Brand: Samsung
Model Number: WF45B6300AC
Main Symptom: Heavy drum thumping
What happens & when: Heavy drum thumping at beginning of every spin cycle, regardless of load size. Drum thumps bad enough to contact the glass door at spin start, eventually smooths out some at high RPM but not entirely. Washer walks away from wall each time as result.
Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried: Replaced all drum hanger springs and base shocks
Photos / video link:
Based on your description, I would first suspect a problem with the suspension system rather than an issue with the drum itself. A washer that thumps violently at the beginning of the spin cycle, strikes the door glass, and walks across the floor usually has one or more suspension components that are no longer able to control the movement of the tub.
Here are the most likely causes, in order of probability:
Worn or damaged suspension (shock absorbers) – Most Likely
The WF45B6300AC uses four shock absorbers to dampen tub movement.
If one or more shocks lose resistance or break, the tub will swing excessively as it accelerates into spin, causing the heavy thumping you’re experiencing.
As the spin speed increases, centrifugal force can temporarily stabilize the tub, which explains why the vibration improves somewhat at high RPM.
Broken or stretched suspension spring
Inspect the suspension springs at the top of the outer tub.
A broken or stretched spring will allow the tub to hang lower on one side and swing into the cabinet or door during spin.
Loose or failed concrete counterweight
Remove the top and inspect the concrete counterweights on the front and rear of the tub.
Make sure the mounting bolts are tight and there are no cracks in the weights. A loose counterweight can create an extremely heavy knocking sound.
Failed rear tub bearings or damaged spider arm
Rotate the drum by hand and try lifting it up and down.
Any noticeable vertical movement between the inner basket and outer tub indicates worn bearings or a cracked spider support.
This is a more extensive repair but should be ruled out if the suspension checks out.
Shipping bolts still installed (if recently installed)
Push the stainless basket firmly downward and release it.
It should return smoothly and stop after one or two bounces.
If it continues bouncing several times, the shock absorbers are likely worn.
With the washer empty, open the door and pull the basket upward and side-to-side.
There should be very little play.
Excessive movement points toward bearing or spider failure.
Remove the top panel (two screws at the rear, then slide the panel back and lift it off) and inspect:
All suspension springs
Counterweight bolts
Signs of broken plastic mounts or leaking shock absorbers
Replace all four shocks as a set rather than just one. If one has weakened, the remaining shocks have typically experienced similar wear, and replacing only one often results in continued vibration.
If you can also answer these questions, I can narrow it down further:
Approximately how old is the washer?
Does the basket have any noticeable up-and-down play when you lift it by hand?
Does the thumping happen with an empty washer as well as with a load?
Do you hear any grinding or roaring noise during the high-speed spin?