How to replace a Samsung dishwasher circulation pump

On a Samsung dishwasher, the circulation pump is responsible for circulating water throughout the dishwasher, allowing your dishwasher to effectively clean the dishes. 

Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include reduced water pressure or no water spraying, unusual noises coming from the pump, and leaks around the pump area.

You can find a replacement circulation pump DD81-01640A here. If you need other replacement parts for your Samsung dishwasher, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Tools

• Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• 5/8 in wrench
• 9/64 in hex screwdriver
• Pliers
• Towels

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.

Replacement steps

Step 1: disassembly 

1. Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker and shut off the water supply valve.
2. Open the dishwasher door and remove both upper and lower racks. 
3. Remove the mounting brackets for the water supply tube assembly on the top and rear of the dishwasher tub. Rotate the tube to release it from the pump assembly.
4. Pull the wash arm up to detach it from the pump assembly.
5. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws securing the pump cover. Lift off the pump cover.
6. Secure the impeller by gripping it with one hand while using a flat-head screwdriver to unthread the mounting screw in a clockwise direction. Lift off the impeller once the screw is removed.
7. Remove the screws securing the pump base and lift off the cutting blade.
8. Use a phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws securing the lower access panel, and carefully remove the panel.
9. Use a 5/8th inch wrench to unthread the water supply line connected to the inlet valve at the bottom of the dishwasher. Have a towel ready for any remaining water when disconnecting the line.
10. Remove the screws securing the junction box cover located near the water supply line and pull the cover off. 
11. Take note of the location of the wires connected inside the junction box. Untwist the wire nuts to disconnect the wires.
12. Detach the strain relief nut from the junction box.
13. Disconnect the drain hose from the sink drain or garbage disposal and feed it through the cabinet.
14. Open the dishwasher door and Use a phillips-head screwdriver to remove the cabinet mounting bracket screws on the top or sides of the door frame.
15. If necessary, adjust the dishwasher’s legs to lower the appliance. 
16. Carefully pull the dishwasher away from the cabinet, making sure to avoid any damage to the cabinet and floor.
17. Tip the dishwasher back so it rests on its rear panel.
18. Use the phillips-head screwdriver to unthread the screws securing the bottom access panel. 
19. Pull the panel forward, disconnect the leak sensor wire connector, and set the panel aside.
20. Disconnect the wire connector for the main wash motor and the wires connected to the capacitor.
21. Remove the screw securing the grounding wire to the motor.
22. Unthread the screws securing the old motor to the pump housing and remove the motor.
23. Remove the screws securing the left and right side access panels and pull the panels off.
24. Remove the screws securing the dishwasher base to the hinge supports. Pull the base away from the bottom of the tub to access the mounting screw and release the old motor capacitor.

Step 2: reassembly

1. Align the new motor capacitor on the base and thread the screw to secure it.
2. Position the new motor on the pump housing and secure it with the screws.
3. Secure the grounding wire to the motor with the screw.
4. Connect the wire connector for the main wash motor and the capacitor wires to the terminals on the new capacitor.
5. Reposition the dishwasher base and replace the screws to secure it to the hinge supports.
6. Realign both side access panels and replace the screws to secure them.
7. Reconnect the leak sensor wire connector.
8. Reposition the bottom access panel on the base and snap the retaining tabs into place. Rethread the screws to secure it.
9. Return the dishwasher to its upright position.
10. Gently slide the dishwasher back into the cabinet, taking care not to pinch any hoses or wires.
11. Adjust the leveling legs if necessary to ensure the dishwasher is level and stable. Once adjusted, replace the screws to secure the mounting brackets to the cabinet or countertop.
12. Feed the drain hose through the cabinet and connect it to the sink drain or disposer. Make sure that the hose is elevated above the connection point to prevent backflow.
13. Position the wire strain relief in the junction box and secure it by threading the strain relief nut.
14. Connect the wires using the wire nuts, align the junction box cover, and replace the screw to secure it.
15. Reconnect the water supply line to the dishwasher’s inlet valve.
16. Replace the lower access panel and secure itwith the screws.
17. Slide the cutting blade onto the motor shaft with the “u” side facing up.
18. Realign the pump base and make sure it is properly positioned.
19. Insert the impeller into the pump assembly and rethread the mounting screw in a counterclockwise direction to secure it.
20. Reposition the pump cover and replace all the screws to secure it in place.
21. Realign the lower wash arm on the pump housing and snap it into place.
22. Reinsert the bottom of the water supply tube into the pump assembly and rotate it to secure it. Snap the tube into the mounting brackets on the rear and top of the dishwasher tub.
23. Reinstall the upper and lower dish racks. 
24. Turn the water supply and power back on at the circuit breaker.
25.  Run a test to check for any problems. 

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the circulation pump on your Samsung dishwasher. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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