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Dryer drum roller replacement
Common reasons your dryer drum roller needs replacement
The most common reasons your dryer needs drum roller replacement are a worn drum support roller, broken drum belt or a worn drum bearing.
54% of the time it's the Drum Support Roller
16% of the time it's the Drum Belt
15% of the time it's the Drum Bearing
15% of the time it's the Something else
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Common dryer repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these dryer parts may fix your problem.
Drum Support Roller Replacement
When the drum support roller wears down, your dryer may start producing noises like clunks or metallic grinding sounds. Clunks occur when the roller wheel flattens, causing the drum to hit flat spots on the wheel during rotation. Additionally, if the worn roller fails to stabilize the drum during rotation, you might hear grinding noises as the drum rubs against metal in the cabinet. If your dryer is making unusual noises, it's advisable to schedule a service appointment and have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect and repair the dryer.
Drum Belt Replacement
When a drum roller wears out in your dryer, it's essential to inspect the condition of the drum belt. A worn drum belt can increase pressure on the drum roller, leading to premature wear. The drum belt should fit snugly around the dryer drum, with the idler pulley providing tension to keep it tight and ensure proper drum rotation. Over time, the belt may stretch and become loose, resulting in drum vibration and improper spinning. If your dryer isn't spinning correctly, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect and repair the dryer.
Drum Bearing Replacement
If you find that the drum roller needs replacement in your dryer, it's important to inspect for signs of a worn drum bearing. A worn drum bearing can place additional stress on the drum roller, leading to premature failure. The drum bearing is responsible for ensuring smooth rotation of the drum when functioning correctly. However, when the drum bearing wears out, the drum may not spin smoothly, causing increased pressure on the roller and hastening its failure. To address this issue, it's recommended to have a Sears Home Services Technician replace both the drum bearing and drum roller when the drum isn't spinning smoothly.
How do I know if my dryer drum rollers are bad?
When your dryer drum rollers are bad, you’ll typically hear squealing or metallic scraping noises as the dryer runs because the rollers are supporting the drum properly and the drum is rubbing on the metal bulkhead. You may also hear a rapid thumping noise if you stored the dryer for long time and one or more of the drum rollers has a flat side because the drum sat in one position on the roller for so long.
How do I replace dryer drum rollers?
Follow the procedure in this safe DIY video to replace the drum rollers in a common types of Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana and Roper dryers:
Here are the steps to replace the dryer drum rollers:
- Shut off the dryer electrical power by unplugging the power cord. If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas.
- Pull the lint screen out of the housing in the top panel of the dryer. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 2 screws that secure the lint screen housing to the top panel. To release the clips that lock the top of the dryer in place, push a putty knife under the lid near the left and right edges of the front of the dryer. Lift the top and prop it securely against the wall behind the dryer.
- Use a slot screwdriver to release the locking tab on the wire harness plug for the door switch. Disconnect the wire harness. Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the front panel mounting screws from the inside of the dryer. Pull the front panel forward slightly, and then lift and unhook it from the 2 bottom hangers. Pull the front panel off of the dryer and set it aside.
- Note the configuration of the belt on the idler pulley and the motor pulley before removing it—take a digital picture of it so you know how to reinstall it. Push the idler pulley to the right to release tension on the drive belt. Pull the drive belt off of the idler pulley and the motor pulley. Pull the drum out of the dryer and set it aside.
- Use a slot screwdriver to pry the triangular washer off the front of the drum support roller. Pull the drum support roller off of the front of the shaft.
- Push the new drum support roller onto the shaft and secure it with the triangular washer.
- Place the rear of the drum on top of the support roller that's on the rear panel inside the dryer. Lift the front of the drum to access the drive motor and idler pulley. Referring to the digital picture of the configuration, thread the drive belt through the idler pulley. Push the idler pulley to the right and loop the drive belt over the motor pulley.
- Position the front panel on the hangers at the bottom of the dryer. Line up the mounting holes and reinstall the screws in the top of the front panel to secure it to the dryer. Plug the wire harness back into the plug on the door switch. Make sure the locking tab engages properly.
- Lower the top panel and snap it into place. Reinstall the screws in the lint duct housing and reinstall the lint screen.
- Plug the dryer into the wall outlet. If it's a gas dryer, turn on the gas supply to the dryer.
If you’re not confident that you can safely replace the drum roller on your own, schedule dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to install the new drum support roller for you.
What to expect when you experience a dryer drum roller replacement issue
How to fix a drum roller problem in a dryer
Addressing most drum roller issues typically entails replacing either the drum support roller, drum belt, or drum bearing. However, due to various potential causes, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem effectively. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the extent of the repair required.
Sears Home Services offers recommendations for a dryer drum roller replacement
When your dryer requires drum roller replacement, there could be several underlying reasons. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest enlisting the expertise of a Sears Home Services professional to conduct diagnostic tests and pinpoint the root cause of the issue. Our technicians possess extensive experience in diagnosing various types of dryer malfunctions.
What to look for with a dryer drum roller replacement diagnosis
Identifying issues with modern appliances can be challenging without the right knowledge and training. Attempting to fix your dryer problem without proper diagnostic techniques often leads to replacing parts based on guesswork. Appliances, particularly those developed in the last decade, have become highly sophisticated, with electronic components that are hard to assess. DIY repairs on newer appliance models are getting more complicated.
Thumping or bumping noises usually point to worn drum rollers. Incorrect DIY replacements risk offsetting the drum and creating friction. Let dryer repair near me install new rollers precisely. Smooth spinning extends machine life and keeps your laundry quiet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I replace the drum roller on my dryer?
To replace the drum roller, you’ll need to unplug the power cord, disassemble the dryer to access the roller and remove the old drum roller. Install a new roller and reassemble the dryer.
What tools do I need to replace the drum roller on my dryer?
You'll need basic tools like a screwdriver, socket wrench, work gloves and pliers to access and replace the drum roller.
How can I tell if my dryer drum roller needs replacing?
If your dryer is making a loud noise or the drum is not spinning smoothly, it may be time to replace the drum roller.
What should I do if the new drum roller doesn’t fix the noise in my dryer?
If the issue persists, check for other potential issues, like the idler pulley or motor, that could be causing the noise.
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Glossary Terms
A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.
A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.
A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.
A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.