Samsung Top-Load Washer Suspension Rod Damper Assembly (27-Inch, 4.5CF, 1.8KGF) (Samsung OEM)

Description

Genuine Samsung OEM Samsung Top-Load Washer Suspension Rod Damper Assembly (27-Inch, 4.5CF, 1.8KGF) – Part DC97-16350S

Part Number: DC97-16350S

Replaces: AP6038399, PS11768689

Always verify compatibility using your appliance model number before ordering.

Eliminate violent chassis walking, heavy tub slamming, and severe out-of-balance stalling during the spin cycle with this Genuine OEM Samsung Washer Suspension Rod Damper Assembly. This factory-certified structural stabilization part (Part # DC97-16350S, which directly updates and replaces older variant configurations like 3282615, AP5621283, and PS4212128) serves as an essential mechanical dampener supporting your washing machine’s high-speed spin cycle.

Unlike front-load washing machines that rest on floor shocks, top-load washers use a suspended geometry. The entire heavy plastic outer tub, metal inner basket, and drive motor hang suspended in mid-air from the four corners of the upper cabinet frame using a matching set of these spring-loaded steel rods. They function identically to the struts on an automobile, flexing to absorb heavy kinetic forces as clothes tumble and the machine ramps up to high-speed extraction spins.

Over years of handling heavy, wet items like towels and bedding, the coiled springs inside these dampers suffer from mechanical fatigue and begin to sag unevenly. When the suspension goes soft, it can no longer counteract centrifugal forces. The very first time a spin cycle initiates, the off-center tub shifts violently and slams against the outer cabinet walls. This instantly triggers the classic “Ur”, “Ub”, or “dc” (Unbalanced Load) error code, forcing the machine to prematurely stop the cycle and leave your clothing soaking wet.

Quick Info:

• Compatibility: Precision-engineered for modern high-efficiency (HE) top-loading Samsung washing machines (including popular model series like WA400PJ, WA422PR, WA456DR, and WA45H7000).

• Component Design: High-tensile steel rod assembly pre-fitted with an engineered plastic pivot ball joint at the top and a heavy-gauge tension-coiled spring block assembly encased in a protective lower friction cup sleeve.

• Fixes Common Issues: Resolves severe cabinet shaking, banging, or “walking” across the floor; structural thumping sounds during spin phases; and cycles that get stuck in an endless loop or stop early, displaying a “Ub” fault code.

• Difficulty: Intermediate. A highly manageable DIY repair requiring a putty knife to pop the main top panel, basic hand tools, and mechanical lift support for the internal tub.

⚠️ Critical Replacement Rule: Always Replace as a Set of 4! While these suspension rods are sold individually, it is highly recommended to replace all four corners at the exact same time. Because these springs experience identical friction, weight, and material breakdown over years of use, replacing only one or two sagging rods will throw the tub’s center of gravity off-balance. This uneven weight distribution will quickly over-stress and ruin the brand-new parts within a few weeks.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guidelines:

1. Absolute Power Isolation: Unplug the washing machine’s electrical power cord from the wall outlet to eliminate all electrical shock hazards. Wrap a strip of painter’s tape tightly around the loading door lid to prevent it from swinging open and shattering during assembly.

2. Pop Open the Main Top Lid Panel: Slide a stiff putty knife into the thin horizontal seam between the front cabinet face and the top main display lid panel, about 6 inches inward from each outer corner. Press firmly inward to release the hidden metal spring retention clips, then tilt the entire top lid assembly upward and secure it safely to the wall behind it with a bungee cord.

3. Support the Tub Base: Prop a block of wood, a car jack, or a thick rolled moving blanket underneath the bottom edge of the plastic outer tub basin on the floor pan to prevent the heavy assembly from crashing down when you release the corner support.

4. Unhook the Failed Rod Assembly: Move to the first corner location. Grab the steel rod right below the upper plastic ball joint with gloved hands or locking pliers. Pull the rod straight upward an inch to fully compress the internal spring, tilt the rod head sideways out through the keyhole slot in the upper cabinet corner bracket, and lower the rod down through the inner channel. Unhook the bottom plastic cup foot from the lower tub bracket flange and pull the rod out.

5. Install the Fresh Replacement: Take your new genuine assembly, guide the lower end down through the cabinet layout, and snap the bottom friction cup directly into the outer tub frame tracking notch. Pull the top hook straight up through the empty corner housing hole, slide the fresh plastic pivot ball bushing into its seat, and lock the upper hook securely back into the corner bracket slot. Repeat this exact swap on the remaining three corners individually before lowering the main lid.