Front Load Dryer Repair
- 1). Unplug the dryer to prevent injury during repair. Pull the dryer from the wall to allow yourself the space to remove the cabinet panels to access the inside of the unit.
- 2). Remove the top and front panel from the dryer. Consult the dryer's repair manual for procedures specific to the dryer make and model. Common steps to remove the panels include removing the screws at the top of the panel and prying the top panel away from the dryer's cabinet with a putty knife or flat screwdriver. Disconnect the wiring harnesses inside the dryer's cabinet and screws holding the front panel in place. Remove the panels and set them aside.
- 3). Find the dryer's belt assembly under the drum. The assembly of motor shaft and idler pulley will be on the bottom of the cabinet, below the drum, on either the left or right side of the dryer, depending on the model.
- 4). Depress the pulley to relieve tension on the belt and remove the belt from the idler pulley and motor shaft. Remove the drum and set it aside with the front rim facing upward.
- 5). Inspect the felt seal around the drum rim. Look for wear and spaces on the rim where the felt is missing. If the seal is worn, replace it with a new seal.
- 6). Pry a section of the seal away from the rim with a flat screwdriver. Grab the seal and pull it from the rim by hand. Scrape the remaining pieces of felt from the drum rim with the screwdriver.
- 7). Apply high-temperature adhesive to the drum rim and place the new felt seal around the rim. Press firmly as you work around the rim to bond the seal to the drum. Turn the drum over so the newly sealed rim is on the floor while the opposite rim faces upward.
- 8). Inspect the bearing ring halves on the drum rim. Look for wear and damage to the bearing ring that would warrant replacement. If found in disrepair, pry the two ring halves from the rim. Disengage the clips that secure the ring to the drum rim and set the bearing ring aside.
- 9). Place the new ring halves inside the drum rim and align the clips with the openings on the drum. Press the rings into place until the clips snap inside the openings on the drum.
- 10
Remove the belt from around the drum. Place the new belt, with the tread side against the drum, into the ridge on the drum formerly occupied by the worn belt. Lift the drum and place it back into the dryer's cabinet. Rest the rear edge of the drum onto the guide wheels at the back of the dryer's cabinet. - 11
Return to the belt assembly below the drum. Depress the idler pulley and wrap the belt around the pulley wheel. Loop the belt around the motor shaft and release the pulley. Spin the drum by hand to ensure the drum will spin smoothly. - 12
Replace the front panel on the dryer's cabinet. Lift the drum while pressing the panel in place and screw in the screws to secure the panel onto the cabinet. Connect the wiring harnesses inside the cabinet for the door and moisture sensor if the model is equipped with these features. - 13
Replace the top panel on the dryer and screw in the screws to secure it in place. Plug the dryer into the wall outlet and return the dryer to its normal place.
