How to replace the bearing retainer on a GE dryer WE1M300

Is your GE dryer making a noise that has you covering your ears instead of folding clothes? A loud squealing sound could be a sign of a worn-out bearing retainer. Don’t worry; solving this issue is easier than you think, and we’ve got a step-by-step how-to video below to guide you through the process!

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If your GE dryer is making a loud squealing noise when running, the problem may be a worn-out bearing retainer (WE1M300). Replacing this part is an easy do-it-yourself project that you can knock out.

You can find a replacement bearing retainer WE1M300 here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE dryer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch the full repair here!

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What is the bearing retainer?

The bearing retainer is a small but important part that’s mounted at the back of the rear housing assembly. It’s an integral component of the rear drum-bearing system. The bearing helps support the drum and assists in its smooth rotation.

Over time, the constant spinning of the drum can wear out the bearing retainer. As it starts to fail, you’ll notice the dryer begins making loud squeaking, screeching, or squealing noises when running. Replacing the worn-out bearing retainer is usually all that’s needed to quiet things down again.

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Required materials

Replacing the bearing retainer requires just a few basic tools:

• Phillips and flat-blade screwdrivers
• Quarter-inch nut driver
• Square #2 screwdriver
• Replacement bearing retainer (WE1M300)

Taking apart the dryer

The first steps in this repair involve taking off the dryer’s outer panels to access the drum and bearing retainer. Here’s how to take it apart:

1. Remove the top panel: Open the door and use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws, one in each rear corner. With the screws out, lift off the top panel.
2. Remove the control panel: Take out the three screws along the top edge of the control panel with a Phillips screwdriver. Tilt the panel forward, slide it to the left, and lift it out.
3. Remove the front panel: Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the two screws, one in each upper corner. Lift up on the drum while pulling the front panel bottom forward to release it. Tilt the panel forward, lift it up off the bottom hinges, and set it aside.
4. Remove the belt and drum: Reach into the dryer and push down on the idler pulley arm to release the tension on the belt. Slip the belt off the motor pulley and remove it from the drum. Lift up on the front of the drum, tilt it forward, and slide it out.

Removing the bearing retainer

1. Disconnect wire terminals: Use a flat-blade screwdriver to detach the wires from the thermostat terminals. Make note of where each wire goes to simplify reassembly.
2. Remove duct case: Take out the four screws securing the rear air duct case using a square #2 screwdriver. Lift off the ducted case.
3. Remove old bearing retainer: The retainer is held in place by four square #2 screws. Remove them and take off the old part.

Installing the new bearing retainer

1. Transfer ground strap: The new part won’t come with the ground strap, so remove it from the old bearing retainer and transfer it over to the new one.
2. Secure retainer: Put the new retainer into position and replace the four square #2 screws. Tighten them down securely.
3. Replace duct case: Position the rear duct case back into place and reinsert the four screws.
4. Reconnect wires: Referring to your notes, reconnect all of the wire terminals to the thermostat in their original locations.

Reassembling the dryer

Putting the dryer back together is just the reverse of taking it apart:

1. Replace drum: Tilt the drum to insert the back bearing into the housing bearing support. Wiggle it into place.
2. Replace belt: Loop the belt over the motor pulley and idler pulley.
3. Replace the front panel: Set it into the bottom hinges, lift the drum, and slide the panel into place. Replace the screws.
4. Replace control panel and top: Slide in the control panel, replace the screws and secure the top panel.

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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