Samsung Washer Suspension Damper Rod Assembly Parts — Models & Compatibility

When your Samsung top-load washer starts walking across the laundry room floor or making violent banging sounds during the spin cycle, you're likely dealing with failed suspension damper rods. This hub covers the DC97-16350D damper rod assembly — the part that keeps your washer stable when it's spinning at high speeds with an unbalanced load.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Check your washer's model number before ordering. Samsung places the model number on a label inside the washer lid or on the back panel near the water inlet valves. You'll see something like WA5451ANW/XAA-02 or WA5471ABP/XAA-01. Match your complete model number including the suffix (the part after the slash) to ensure compatibility. This damper rod fits the WA5451 and WA5471 series washers specifically.

About This Replacement Part

The DC97-16350D is a suspension damper rod assembly that controls the tub's movement during the wash and spin cycles. Four of these dampers connect the outer tub to the washer base, absorbing the violent forces generated when 20+ pounds of wet clothes spin at 1,000+ RPM. Over time, the internal friction pads wear down or the mounting brackets crack, causing the washer to shake excessively or walk during spin. This part replaces AP5579032, DC97-05280H, 2695779, and PS4221573. Samsung engineered these dampers to handle specific load capacities — using the wrong damper can cause premature failure or void your warranty coverage on related components.

Compatible Samsung Washer Models

This damper rod assembly works with the following Samsung top-load washer models. Always verify your complete model number including the version suffix:

• WA5451ANW/XAA (versions 00, 01, 02, 03)
• WA5451ANP/XAA (versions 01, 02)
• WA5471ABW/XAA (versions 00, 01, 02)
• WA5471ABP/XAA (versions 00, 01, 02)

Note: Samsung often releases multiple versions of the same base model with minor component changes. The version number (00, 01, 02, etc.) matters for parts compatibility, especially for suspension components where tolerances are tight.

Installation Considerations

Replacing damper rods requires tilting the washer back to access the base. You'll need someone to help hold the unit while you work — these washers weigh 150+ pounds empty. Samsung doesn't sell dampers individually for this series; they come as complete assemblies with the mounting bracket already attached. Most techs replace all four dampers at once even if only one has failed, since they wear at similar rates and you've already got the washer torn apart.

Why Dampers Fail on Samsung Top-Loaders

The WA5451 and WA5471 series use a friction-based damper design that wears mechanically over time. Heavy loads accelerate wear. If you regularly wash king-size comforters or overload the tub past the max fill line, you're putting extra stress on these components. Hard water deposits can also corrode the mounting points where the damper connects to the tub bracket. Once one damper fails, the other three compensate, which speeds up their failure. That banging sound you hear? That's the tub hitting the cabinet walls because the dampers aren't controlling movement anymore.

Part Numbers Cross-Reference

This Samsung damper rod assembly replaces several part numbers from previous production runs:

• DC97-16350D (current)
• AP5579032
• DC97-05280H
• 2695779
• PS4221573

If your repair manual lists any of these numbers, the DC97-16350D is the correct replacement. Samsung periodically updates part numbers even when the physical component hasn't changed — it's usually a supplier change or minor material update that doesn't affect fit or function.