Appliance Spares
Quick answer: The Samsung UE error code (also shown as Ub on some models) means the drum load is unbalanced and the machine has stopped to protect itself. Open the door, redistribute the washing and restart — this fixes it most of the time. If UE keeps coming back on well-spread loads, worn shock absorbers are the most common mechanical cause. A pair of Samsung shock absorbers costs $27–$46.
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Samsung shock absorber dampers DC66-00343H (pair) · find your model
What does the Samsung UE / Ub code mean?
Samsung’s UE stands for “Unbalanced Error”. The machine measures drum vibration during the spin cycle via a hall sensor and, when vibration exceeds a safe threshold, it pauses, tries to redistribute the load by tumbling it, and if it still cannot balance it, stops and displays UE. The code Ub is used on some older Samsung panels and means the same thing.
The machine is doing exactly what it should. An unbalanced drum at high speed can walk across the floor, damage internal components, or cause flooding from a dislodged hose. The safety stop is a feature, not a fault.
Common causes and likelihood
| Cause | Likelihood | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy items (towels, jeans, bedding) bunched on one side | Very common | Redistribute by hand |
| Single heavy item (e.g. one bath towel) in the drum | Common | Add 1–2 similar items to balance |
| Overloaded drum (too much weight overall) | Common | Remove 20–30% of load |
| Machine not level on the floor | Moderate | Adjust the levelling feet |
| Worn or broken shock absorbers | Moderate — especially on machines over 5 years old | Replace shock absorbers ($27–$46) |
| Worn drum spider or bearing | Less common | Technician assessment recommended |
How to clear the Samsung UE error — step by step
- Press Pause/Cancel and open the door once the drum stops.
- Pull out the laundry and shake it out. Look for items that have wrapped around each other or balled up on one side. Separate them and put them back in loosely.
- Check the load size. A single heavy item (duvet cover, thick jeans) will almost always unbalance — add a similar-weight item alongside it.
- Close the door and restart on a spin-only or rinse-and-spin cycle to complete the job.
- Level the machine. If UE recurs across different loads, put a spirit level on top. Adjust the front feet (they unscrew clockwise to raise, counter-clockwise to lower) until the bubble sits centre. Lock the locknuts against the base.
- Check the shock absorbers if the problem persists on properly distributed loads. Open the machine (remove the front or rear panel depending on model) and press each shock absorber rod by hand. A good damper has firm, consistent resistance throughout its travel. A worn one has almost no resistance or collapses unevenly. Replace in pairs.
Tip: Washing a single large item — a duvet, for example — without anything else in the drum is the most reliable trigger for UE. If you need to wash a single bulky item, select the “Bedding” or “Drum Clean” program if available, or toss in two or three towels to act as ballast.
Samsung shock absorbers in stock
Front-load Samsung machines use two shock absorbers to support the drum. Samsung has used a small number of part numbers across a wide range of models — the most common are below:
- 2 x Samsung Shock Absorber Damper — DC66-00343H (pair) — $39.95
- Samsung Shock Absorber Damper — DC66-00343H (single) — $26.95
- 2 x Samsung Shock Absorber Damper — DC66-00421B (pair) — $45.95
- Samsung Shock Absorber Damper — DC66-00421B (single) — $26.95
Always replace shock absorbers in pairs — if one is worn, the other will be close behind. Use the Part Finder to confirm the right part number for your model.
How to replace Samsung washing machine shock absorbers (about 30 minutes)
- Unplug the machine and pull it away from the wall.
- Remove the front lower panel or rear panel (depending on model) to access the shock absorbers. Typically 3–4 screws.
- Locate the two shock absorbers — they run diagonally from the outer cabinet frame to the drum tub.
- Note the orientation before removing the old units — a photo helps.
- Unclip the mounting pins at each end of the damper (a flat-blade screwdriver to depress the retaining tab).
- Fit the new shock absorbers by pressing the mounting pins through the brackets until they click.
- Refit the panel and run a short spin cycle empty to confirm smooth operation.
Frequently asked questions
My Samsung shows UE on every load, not just big ones — what’s wrong?
If UE appears on normal, well-distributed loads, the shock absorbers are the most likely cause. They wear out over years of use and can no longer dampen drum vibration, so the machine reads the drum as unbalanced even when it isn’t.
Is UE the same as Ub on Samsung machines?
Yes. Older Samsung models display Ub; newer models display UE. Both mean the drum load is unbalanced. The fix is the same.
Can I just ignore UE and restart?
Yes, if the load was genuinely unbalanced — redistribute and restart. However, if the machine is throwing UE because of worn shock absorbers, repeatedly forcing restarts will increase vibration, damage the drum bearings and eventually cause a more expensive repair.
My Samsung is brand new and showing UE — is it faulty?
A new machine showing UE is almost always a loading issue. Confirm the machine is level, the feet are adjusted evenly, and the transit bolts have been removed from the rear. Transit bolts left in place will cause severe UE errors.
Do I need to replace shock absorbers in pairs?
Yes. The two dampers wear at a similar rate. Replacing only one leaves the drum unevenly supported, which often triggers UE again within a few months.
Related
- Samsung washing machine shock absorbers — all in stock
- Samsung washing machine error codes — complete guide
- Part Finder — enter your model number for exact-fit parts
Ready to fix it?
- Run your model number through the Oz Appliance Spares Part Finder — model in, exact-fit shock absorbers out.
- Browse Samsung washing machine parts in stock
- Order before 12 pm Sydney time → ships same day from our Sydney Northern Beaches warehouse, Australia-wide.
Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.
