Product review (1 stars): Need to replace your DV350AEW/XAA cracked dryer drum? Read this...
For those of you that are experiencing the "thump-thump... thump-thump... thump-thump..." problem that the Samsung DV350AEW/XAA dryer is plagued with, it's a cracked seam, either on the front or back of the drum. I thought it was bad bearings on the rollers, so I replaced those, only to discover a cracked drum was the issue. ...for a 1000+ owners of this dryer. Overall the dryer is okay, it's SAMSUNG that is the POS in the equation. DON'T BUY SAMSUNG products!
Okay, on to how to replace the drum without paying half the original cost of the dryer, or in my case 90% of cost. Got it 50% off on BF...
The DC97-14849C is an exact replacement, for $139, incl s&h, and you can find it at Sears Parts Direct. In case Amazon blocks out the previously mentioned retailer, which they shouldn't since Amazon doesn't offer it, you will need to use your favorite search engine to find it. Hint: They sell Craftsman, and Roebuck used to be part of their title. Caveat, I had to wait 6 weeks for it to arrive.
There's a YT video on how to install the drum, which regardless your mechanical skill level, you should be able to DIY in an hour, or less. Pay attention to the sound deadening strips on the drum when you remove it, they have 2 different color outlines. The reddish was towards the back on mine. Yours may differ. Probably the best way to orientate the drum is to measure from the front of the drum to the belt track on the old drum, then compare that to the replacement drum (which I did not do). I just compared them side-by-side...
The sound deadening strips on the DC97-14849C are shorter, which if I had to guess, implies that the drum thickness is greater than the OEM stainless "Cracks-a-lot" drum, thus the need for less sound deadening. Could be SAMSUNG cheaped out, again. FYI, nothing comes in contact with these strips.
The DC97-14849C is ceramic coated WHITE steel, NOT stainless. And in case you'e wondering, the "fins" do come attached with the new DC97-14849C. Although, if they didn't, it would tack on an additional 10 minutes of install time if you had to swap them out to the new one.
Today is the first day using the DC97-14849C drum, and so far so good. Hopefully it buys me 10+ years of continued service, like the old school dryers did back in the day. Hopefully the matching SAMSUNG washer holds out as well. Doubtful, as front loader washers have their issues. Too much upkeep to prevent molding and smell. They do look pretty... but that stank, if you don't leave the door open for at least 2 days. Am I right?