Really excellent video from AppliancePartsPros.com guided me through the entire process...so there is little I need to add on exactly how to change out the spider arm. The video is also on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTXoKMHHpLs&t=22s
However, here was my experience... which may be of some help.
I heard a bang from the washer and then saw smoke coming from the drum. I read online that this was most likely due to a broken spider arm, which is located at the back of the washer drum. After reading about what a major repair it is, my initial inclination was to just buy a new washer.
I was particularly frustrated with this path however, because my nice, expensive, matching stainless steel set (on pedestals) would be broken up. I wanted to blame Samsung because they use dis-similar metals, which contributes to the corrosion problem, but the washer did last almost 10 years with weekly use. Plus we have hard water, which has contributed to problems with other appliances over the years.
I watched several homemade repair videos (most very poor quality)... but then found the professional, step by step video on appliancepartspros.com. This made all the difference. Although you end up taking almost everything out of the washer (and yes, there are a ton of steps), there was no individual step that looked too bad. I certainly can take off hose clamps and remove bolts. Since I was going to junk the machine anyway, I decided to give it a try.
I worked slowly, but got everything out the machine that first afternoon (about two hours) and quickly saw it was the spider arm. It wasn't nearly as scary as I originally thought. I ordered a new one, including the six new bolts that hold it in and a new rubber drum seal (which they will tell you when you call to order parts). For less than $200, I was willing to take the chance that I could get it reassembled.
I cleaned everything up as I went along and it all went back together perfectly. This not only saved me a ton of money, but saved me from having a mismatching washer and dryer.
A couple of notes on assembly.
- Three of the six bolts broke off inside the old spider arm, but that doesn't matter at all since it gets replaced (you don'y have to get them out).
- Best for two people to lift the drum off (then on) the two main springs. Pay attention to the video for the proper technique...it makes a difference.
- Clean everything really well (drums, hoses, etc) while it's apart and inspect for damaged parts before calling in your order.
- Stay organized. I used PosIt notes to label parts and placed them sequentially along a wall for reassembly.
- I took several photos throughout the disassembly, just in case.
I hope this helps...and good luck!!