Customer Questions and Answers for Idler Assembly (Belt Tensioner) by Whirlpool

This idler assembly is the spring-loaded belt tensioner that keeps the drive belt correctly tightened. Replacing a worn or seized idler restores smooth belt tracking, reduces squeal, and helps prevent slippage or loss of drive.

• Maintains proper tension on the drive belt for reliable power transfer
• Helps prevent belt slippage, squealing, or the belt coming off the pulleys
• Supports smooth rotation of the driven components
• Failure symptoms can include noise from the belt path, a frayed or derailed belt, or loss of motion

• Disconnect power and allow all moving parts to stop before servicing
• Access the belt path; relieve belt tension and remove the old idler assembly
• Install the new assembly; ensure the pulley spins freely and the belt is centered in the groove
• Manually rotate the system to verify alignment and clearances before restoring power