How to Replace Dryer Drum Rollers & Idler Pulley — Step-by-Step Instructions
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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