Samsung Suspension Rod DC97-16350C – What This Part Does & How to Replace It
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
What it is and why it matters: The DC97-16350C is a suspension rod (shock) used on many Samsung top‑load washing machines. The rods connect the inner tub to the outer cabinet and absorb motion during agitation and spin. When these rods wear out or collapse, the tub can droop, hit the cabinet, vibrate violently, or make loud banging/thumping noises during spin. Replacing the bad suspension rods restores proper support and prevents tub-to-cabinet contact and out‑of‑control spins. Step-by-step diagnostics and repair (practical): 1. Safety first: Unplug the washer and turn off the water. Pull the washer away from the wall so you can work around it. Place a towel or shallow pan if you tilt the washer to catch residual water. 2. Confirm the symptom: Run a spin-only cycle (no clothes). Watch and listen: If the tub slams against the cabinet, spins lopsided, or bounces excessively, suspension rods are likely. 3. Visual/physical check: Remove the cabinet/top to inspect (method depends on model) or carefully tip the washer back (many techs tilt the washer to access the base). With the cabinet removed or tilted, inspect the four suspension rods around the tub. Look for rods that are collapsed, deformed, loose in their sockets, or have torn rubber boots. 4. Bounce test: Push down on the tub near each rod. A healthy rod resists and dampens motion; a bad rod either offers no resistance, collapses instantly, or lets the tub slam back. Repeat at all four corners. 5. Decide parts: It’s best to replace the set of four rods at once; mismatched new/old rods cause uneven damping. Order DC97-16350C (commonly sold individually or as a 4‑pack kit). 6. Remove the old rods: With power off and the cabinet open or washer tilted, support the tub. Each rod has two ends seated in plastic cups or clips — one end into the outer cabinet bracket and the other into a rubber/plastic cup on the tub. Pry or depress the retaining lip and pull the rod out of each cup. Some models require pressing a clip or using a small screwdriver to lever the rod out. Work one rod at a time so the tub stays supported. 7. Install the new rod(s): Insert the bottom end into the cabinet bracket first (it usually snaps in). Compress or angle the top end and push it into the tub cup until it snaps fully into place. Confirm each end is seated and the retaining lips engaged. Repeat for the remaining rods. 8. Reassemble and test: Reinstall the cabinet/top if removed, return the washer upright, reconnect water and power, and run a spin test with no laundry. The tub should remain centered, spin smoothly, and vibration should be reduced. 9. Final checks: If vibration persists after replacing all rods, inspect the tub balance (check for obstructions, soap buildup, or a failing bearing) and confirm feet are level and the floor is solid. Safety note: Always unplug the washer before disassembly. If you tip the washer, secure it so it cannot fall. Use gloves and eye protection. If you’re unsure how your particular model’s cabinet comes off, consult the model-specific service manual or a professional.
Common Symptoms
Washer vibrates violently or walks during spin, loud banging or thumping as the tub hits the cabinet, tub leans to one side, clothes come out unevenly distributed after spin.
Common Causes
- Suspension rod internal wear or loss of damping (rod collapses)
- Rod ends torn or popped out of their rubber/plastic cups
- A single rod failure (or mixed old/new rods) causing uneven support and off‑balance spinning
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
To quickly confirm a bad rod: with the cabinet off, push down on the tub near each rod — a collapsed or loose rod will let the tub drop and slap back without resistance. Replace all four rods for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to replace all four suspension rods or can I replace just one?
You can replace a single failed rod, but it’s strongly recommended to replace all four at the same time. Rods wear unevenly; mixing new and old rods results in poor damping balance and the washer may still vibrate or be noisy even after one rod is replaced.
Is DC97-16350C compatible with my Samsung washer model?
DC97-16350C is used on many Samsung top‑load models, but compatibility varies. Check your washer model number (found on the washer tag behind the lid or back panel) and cross‑reference with the parts seller or Samsung parts list. You can also confirm by comparing the old rod’s shape and mounting ends to the replacement before installing.
Related How-To Videos
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.