How to Troubleshoot & Replace Samsung AP4456255 / DC66-00470B Washer Rear Shock Absorber

About 2 weeks ago got an alert from my smart watch overnight of a loud noise, thought nothing of it. About a week or so later the washer started banging during the spin cycle. Though maybe the wife overloaded it and it was an unbalanced load. Tested with no load, worked fine, told her to not load it so much and see what happens. Issue persisted, and she could hear that the banging noise was coming from the front of the washer below the front loading door Came home and took the back panel off, shocks seemed a little loose so I assumed a bad shock and ordered new shocks for the washer. Decided since I’m going to have to take off the front of the washer anyway, might as well do that now so when the parts get here I can fix it immediately. Taking off that front is a pain, but just go slow, watch some of the videos on this website and you’ll get it done. Long story short, take off the front, and noticed that the basket weight is pulling away from the bottom of the basket. That was what was banging into the front of the washer below the door. One of the bolts that hold it on, came loose and must have shot off during a spin cycle (probably what caused that loud noise alert on my watch overnight). ALMOST canceled the order and just replace the bolt since the weight was still intact, BUT I said since it had probably been unbalanced for up to 2 weeks and only recently started banging the shocks we’re probably worn out a lot or damaged. Since I had this machine opened up might as well replace the shocks and then find out after putting it all together again it still bangs during the spin cycle and have to take it all apart again. Parts arrived, installed, put the whole machine back together and everything works great now. Spent $165 IIRC for the parts, tax, and overnight shipping. Don’t doubt the service call alone would have cost more than that, plus labor and parts. 

Determined that it was unbalanced. Recalibrated according to Samsung directions, but still no resolution. Suspected defective/damaged spider arm, so disassembled entire washer. That was not it. Decided to purchase and replace all four dampers/shock absorbers, and the problem was resolved. 

The front legs were slightly worn and the rubber coverings were missing from the rear feet. This allowed the washer to slide easily on the tile floor. I replaced all four feet. This only required a 12 mm open end wrench. After leveling the washer, things were improved, but I also took the opportunity to replace the four shock absorbers under the drum. The shock absorbers were 5+ years old and one was showing signs of wear / damage. This required removing the front and rear panels with a Phillips screwdriver. The shock absorbers required a 13 mm docket and 8” extension for the socket. Very easy repair overall. 

I ordered all 4 shocks front and back. Watched the video on how to from Appliance Parts Pros. Was very helpful even told 13 m socket and wrench. I used my impact with extension and worked well. A little tricky trying to get top part of shock in outer tub. Hold firm and push with a little wiggle and they go in. Washer was on pedestal also and uneven tile floor. I put level on floor to see how much adjustment I needed then adjusted legs. Videos are great on what to expect and do to be prepared. 

I removed and replaced front and rear shocks. 

I read the repair reports on the website and ordered the shock absorbers from AppliancePro.com. I received the parts the next day. I was able to find a very helpful video of repair instructions and followed the instructions. It took be about 2 hours form start to finish and my washer now works great. Thanks Appliance Pro. 

7 year old unit, Started replacing shocks with after-market units, and not much difference. Then I replaced the spyder arm as it was corroded though not broken, and decided to change the bearings at the same time, as well as replace the balance ring as the old one did show signs of wear. None of these helped much. Then I replaced the shocks with factory OEM more expensive they did help a great deal, but still not the complete fix. Upon examining the pedestal adjusted feet more closely I found they would not tighten, and were loose fitting in the base fixture, as the shaking apparently wore them. I removed the plastic locking disc and replaced it with an M10 -1.5 Flanged Hex Nut and leveled the washer, then locked them down. For extra measure placed another Hex Nut on the other end of the threaded foot and locked it down from the top side. Perfect not a sign of any wobble or creaking when trying to shake the washer by hand. Suggest before doing anything, jack up the washer and shake those adjustable feet laterally and see if they are loose in the fixture nut, if they are that is most likely a big part your problem. 

Replaced all 4 shocks. Removal of old shocks was straightforward. Re-install was difficult aligning shock mounting bolt. No working room to apply force or impact on bolt head. After three hours of trying completed install. Be sure to wear good cut resistant gloves - work area full of sharp edges. 

Replaced all four shocks 

Replaced the inner and outer bearings. Also new water seal. Notice the shock absorbers were not stiff so ordered all 4 new shock absorbers and washer sounds like new