Whirlpool Dryer Bearing Replacement: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Dryer Running Smoothly

Whirlpool dryers are known for their reliability and efficiency, but even the best appliances can experience problems over time. One of the most common issues that Whirlpool dryers face is worn-out bearings. Fortunately, replacing the bearings in a Whirlpool dryer is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that can be completed in a few hours.

Identifying a Bad Bearing

The first step in replacing the bearings in your Whirlpool dryer is to identify if they are actually bad. There are a few signs that can indicate a bearing problem:

Loud, grinding noise: The most common sign of a bad bearing is a loud, grinding noise that occurs when the dryer is running.
Drum wobbling: If the drum of your dryer is wobbling excessively, it could be a sign that the bearings are worn out.
Increased vibration: Another sign of a bad bearing is increased vibration, which can be felt when the dryer is running.

Replacing the Bearings

If you have identified that the bearings in your Whirlpool dryer are bad, you will need to replace them. Here are the steps on how to do it:

1. Gather your tools and materials.

New bearings (2)
Bearing puller
Bearing press
5/16-inch socket wrench
Flat-head screwdriver
Phillips-head screwdriver

2. Unplug the dryer and remove the back panel.

3. Remove the drum belt.

Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the drum belt from the motor pulley and the idler pulley.

4. Remove the drum support rollers.

Use a 5/16-inch socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the drum support rollers in place. Then, remove the rollers.

5. Remove the drum.

Lift the drum up and off of the shaft. Be careful not to damage the drum or the shaft.

6. Remove the old bearings.

Use a bearing puller to remove the old bearings from the drum shaft. Be careful not to damage the shaft.

7. Install the new bearings.

Use a bearing press to install the new bearings onto the drum shaft. Be sure to press the bearings on until they are fully seated.

8. Reassemble the dryer.

Reassemble the dryer in the reverse order that you disassembled it. Be sure to tighten all of the bolts and screws.

9. Test the dryer.

Once you have reassembled the dryer, plug it back in and run it to test it. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. If the dryer is running smoothly, then you have successfully replaced the bearings.

Tips for Replacing Whirlpool Dryer Bearings

Here are a few tips for replacing the bearings in your Whirlpool dryer:

Be sure to purchase the correct bearings for your dryer model.
Take your time and follow the instructions carefully.
If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, you can hire a qualified appliance repair technician.

Conclusion

Replacing the bearings in a Whirlpool dryer is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that can be completed in a few hours. By following the steps in this guide, you can save yourself the cost of hiring a repair technician and keep your dryer running smoothly for years to come.