Dryer Squeaking, Thumping or Not Spinning? Replace the Belt and Rollers
A squeaking, thumping, rumbling, or non-spinning clothes dryer may only need a new drive belt, drum rollers, or idler pulley. These affordable parts can often be replaced together with ordinary hand tools, avoiding an expensive service call or a premature dryer replacement.
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Electric clothes dryers are relatively simple machines, and many common repairs can be completed by someone with moderate DIY skills. When a dryer begins squeaking, thumping, rumbling, or refusing to spin, the problem may be a worn drive belt, damaged drum rollers, or a failing idler pulley.
These parts are reasonably priced, but reaching them requires opening much of the dryer cabinet. So, it makes sense to inspect and, when needed, replace the belt, both drum rollers, and the idler pulley during the same repair.
We have a Whirlpool WED5600SQ0 electric dryer. Many Whirlpool-built dryers sold under other brand names use a similar cabinet and drive system, but always verify the correct parts and repair procedure using the complete model number from your dryer.
TOOLS USED
• Putty knife or small pry bar
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Medium Phillips screwdriver
• 5/16-inch nut driver or socket
• Vacuum and clean shop rag
• Fine sandpaper for removing minor shaft burrs
Always unplug the dryer before beginning. If servicing a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply before moving or opening the appliance.
REPAIR STEPS
1. Remove the lint filter and two screws near its opening. Place a rag in the opening so a screw cannot fall into the duct.
2. Use a putty knife to release the spring clips between the top and front panels. Lift and securely support the top.
3. Disconnect the door-switch wiring, remove the front-panel screws, and lift the panel off its lower tabs.
4. Photograph the belt path around the motor and idler pulleys before removing it. This will simplify reassembly.
5. Move the idler arm to release tension, slip the belt off the pulleys, and use the belt to carefully lift out the drum.
6. Inspect the belt for cracks, glazing, frayed edges, missing ribs, or stretching. The grooved side faces the drum.
7. Check the idler pulley for stiffness, wobble, grooves, or noise. Replacing a questionable pulley now can prevent another teardown.
8. Remove the retaining clips, washers, braces, and rollers, keeping the parts in their original order.
9. Clean each roller shaft and check for rust, grooves, or burrs. Smooth minor burrs with fine sandpaper; replace badly worn shafts.
10. Many rollers run on clean, dry shafts. Do not use oil, penetrating lubricant, or WD-40. Lubricate only if specified by the manufacturer.
11. Install the new rollers, washers, clips, and brace. Confirm each roller spins freely without excessive side movement.
12. Vacuum lint from the dryer cabinet, motor area, blower housing, and floor before reinstalling the drum.
13. Place the new belt around the drum with the grooved side against it.
14. Return the drum to the cabinet, seat it on the rear rollers, and route the belt using your reference photograph.
15. Turn the drum slowly by hand several revolutions to center the belt and confirm proper routing.
16. Reinstall the front panel, making sure the drum rests correctly in the front opening.
17. Reconnect the door switch, secure the panel, lower the top, and press until the spring clips engage.
18. Reinstall the lint-filter screws, remove the rag, and replace the lint filter.
19. Check that no tools or loose parts remain inside before plugging in the dryer.
20. Run the dryer briefly while empty and listen for smooth, quiet operation.
Replacing the belt, drum rollers, and idler pulley can restore proper drum movement, eliminate irritating noises, and add years of useful life to an otherwise dependable clothes dryer.
GET THE PARTS
Roller Kit, Two-Roller Set:
https://www.ereplacementparts.com/drum-support-rollers-p-1890732.html
Replacement Drive Belt:
https://www.ereplacementparts.com/drive-belt-p-1897656.html
Idler Arm and Pulley Assembly:
https://www.ereplacementparts.com/idler-pulley-assembly-p-1890826.html
Verify compatibility using your dryer’s complete model number before ordering.
RELATED EPISODE
How to Replace a Clothes Dryer Door Switch:
https://youtu.be/dfRAR1ubVD4
JUST DO IT YOURSELF!