Walk into any independent shop in 2025 and the Samsung WA50-series top-loaders are still the most common machines on the bench. Customers love the huge capacity and quiet spin; techs either love the money they make on spider/rotor failures or curse the drain-pump removal that feels engineered by sadists.
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Complete Teardown Guide: Samsung WA50R5200AW Top-Load Washing Machine
Every screw, every hidden clip, every “why won’t this come out” moment — fully exposed
Repair University | NEU Appliance Parts
Tools You’ll Need
- Phillips #2 (short & long stubby)
- 10 mm, 17 mm, 36 mm sockets + long extensions
- Impact driver (mandatory!)
- Trim removal / plastic pry tools
- Needle-nose pliers & side cutters
- Gloves – those cabinet edges are razor sharp
Step 1 – Console & Control Removal
Start at the back. Four Phillips screws hold the upper rear panel — slide it up and off. Tilt the console forward (lid open), release the diagnostic port, then attack every red locking connector. Discharge the capacitor last — it can still shock you hard.
Step 2 – Lid & Glass Bowl
Two rear hinge screws, two hidden under rubber plugs up front. Lift the entire lid off. The glass bowl unclips by working around the perimeter — easy once you know where the springs hide.
Step 3 – Pulsator & Basket
Pop the softener cap → 10 mm pulsator bolt → lift pulsator. Then the 36 mm reverse-thread hub nut (impact on “tighten” direction). Basket lifts straight up — watch for spider corrosion!
Step 4 – Suspension Rods (Samsung actually made this easy)
Lift tub slightly, push cup down, rotate — ball pops free. Four corners in under two minutes.
Step 5 – Flip It & Strip the Bottom
Liberate the entire wiring harness, remove bump stops, shift actuator (cotter pin trick), rotor (17 mm impact), stator (five 10 mm), and RPS sensor.
Step 6 – Gear Case Drop
Chase the ring of 10 mm bolts, pry gently — gear case drops with tub seal attached.
Step 7 – Tub Removal & Drain Pump Nightmare
Loosen the giant tub-to-pump hose, slide tub forward and out. Then fight the drain pump — two screws, two clamps, and one infuriating push-mount most techs just cut.
Most Common Failures & Part Numbers We Stock
- Spider corrosion – DC97-20611A
- Rotor cracking – DC31-00187A
- Stator / hall sensor – DC31-00154A
- Drain pump – DC31-00178A
- Lid lock – DC34-00025E
- Tub seal & bearings – DC62-00262A
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