Expert tips for testing & replacing Kenmore electric dryer drum roller


Steven E / Wednesday December 4, 2024


Tired of a noisy or bumpy dryer? Discover how to test and replace the drum rollers on your Kenmore electric dryer with our expert tips.

If you need any replacement parts for your Kenmore electric dryer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The testing and replacement information in this article is based on model 11068722700 and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

  • 1/4 inch nut driver
  • Putty knife
  • #20 torx bit
  • Small flat head screwdriver
  • shop vac

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: Electric Dryer Making Loud Noises: Top 6 Reasons & Fixes

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
  • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
  • Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
  • Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
  • Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
  • Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
  • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
  • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
  • When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
  • Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

How to test and replace a Kenmore electric dryer’s drum roller

Step 1. Access the drum rollers

  1. Insert a putty knife into the corners of the console to release the two clips.
  2. Push the console up and back to access the inside of the dryer.
  3. Remove the three ¼-inch screws that secure the top panel of the dryer.
  4. Slide the top panel toward the front of the dryer and lift it off.
  5. Disconnect the door switch wires.
  6. Use the putty knife to press in the clips securing the front panel.
  7. Remove the front panel.
  8. Detach the two door springs from the front panel.
  9. Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen.
  10. Use a ¼-inch nut driver to remove the three screws that secure the blower housing.
  11. Remove the blower housing.
  12. Locate the yellow wire attached to the bottom of the front bulkhead and disconnect it.
  13. Remove the two ¼-inch screws at the bottom of the front bulkhead.
  14. Use a Torx 20-bit screwdriver to remove the two screws at the top of the front bulkhead.
  15. Lift off the front bulkhead to access the drum.
  16. Reach under the drum and release the belt from the tension roller.
  17. Use the drum belt to lift the drum out of the dryer cabinet.

Step 2. Test the drum rollers

  1. Locate the drum rollers on the back and front bulkheads.
  2. Turn each roller by hand to check for difficulty in movement or wobbling.
  3. If a roller is hard to turn or wobbles, replace it.

Step 3. Remove and replace the drum rollers

  1. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the white plastic triangle keeper from the roller shaft.
  2. Remove the roller from the shaft.
  3. Wipe off the axle without adding any lubricant.
  4. Place the new roller on the shaft and secure it with the triangle keeper.
  5. Repeat the replacement process for all necessary rollers on the back and front bulkheads.

Step 4. Reassemble the dryer

  1. Reinstall the drum by positioning it back in the cabinet with the belt.
  2. Reattach the belt to the idler pulley.
  3. Reinstall the front bulkhead, securing it with the two Torx screws at the top and the two ¼-inch screws at the bottom.
  4. Attach the blower housing using the three screws.
  5. Reconnect the yellow sensor wire to the front bulkhead.
  6. Reattach the two door springs to the front panel.
  7. Reconnect the door switch wires.
  8. Place the top cover back on and secure it with the three screws.
  9. Snap the console back into place.
  10. Open the door and reinstall the lint screen.
  11. Close the door.
  12. Plug the dryer back in or turn on the circuit breaker to restore power.

Read more: Dryer Making Noise? How to Fix & Troubleshooting

Need more help?

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you test and replace the drum roller in your Kenmore electric dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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