How to Remove & Install the Motor in a Whirlpool Dryer

Whirlpool uses a variety of setups on its dryer motors. When replacing the motor on your Whirlpool dryer, it is a good idea to remove the old one and take it to an appliance repair shop for a replacement. Although there are several ways of removing and installing the motor in a Whirlpool dryer, the general procedures are similar. Most Whirlpool dryers use a simple tab and slot to lock the motor in place, although a few use mounting bolts attached directly to the cabinet.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• 2-inch putty knife
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Wrench
• Socket wrench

Instructions

Remove Motor

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer power cord from the outlet. Grab the sides of the dryer and pull the dryer two feet out from the back wall. Place masking tape over the front edge of a two-inch putty knife blade. The masking tape protects the finish of the dryer from scratches. Go to the front of the dryer and insert the putty knife blade four inches from the right corner, between the top and front panels. Feel for the spring clip that secures the two panels together. Slide the putty knife blade over the top of the spring clip while lifting on the right corner of the top panel. Release the left corner of the top panel in the same way. Lift the top panel back to the rear wall.

2. Remove the two screws at the top inside front corners, securing the front and side panels with a Phillips head screwdriver. Tilt the top of the front panel toward you slightly. Grasp the sides of the panel and lift up to disengage the bottom clips. Swing the left side of the panel toward you and place the panel on the right side of the dryer with the inside of the front panel pointing out. This will keep you from having to disconnect the door switch harness.

3. Reach under the dryer drum and locate the idler pulley. The idler pulley is the pulley to the left of the motor that applies tension to the dryer belt. Push the dryer pulley to the left and hold the pulley. Use your free hand to roll the dryer belt off the motor pulley. Slowly release your grip on the idler pulley until it goes back completely to the right.

4. Lift up on the front of the dryer drum with one hand and grab the belt on top of the drum with your other hand. Pull the drum and the belt out of the dryer cabinet.

5. Place a wrench on the shaft nut between the motor and rear of the blower housing. The blower housing is the portion that houses the blower wheel. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolt securing the blower wheel to the motor shaft. Disconnect the wires on the blower housing that are attached to the thermistor and thermostat. Simply slip the wires off the terminals with your fingers. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws securing the housing to the base of the dryer. Pull the housing away from the dryer cabinet.

6. Press the tabs on the wiring harness that are connected to the dryer motor. Pull the harness away from the motor. Slide the motor assembly to the right. The assembly has tabs on the bottom that connect into slots at the base of the dryer. Use a nut driver to remove the two hex head screws that connect the motor to the mounting plate. Pull the motor out of the dryer.

Install New Motor

1. Set the new motor on top of the mounting plate and secure it with the two hex head mounting screws. Slide the motor assembly tabs back into the slots in the base of the dryer. Connect the wiring harness to the harness on the motor until the harness locks into place. Position the blower housing in front of the motor, lining up the housing mounting holes with the mounting holes in the base of the dryer. Secure the housing with the retaining screws.

2. Place a wrench on the shaft nut between the motor and rear of the blower housing. Thread the blower wheel-securing bolt through the center of the blower wheel and motor shaft. Tighten the mounting bolt with a socket wrench. Slide the wire ends over the terminals of the thermistor and thermostat. Pick up the dryer drum and belt and set the drum inside the dryer cabinet. The rear of the drum should rest on the drum rollers on the inside rear of the dryer.

3. Reach under the drum and pull the idler pulley to the left and hold it there. Route the belt in between the idler pulley and motor, and then loop the belt over the motor pulley. Slowly release your grip on the idler pulley until the tension is on the belt. Rotate the drum by hand to ensure the belt is straight and not twisted anywhere.

4. Position the front panel back over the front of the dryer. Insert the bottom tabs into the dryer base and tilt the top of the front panel flush with the sides. Secure the front and side panels with the retaining screws. Lower the top panel and push down to engage the retaining clips. Plug the dryer into the wall outlet and push the dryer back against the wall to its working location.

Tips & Warnings

• Always disconnect power to the Whirlpool dryer before attempting repairs to the unit.

References

• Whirlpool: Dryer Service Manual p22
• Appliance Aid: Changing A Whirlpool Dryer Motor
• Appliance Aid: Whirlpool Dryer Repair