Customer Questions and Answers for Dryer Drum Front Support Bearing by Ge

Hello Dan, On a GE, the front bearing and glides hold the front of the drum up so it rides level. When they wear down, the drum tilts toward the front which causes the rear of the drum to ride too close to the heating element. Since the heating element WE11M23 tends to droop from the heat it produces, it will contact the rear of the drum and either destroy the heating element, or it will trip the breaker. This also causes more parts to be necessary to bring the unit back to operational status. For a proper repair, you need to replace the rear bearing assembly WE25M40, two white glides WE03X37318, two green glides WE03X37317, and the front bearing WE3M26. While the WD-40 quietened the operation of the unit, you are taking a chance on destroying the heating element, which would only cost you more money to correct the units' operation. Also, while you're in there, just to prevent having to go in again, you should spin the idler pulley WE12X83. If it doesn't spin freely, it should be replaced so you don't have to go through the tear down again. Also check the condition of the felt seal WE09X27634. Once again, it's better to replace it now than to have to go back and tear down again for an issue that could have been corrected while you were in there looking at it.