August 01, 2014

How to replace a dryer drum glide bearing

This DIY dryer repair guide shows how to replace a dryer drum glide bearing. The drum glide bearing ensures that the drum turns smoothly. If the drum glide bearing wears out or is damaged, the drum makes a scraping noise and doesn't turn smoothly. Use a manufacturer-approved dryer part to install a new glide bearing. Replace the felt seal on the dryer front panel at the same time.

The video below shows a gas dryer, but the repair is the same for electric. Use these steps to replace the drum glide bearing in Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Crosley and Estate dryers with a lint screen housing located in the top dryer panel.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Nut driver set

Phillips screwdriver

Putty knife

Slot screwdriver

Vacuum cleaner or shop vac

Needle-nose pliers

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

60 minutes or less

Replacing a drum glide bearing on a dryer

This video explains how to replace a drum glide bearing on a dryer.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the power
Unplug the dryer. If it's a gas dryer, shut off the gas.
Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
02.
Raise the top panel
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.
PHOTO: Remove the lint screen.
PHOTO: Remove the lint screen housing screws.
PHOTO: Release the panel locking clips.
PHOTO: Lift the top panel.
03.
Remove the front panel
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.
PHOTO: Disconnect the wire harness for the door switch.
PHOTO: Remove the front panel mounting screws.
PHOTO: Remove the front panel.
04.
Remove the drum
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.
Tip: Use the drive belt that you just released from the pulleys to lift the drum up and out of the dryer.
PHOTO: Release the drive belt.
PHOTO: Remove the drum.
05.
Remove the drum glide bearing
Release the locking tabs by squeezing them together and pushing them through the openings in the edge of the drum.
Pull half of the drum glide bearing out of the drum and then the other.
PHOTO: Release the glide bearing clips.
PHOTO: Remove the drum glide bearing.
06.
Install the new drum glide bearing
Line up the locking tabs on the new drum glide bearing with the openings in the drum and snap the new bearing into place.
07.
Replace the felt seal
Pull the felt seal out of the channel in the front panel. Push the new felt seal into the channel.
Tip: While the dryer is open, vacuum the dust and lint from inside the dryer.
PHOTO: Remove the drum felt seal.
08.
Reinstall the drum
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.
09.
Reinstall the front panel
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.
10.
Reassemble the top panel
Lower the top panel and snap it into place.
Reinstall the screws in the lint duct housing and reinstall the lint screen.
11.
Restore power to the dryer
Plug the dryer into the wall outlet. If it's a gas dryer, turn on the gas supply to the dryer.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.