How to Fix the Blower Wheel for a Dryer With Steam Coming Out
If your dryer is producing steam when you open the door after a cycle, there could be an issue with the blower wheel, also known as the fan. The blower wheel's job in your dryer is that it circulates air through the dryer and out of the exhaust, which helps to dry your clothes evenly. If the blower wheel becomes clogged, blocked, or damaged, it can’t circulate air properly, which can cause moisture and heat to build up within your dryer cabinet, resulting in a steam build-up and ineffective drying. Below is an easy-to-follow guide that can help you find and inspect your dryer’s blower wheel, and then repair it, if necessary, to get your clothes dry!
What is a Blower Wheel?
The blower wheel is part of your dryer’s heating and ventilation system. It circulates the airflow around your dryer cabinet, pushing the hot air out and moving the new air around.
Where is the Blower Wheel Located?
The blower wheel is usually located on the front or rear panel, within the blower housing, and it’s usually connected to the motor in some way. The specific location will depend on your dryer model.
General Location of the Blower Wheel in a Dryer
How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Blower Wheel in a Dryer
- Unplug your dryer and remove it from the wall. If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply and disconnect the gas lines.
- Using a putty knife, remove the top portion of your dryer.
- Disconnect the door switch and the moisture sensor wiring assemblies, both of which can normally be found on the upper portion of the cabinet.
- Disconnect and remove the front portion of your dryer.
- Remove any exhaust outlets near the rear of the machine, which may require a screwdriver.
- Disconnect and remove the back panel.
- Remove your dryer’s belt from the idler pulley and motor underneath the tub of your dryer.
- Remove the drum with the belt on it.
- Disconnect and remove the blower wheel’s securing screw(s).
- Before continuing, refer to your user manual for any information about the thread of your dryer’s motor pulley and the blower wheel assembly.
- With two wrenches, hold the motor pulley with one and disconnect the blower wheel with the other.
- Check the blower wheel for any obstructions, clogs, or damage. Any wobble can also be a sign of wear and damage caused over time. If it’s still in good working condition (see next section for how to test it), reinsert it. If not, replace it.
How to Test the Blower Wheel
- Remove the blower wheel from the assembly, following the above video and instructions.
- First, inspect the fins of the blower. If any are cracked or split, the centrifugal force of the blower could be causing it to make contact with the blower housing.
- While inspecting for cracks, keep an eye out for small objects that may have become lodged between the blower fins. These can also damage the blower over time.
- Clean any damp lint off the blower fan fins that may have accumulated over time. This is less damaging than cracks or foreign objects, but will still cause clogs that can result in a steam buildup.
- After inspecting the blower for the above issues, replace it into the housing and spin it by hand. If the blower wheel spins freely with no resistance or wobble, it is good to go. However, if the blower wheel wobbles or does not spin freely after your inspection, it may need to be replaced.
How to Install a New Blower Wheel
- Install the new blower wheel and tighten it while securing the motor pulley.
- Secure the wheel’s fitting.
- Reinstall the drum of your dryer onto the rear rollers.
- Feed the belt through the idler pulley and secure it onto the motor pulley.
- Connect the back panel of your dryer.
- Connect the front panel of your dryer.
- Connect any previously disconnected switches, namely the door switch and the moisture sensor wiring assemblies.
- Reattach the top cover.
- Push the dryer back into its original position, and reconnect the power (and gas, if applicable). Your repair is now complete!
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