Small fractures caused by corrosion from the saltwater solution inside the ring
- Manufacturing defects that weaken the ring seam
- Exposure to excessive vibration over long periods
- Transporting the washer without proper support for the drum
- Loose mounting points that weaken the ring during operation
- Accumulation of debris between the tub and the ring
- Sharp force from a foreign object inside the washer
Tools You Will Need
Gather these items before beginning:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Socket set with 19 mm, 13 mm, 10 mm, and 7 mm sockets
- Ratchet with a 10 inch extension
- Pliers
- Putty knife
- Thread locker
- Pan or shallow basin to catch water
- Wood blocks or cinder blocks to lift and support the washer
How to Replace a Washer Balance Ring
Follow these steps to safely disassemble your washer, replace both balance rings, and reassemble the machine.
Preparation
- Disconnect the washer from power at the outlet or breaker.
- Shut off the hot and cold water supply valves.
- Remove the drain hose from the standpipe.
- Pull the washer away from the wall to create working space.
- Lay a towel behind the washer to catch any water spills.
- Label the water line hoses for easier reassembly.
Rear Disassembly
- Remove the rear access panel by removing the two screws and lifting it up.
- Disconnect all wires attached to the rear of the tub.
- Remove the grounding wire screw and screws holding the wire harness bundle.
- Loosen the rotor nut with a 19mm socket and ratchet.
- Remove the nut, washers, and rotor by wiggling it side to side.
- Remove the stator by taking out all 10mm bolts.
Top Disassembly
- Remove the washer top by removing the two rear screws and lifting it off.
- Disconnect the two top hoses by sliding clamps back and pulling the hoses off.
- Remove the detergent dispenser drawer by pulling it out and pressing the release tab.
- Remove the control panel by taking out its screws, rotating it forward, and disconnecting the wires.
Front Panel Disassembly
- Open the drain access panel and remove the two screws inside.
- Open the washer door and remove the three screws securing the door switch assembly.
- Remove the outer door boot seal clamp by prying the ring out carefully.
- Push the door gasket inward and out of the way.
- Remove the screws along the top of the front panel.
- Lift the front panel slightly to clear the locking tab and pull it forward.
Internal Disassembly
- Place a pan under the drain hose, uncap it, and drain all remaining water.
- Remove the hose from the door boot seal by releasing the clamp and pulling the hose off.
- Remove the inner door boot seal clamp by loosening its bolt or prying it off.
- Remove the door boot seal from the washer.
- Remove the detergent dispenser hose from the tub by loosening its clamp.
- Remove the tub weights using a 13mm socket and ratchet.
- Remove the air pressure hose from the tub and cut or remove any twist ties.
- Remove the pump hose from the tub by loosening its clamp.
- Remove the two clamps securing the air pressure hose to the tub and move the hose aside.
- Disconnect the tank heater electrical connections and remove the screw holding the wire bundle.
- Remove the tub-to-pump hose by loosening its clamp.
- Remove the four shock absorbers by removing their bolts and pulling them free.
- Move the detergent dispenser housing aside by removing its screw.
- Unhook the first suspension spring from the frame, lower the tub, and detach the spring from the tub.
- Rehang the spring on its mounting point.
- Move hoses or wires aside on the opposite side to access the second spring.
- Lift the tub slightly, unhook the second spring, lower the tub, and detach the spring.
- Rehang the spring on its mounting point.
- Remove the tub assembly by lifting it and sliding it forward out of the cabinet.
Tub Separation
- Place the tub on blocks with the center suspended.
- Inspect the tub for cracks, worn bolts, or damage.
- Remove all screws holding the outer tub halves together with a 10mm socket.
- Separate the two tub halves by lifting the top half off.
Lower Balance Ring Replacement
- Remove the inner tub by lifting it out or tapping the outer tub off if stuck.
- Place the inner tub upside down on blocks.
- Remove the spider assembly by taking out its six 10mm bolts.
- Remove the lower balance ring by taking out its screws and lifting it out.
- Install the new lower balance ring and secure it with screws.
- Reinstall the spider assembly using blue thread locker on the bolts.
- Place the inner tub back into the outer tub carefully and check the wave washer position.
Upper Balance Ring Replacement
- Remove the six screws securing the upper balance ring.
- Lift the upper balance ring out, using a putty knife if needed.
- Install the new upper balance ring and align the screw holes.
- Reinstall the six screws.
Tub Reassembly
- Reassemble the outer tub halves and confirm the heater is seated correctly before tightening screws.
- Place the tub assembly back into the washer cabinet.
- Reattach the suspension springs and reposition the detergent dispenser housing and wires.
- Reinstall the four shock absorbers and apply thread locker to the bolts.
- Reconnect the tub-to-pump hose with correct orientation.
- Reconnect the heater electrical connections.
- Reinstall the air pressure hose and both clamps.
- Reconnect the pump hose.
- Reconnect the detergent dispenser hose.
Door Seal and Front Panel Reassembly
- Install the door boot seal by seating the gasket in the outer tub lip.
- Install the inner clamp with its screw positioned at 12 o’clock.
- Reconnect the small hose at the top of the seal.
- Pull the gasket onto the front panel lip.
- Reinstall the outer clamp with the spring positioned at the bottom.
- Reinstall the tub weights onto their mounting pegs and install the bolts.
- Reinstall the front panel by aligning the bottom brackets and feeding the drain hose through its opening.
- Position the door switch correctly as the panel goes on.
- Install the top mounting screws for the front panel.
- Install the lower screws behind the drain access panel and clip the drain hose back into place.
Control and Rear Reassembly
- Reinstall the control panel by reconnecting wires, positioning it, and installing its screws.
- Slide the detergent drawer back in.
- Reinstall the stator and install the bolts and grounding screw.
- Install the rotor by setting it on the shaft and reinstalling the washers and nut.
- Reinstall the rear access panel and its screws.
Final Steps
- Reconnect the two top hoses and secure their clamps.
- Reinstall the washer top panel and its mounting screws.
The Bottom Line
A balanced washer makes laundry day a lot smoother. Once you understand what the balance ring does and how it affects every spin cycle, the repair feels far more approachable. A fresh set of rings gives the drum the support it needs so the machine can run without shaking, stopping, or throwing error messages. If you take your time and follow each step, your washer can get back to steady, quiet operation. A simple fix like this often brings new life to a machine that still has plenty of good years ahead.