Samsung WF-J1254 - stiff drum - replace bearing?

[activa]

Samsung WF-J1254 front loader started throwing error code 3E, motor runs, brushes look good, but drum is very stiff and hard to turn. I'm thinking the bearings are shot and need to be replaced.

Is it more likely there's something between the drum and the cage keeping it from spinning freely? Is there an easy way to get in there and check?

Is it likely to be the bearings? if so, how do I remove the ring holding the bearing in? Do I need a special tool? I thought it might be a threaded ring and tried to - not so gently - remove it by tapping on the indent with a screwdriver/hammer.

 

Also, the bearing isn't listed in parts lists, but I'm guessing it's something I can get from McMaster-Carr or Amazon.

I've posted a pic of the bearing in situ.

 

[activa]

Oh also, the bearing doesn't seem to be making any unusual noises.

[Nathaniel Peterson]

7 hours ago, activa said:

Oh also, the bearing doesn't seem to be making any unusual noises.

I would shine a flashlight in the tub and check for clothing stuck between the tubs.Might get luck and be able to find something by the pump boot and be able to remove it. Make sure it's unplugged of course. Get a towel to catch water and a shop vac to catch water. And while you're down there you should check the pump housing. Assuming this is a front loader.

[activa]

Yes, front loader. I did shine a bright light and noticed a buildup of some kind of crud. Wife says it's from our water. I ran a load through with vinegar and a degreasing detergent, it threw the code, ran it again that way and it finished the cycle. I didn't see anything obvious other than the crud, and the bearings don't seem to be wobbly or crunchy at all. I'll run a couple more cycles with the vinegar and detergent and see how much it improves.

[activa]

Didn't find anything (other than gunk) between the tubs. Ran a heavy-duty cycle a couple times with just detergent and vinegar and hot water. Seemed to be better so I ran a couple loads through without a problem. Drum seems to turn much more freely. Seems strange, but there it is.

[Nathaniel Peterson]

2 hours ago, activa said:

Didn't find anything (other than gunk) between the tubs. Ran a heavy-duty cycle a couple times with just detergent and vinegar and hot water. Seemed to be better so I ran a couple loads through without a problem. Drum seems to turn much more freely. Seems strange, but there it is.

There's a YouTube video of a guy that uses this specific washer cleaner that is in a square shape. Try using that if you can find what it is. Works really well.