Samsung Dryer Drum Felt Gasket (DC97-07618A) — What It Is and How to Replace It
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Understanding the Problem
What this part is: DC97-07618A is the drum felt gasket (drum seal) used on many Samsung dryers. It seals the drum to the bulkhead and cushions the drum edge to prevent noisy metal-on-metal contact, fabric snags, and excess lint migration. Likely causes to check first: 1. Worn, flattened, torn, or missing drum felt around the drum opening. 2. Felt that has pulled loose from the bulkhead (adhesive or fasteners failed). 3. Secondary drum issues (worn rollers/glides or misaligned drum) that accelerate felt wear. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions: 1) Safety first: unplug the dryer. If it’s a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply and disconnect per local code. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and eye protection. 2) Confirm the felt is the problem: open the door and inspect the perimeter of the drum where it meets the front/rear bulkhead. Look for compressed, torn, greasy, or missing felt. Manually rotate the drum and listen for squeaks or scraping; run the drum by hand to feel rubbing. 3) Remove the front panel/top as required for your model: typically remove lint screen, then screws along the top, lift the top, and remove clips; then remove the front panel screws and unclip the door switch wiring if needed. Keep track of screws and connectors. 4) Pull the drum forward enough to access the felt seal. On some models you must remove the drum completely (support the drum and lift off rollers/shaft). Take photos of drum alignment/roller positions if you need to fully remove it. 5) Inspect surrounding hardware: while drum is accessible check rollers, idler, glides, and rear bearing for wear. Replace any worn parts — new felt will wear quickly if other components are bad. 6) Remove the old felt: peel it away from the bulkhead. Use a putty knife to scrape off old adhesive residues and vacuum lint. Clean the surface thoroughly with a cloth and denatured alcohol so the new adhesive bonds. 7) Fit the new DC97-07618A felt: align it in the groove or on the mounting flange per the orientation of the old piece. Many gaskets have a lip or channel — make sure the felt sits flush and not twisted. 8) Attach the new felt: some installations are friction-fit, others require high-temperature appliance adhesive or heat-resistant RTV. If adhesive is needed, apply a thin bead of high-temp silicone adhesive (rated for 500°F+) or appliance cement to the mounting surface, press the felt into place, and hold/clip until set. Avoid household superglues; they can fail with heat. 9) Reinstall the drum: carefully position the drum back onto the rollers and shaft. Ensure the drum tracks correctly on rollers and that the felt seals evenly around the drum circumference. 10) Reassemble the front panel/top and reconnect any wiring. Reinstall lint screen. 11) Test run: plug the dryer back in (and turn gas back on if applicable). Run the dryer empty on a short cycle and listen for rubbing, squeaks, or unusual vibration. Recheck the seal and drum alignment after the test run. 12) Final check: if you still hear rubbing or see fabric catching, re-inspect for misalignment, uneven adhesive application, or additional worn parts. Safety note: Always disconnect power before working on the dryer. For gas dryers, shut off the gas supply and, if you disconnect gas lines, have a qualified technician reconnect and test for leaks if you’re not certified. If you’re unsure about removing major components or working with gas, hire a qualified appliance technician.
Common Symptoms
Squeaking or scraping noises during tumble, fabric catching on the drum edge, visible worn or missing felt, excess lint at the front, and intermittent rubbing that stops after moving the drum.
Common Causes
- Normal wear and compression over years of use
- Adhesive or mounting failure causing the felt to pull away
- Worn drum rollers, glides, or misaligned drum accelerating felt wear
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Helpful Repair Tip
Visually inspect and run the drum by hand: if you can see daylight between the drum edge and bulkhead or feel rough spots when the drum turns, the felt is worn—replace the DC97-07618A. Also check drum rollers/glides; replace them at the same time if worn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the DC97-07618A drum felt gasket typically last?
Lifespan varies with use and dryer maintenance—typically 5–10 years. Heavy use, overloaded loads, or worn drum support parts can shorten its life. Inspect the felt if you hear new rubbing or squeaking noises.
Can I replace DC97-07618A myself or should I call a technician?
Most handy homeowners can replace the felt with basic tools (screwdrivers, nut driver, putty knife). Expect 45–90 minutes depending on model and whether you must remove the drum. Hire a technician if you’re uncomfortable disassembling the dryer, working with gas lines, or if other components (rollers, bearings) are badly worn.
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