Dryer drum roller replacement

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:

1. Shut off the dryer electrical power by unplugging the power cord. If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Push the new drum support roller onto the shaft and secure it with the triangular washer.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Lower the top panel and snap it into place. Reinstall the screws in the lint duct housing and reinstall the lint screen.
10. 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.