Samsung Front Load Washer Flange Shaft Assembly (Spider Arm) Parts — Models & Compatibility

The flange shaft assembly — commonly called the spider arm — is the critical component that connects your Samsung front-load washer drum to the drive shaft. When this part fails, you'll hear grinding noises, see unbalanced loads, or find that your drum wobbles excessively during spin cycles. This hub covers the DC97-17004B replacement part and its compatibility across Samsung's WF series washers.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Check your washer's model number before ordering. On Samsung front-loaders, you'll find it on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back panel near the water inlet. This DC97-17004B spider arm replaces earlier versions DC97-17004A, DC97-17004C, and DC97-17004E — they're all functionally identical. Cross-reference your model number against the compatibility list below to confirm fitment.

About This Replacement Part

The spider arm is a cast aluminum or stainless steel piece with three to four mounting arms that bolt to the rear of the stainless steel wash drum. Over time, the center hub corrodes from constant moisture exposure and detergent residue, eventually weakening until it cracks or completely separates. Samsung used this particular flange shaft assembly across their 4.2 cu. ft. and 4.0 cu. ft. front-load washers manufactured between 2013 and 2017. This is a wear item — not a defect — and typically fails after 5-8 years of regular use. If you're experiencing loud banging during spin or the drum pulls away from the door seal, the spider arm has likely deteriorated. Replacement requires full disassembly of the tub, which is why repair costs often approach replacement washer prices when done professionally.

Compatible Samsung Washer Models

This DC97-17004B spider arm assembly fits the following Samsung front-load washer models. All prices and installation difficulty are identical across these units:

What You're Actually Replacing

This isn't a simple swap. The spider arm sits behind the outer tub, bolted to the stainless drum's back side. You'll need to remove the front panel, top, door boot seal, counterweights, tub springs, shock absorbers, and split the tub halves to access it. The corrosion often fuses the old spider arm to the drum, requiring penetrating oil and careful hammering to separate. Budget 3-4 hours if you've done tub work before, longer if this is your first spider arm replacement. The part itself is robust — Samsung's updated design uses better corrosion-resistant materials than the original — but installation demands patience and the right tools.

Why Spider Arms Fail

Front-load washers trap moisture inside the tub between uses, and the spider arm sits in constant contact with this damp environment. Detergent residue — especially from pods and liquid detergents — accelerates corrosion by creating acidic conditions around the aluminum hub. Samsung's earlier spider arms used cast aluminum with minimal protective coating, making them vulnerable to galvanic corrosion where they contact the stainless drum. The DC97-17004B revision addresses some of these issues, but proper washer maintenance still matters. Leave the door cracked between loads, run monthly cleaning cycles with washer cleaner (not vinegar), and use HE detergent in the recommended amounts. These habits won't make your spider arm immortal, but they'll extend its life significantly.

Price & Availability

Genuine Samsung DC97-17004B spider arms run $188.99 — that's the factory part, not an aftermarket substitute. You'll find cheaper aluminum versions online for $80-120, but they typically use the same materials that failed in the original design. Given the labor involved in replacement, spending the extra money on the OEM part makes sense. This is a once-per-washer-lifetime repair for most owners, so doing it right the first time saves you from repeating the process in three years.