How to Replace a Clothes Dryer Idler Pulley

Maintaining your washer and dryer is vitally important to the life of the appliances, the functionality of your household and the safety of your household. A dryer that is not properly maintained could become a fire hazard. If you notice noise or other problems, it is likely you have a problem with the idler pulley. Replace it to solve the problem by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Flathead screwdriver
• New idler pulley
• Putty knife

1. Disconnect the power source. This is an important step as it ensures your safety during the span of the replacement of the idler pulley. The idler pulley creates tension on the drum belt which aids in the drum rotation.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to pop off the access panel of the dryer. In a two piece front dryer, this needs to be the lower panel. Place the screwdriver into the slot at the bottom of the dryer door. There are clips located behind the middle top of the panel. They may also be on the corners, so check there if it does not pop out towards you.
3. Lift the panels up off the lower clips and set aside. You should now have access to the screws on the bottom of the door panel. Unscrew the two screws, but do not take them completely out. You should be able to see the idle pulley, belt break switch and part of the belt.
4. Look under the cover of the lint filler, or remove the entire lift filler if connected to the cover. There will be two screws. Remove them and use a putty knife to remove the top panel by popping it off the clips. Just inside the panel there are two screws you will also need to remove.
5. Locate the wires and remove the metal clips to allow the wires to move aside. Hold the drum up slightly to enable you to remove the panel off the screws you loosened earlier, and set it aside. You should now have full access to the idler pulley and belt.
6. Uninstall the belt and remove the idler pulley. Install the new idler pulley and belt. Reassemble dryer and test. If there is still a problem, consider having a professional look at it. Otherwise, you are ready to go.

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