How to Replace Dryer Drum Rollers & Idler Pulley, Step by Step Instructions
You can replace dryer drum rollers & idler pulley yourself in 1 to 1.5 hours. Difficulty is moderate. A pro charges $120 to $250.
- 5 steps, 1 to 1.5 hours, moderate difficulty.
- Tools you need are putty knife, nut driver, pliers for the triangular clips.
- Parts to buy are maintenance kit. Rollers + idler pulley + belt (do all three together).
- Unplug the machine before you start.
Unplug the dryer. Some roller shafts have sharp burrs, gloves help.
Tools
- Putty knife
- Nut driver
- Pliers for the triangular clips
Parts
- Maintenance kit. Rollers + idler pulley + belt (do all three together)
Step by step
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1 Open up and pull the drum
Same teardown as a belt job. Top up, front off, belt tension released, drum out. (See the belt guide for detail, you’re replacing that too, since it’s off anyway.)
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2 Spin every wheel
Rollers should spin freely and silently with no flat spots. The idler should spin without squealing. Front glides (if fitted) shouldn’t be worn to metal.
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3 Swap the rollers
Pry off the triangular retaining clips (they love to fly, cup a hand over them), slide off old rollers, slide on new, new clips from the kit.
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4 Swap the idler
The idler arm usually lifts out of a slot. Transfer the new pulley or replace the whole arm per your kit.
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5 New belt, drum back in, test
Route the new belt, reassemble, and enjoy a dryer that sounds five years younger.
Grinding from the very back center after new rollers points at the rear drum bearing, some models make that a genuinely miserable job and a fair thing to hand to a pro. If you'd rather skip it entirely, find a dryer repair pro near you
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