FIXED WF431ABP/XAA Noise and shaking when spinning

[greg98231]

Model Number

WF431ABP/XAA

Brand

Samsung

Age

More than 10 years

User reported symptoms: "The spinning cycle . . . . is louder, the rocking more intense and there is a smell of the motor over heating when the washer is opened after stopping the spinning manually." Any ideas what I should check?

 

[dashriprok]

My guess is that you have a broken/cracked DC97-14421A spider. That's a big aluminum casting the supports the entire wash basket. I suspect the smell it caused from the wash basket hitting the outer tub and "cheese gratering" plastic off it in the spin cycle.

Replacing the spider requires you to completely disassemble the entire washer. You'll also want to change the bearings & main seal while you're at it.

 

[Jake]

Yes @dashriprok is correct.

This video gives you the general idea of how to replace it:

 

[greg98231]

Thanks! The user (my tenant) also said, "it does not stop spinning. It get stuck at 2 minutes and just keeps spinning." Could this be caused by the same issue, or is it more likely unrelated?

 

[Jake]

The user (my tenant) also said, "it does not stop spinning. It get stuck at 2 minutes and just keeps spinning." Could this be caused by the same issue, or is it more likely unrelated?

That seems unrelated to me. Multiple problems seems to be new washer time to me, it seems now it will cost more to fix then its worth, unless you have plenty of time on your hands before the Thanksgiving Holiday?

You can get a basic washer for $499 NO BELLS/NO WHISTLES.

 

[greg98231]

Thanks for the suggestion but I'm going to try to fix it for now. Is there a test I can do to check the spin problem?

 

[Jake]

You'd need to remove the tub(inner) and check for cracks or broken spots on the inner tub spider arm support first. Allow yourself a few hours, its a big job to do that.

 

[greg98231]

Thanks! I'll let you know how it works out. And how likely is it that the bearings and seal will need replacing too? I'm wondering if I should have them before taking the whole thing apart.

 

[Jake]

What revision is on your model number tag?

It looks like you can't get the bearings separately, you'd need the whole outer tub assembly to get them.

Look at 8-9 here: Parts for Samsung WF431ABP/XAA-01: Drum Assy Parts

 

[greg98231]

Not sure what my revision is. Can you tell from the label?

 

[Jake]

Revision 08.

This looks to be the rear outer tub assembly for your model: DC97-14604Q

 

[greg98231]

How can I tell if shock absorbers also need replacing?

 

[Jake]

I'd first physically examine the shocks.

The shocks do not have a lot of resistance on them. They should move fairly easy on the unit, but should not be very loose. They shouldn't be bottoming out or leaking any oil.

Here's the shocks for your model you can order if needed(Each sold separate):
Shock Absorber DC66-00470A


Video included in part link.

 

[greg98231]

I have completed the repair, you have been very helpful and my tenant is happy. The 'spin problem' seems to have corrected itself and it purrs along quietly now while spinning. I attach a picture of the broken spider arm. Thanks!

 

[Jake]

Excellent, good find.

Glad to hear the new inner tub spider arm support fixed it.

Thanks for the update!

Here it is for your model, in case others need it too:
DC97-16509B Assy Flange Shaft