How to Fix the Drum Bearings for a Dryer With a Drum Not Spinning

The drum bearings support the weight of the dryer drum and allow it to rotate smoothly as it dries your clothes. Over time, these bearings can wear out, causing the drum to become misaligned or unstable. If you suspect that the drum bearings are causing your dryer to fail to spin, you can check for signs of wear and tear by turning the drum by hand. If it feels loose or wobbles, the bearings may be damaged. Furthermore, worn-out drum bearings tend to create a loud noise whenever the dryer is in use. Therefore, if you notice that your drum is unstable and is accompanied by an unusual noise, it is likely that you will need to replace the drum bearings.

Diagnosing the Rear Drum Bearing

The rear drum bearing has been lubricated with oil when it was originally manufactured so that it turns smoothly when the machine is in operation. Over time, the oil will eventually dissipate and the bearing will start to wear out. You may hear a squeaking, grinding, or rattling sound when this happens. Debris may also collect where the bearing is found so it is important to clean it out.

Diagnosing the Front Drum Bearing

To check if your plastic front drum bearings are good, run your fingers along then to check for cuts or rough parts. You need to replace them if they do not feel smooth.

What are Drum Bearings?

Dryers have both a front and rear drum bearing, which are responsible for supporting the drum as it spins your clothes during the drying cycle. The bearings help to reduce the friction created when the drum is spinning. This keeps the drum stable and reduces noise. The drum bearings are susceptible to wear and tear over time.

Rear drum bearings may be different depending on the type of machine you have. Some dryers have rollers at the back of the drum which hold the drum in place while others have a seal and bearing case in the center of the rear of the drum.

Front drum bearings are also model- specific. Some have a large plastic tab that sits on the top half of the underside of the front panel while others have a felt-like seal around the front of the drum.

Where are the Drum Bearings Located?

The rear drum bearing can be found at the back of your dryer drum while the front bearing is on the underside of the front of the dryer.

General Location of the Drum Bearings in a Dryer

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Rear Drum Bearing

1. To prevent electrical hazards, shut off the power supply to your dryer.
2. Remove the main top of your dryer.
3. Detach the front panel to access the drum; you may need to disconnect the wires for your lid switch to do this.
4. Remove the drive belt from the idler pulley and motor pulley and let it hang loose.
5. Release the drum from the drum bearing by sharply lifting the drive belt from the top and pulling the drum out from the front of the dryer.
6. Remove any mountings screws or clips holding the rear drum bearing in place.
7. Inspect the drum bearing for any signs of wear and tear.

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Front Drum Bearing

1. Unplug the dryer.
2. Remove the lint filter.
3. Remove the top panel of the dryer with a putty knife. If the lint filter housing is located there, detach it by using a screwdriver.
4. With a nut driver, release the front panel from the dryer. You may need to remove any wire assemblies surrounding it to do so.
5. You should be able to spot the drum bearings here - they might be locked into place using tabs.

How to Install a Rear Drum Bearing

1. Take your new drum bearing and place it in position before reinstalling the screws/clips to hold it in place.
2. Reinstall the drum in the machine by slowly pushing it in through the front.
3. Fit the drive belt around the drum (remember, the smooth side of the belt stays up).
4. Fit the drive belt over the idler pulley and around the motor pulley, ensuring that the belt maintains tension well.
5. Give the drum a little spin to see that it moves freely.
6. Place the front panel back on the machine.
7. Place the main top back on.
8. Plug your machine in, and your repair is complete.

How to Install a Front Drum Bearing

1. Always begin your repairs by unplugging your dryer for your safety.
2. Remove the main top of your dryer.
3. Detach the front panel to access the drum,; you may need to disconnect the wires for your lid switch to do this.
4. If your front bearing is a plastic part located on the front panel, turn the front panel around and you will be able to view the top bearing. Lean it up against the machine for easy access as you work on it.
5. If there is a light bulb, remove this first.
6. Disengage the tabs/clips or screws holding the drum bearing to the front panel of the dryer and pull the drum bearing off.
7. Inspect the drum bearing for any signs of wear and tear.
8. If the drum bearing is a seal around the front panel, visually inspect it for signs of damage.
9. If there is any sign of damage on the bearings, you will need to replace them.

Next: Troubleshooting the Drum Seal

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