Samsung Washer Suspension Damper Assembly Parts — Models & Compatibility

Your Samsung top-load washer shouldn't sound like it's trying to break free during the spin cycle. When suspension dampers wear out, the drum loses its stability, creating loud banging, excessive vibration, and that unsettling walk across your laundry room floor. This hub covers DC97-16350S damper assembly compatibility across Samsung's WA series washers — the models that rely on these specific shock absorbers to keep things steady.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Samsung's DC97-16350S damper assembly (also sold as DC97-16350T and DC97-16350U) fits primarily WA40, WA41, WA44, and WA45 series top-load washers manufactured from 2019 onward. You'll find your model number on a sticker inside the washer lid or along the top edge of the tub opening — it's an alphanumeric code like "WA44A3405AW/A4" that tells you exactly which machine you've got. If your model starts with WA and has a 40-45 designation, you're likely looking at the right part.

About This Replacement Damper Assembly

Samsung's suspension dampers are heavy-duty shock absorbers that connect the washer tub to the base frame. There are typically four dampers per machine, and they work together to control drum movement during high-speed spinning. When one fails, you'll notice it immediately — the washer rocks violently, makes grinding or clunking sounds, or stops mid-cycle with an error code. Dampers wear naturally over time from the constant compression and extension during wash cycles, especially if you regularly run heavily loaded spins. The DC97-16350S replaces older part numbers AP6806420 and PS12708544, making it the current service part for these models. Most techs replace all four dampers at once since if one's worn out, the others aren't far behind.

Compatible Samsung Washer Models

This damper assembly works with the following Samsung top-load washer models. Check your model number against this list to confirm fitment:

• WA40A3005AW, WA40A3005AW/A4, WA40B3005AW
• WA41A3000AW, WA41A3000AW/A4
• WA44A3205AW, WA44A3205AW/A4
• WA44A3405AP, WA44A3405AP/A4
• WA44A3405AV, WA44A3405AV/A4
• WA44A3405AW, WA44A3405AW/A4
• WA45N3050AW

If your model has a different suffix letter after the slash (like /A5 or /A6), the damper assembly is typically the same — Samsung uses those suffixes for production dates and minor revisions, not mechanical changes.

Why Dampers Fail

Suspension dampers contain internal hydraulic fluid or friction pads that deteriorate with use. Heavy loads accelerate wear, but even normal operation breaks them down over thousands of cycles. You'll know they're shot when the washer vibrates excessively during spin, walks across the floor, or makes loud banging noises. Some models throw an error code (like UE for unbalanced load) even when the load is properly distributed. That's the machine detecting abnormal movement it can't compensate for.

What You're Actually Replacing

Each damper assembly includes the mounting brackets and connecting hardware. You're not just swapping a shock absorber — you're replacing the entire suspension point. The part arrives ready to install, though you'll need to tilt the washer back or lay it on its front panel to access the damper mounting points underneath. Most DIYers can handle this repair with basic tools and about an hour of time per damper, but replacing all four in one session makes sense since you've already got the machine opened up.