How to Replace the Felt Seal 239087 on a Whirlpool Dryer

Is your dryer taking forever to dry clothes or making those ominous squeaking noises? You might be dealing with a worn-out felt seal! In just a few steps—and with the help of our handy how-to video below—discover how to replace it yourself and save your dryer from future headaches.

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Noticing clothes taking longer to dry or your dryer making strange noises? It might be a worn-out felt seal. The Whirlpool part 239087 is what keeps the drum sealed tight and the heat where it should be. Luckily, replacing it is a pretty straightforward job, and one that’ll save your dryer from bigger issues down the line. Let’s walk through how to get it done right.

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.

Watch: Replacing Whirlpool Dryer Felt Seal

Why Replace the Felt Seal?

The felt seal is a long, circular seal that sits between the edge of the dryer’s drum and the front panel. Over time, normal wear and tear can cause the felt seal to become brittle, compressed, or damaged. Common signs that the felt seal needs replacing include:

• Longer drying times – As the seal deteriorates, hot air leaks out, forcing the dryer to run longer to dry clothes
• Brown streaks on clothes – When the drum seal gets overly compressed, clothes can get stuck and scraped as the drum turns
• High-pitched squeaking or rubbing noises – Worn seals allow the drum to rub against the front panel

Replacing worn or damaged seals prevents air loss, excessive noise, and damage to clothes. It’s a relatively quick fix that can restore drying performance.

Gathering Supplies

Replacing the felt seal requires a few basic tools and supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• New felt seal kit – Purchase a replacement felt seal kit specifically for your model.
• Safety gear – Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes and gloves to protect your hands.
• Screwdriver – A Phillips head screwdriver removes the screws on the front panel.
• Putty knife – Useful for prying off the old seal. You can also use a plastic scraper tool.
• Clean rags – For wiping away old adhesive residue.
• Clothespins – Help secure the new seal as the adhesive dries.
• Vacuum – To clear lint and debris out of the dryer before replacing the seal.

Accessing the Drum

With your supplies gathered, you’re ready to begin. Always unplug the dryer or shut off power at the circuit breaker before servicing to avoid electric shock. Follow these steps to remove the front panel and access the drum:

1. Open the dryer door and vacuum out any built-up lint.
2. Remove the two screws beneath the lint screen housing using a Phillips screwdriver.
3. Pop off the lint screen housing. If it has a hinged cover, simply open it up.
4. Locate the two locking tabs about 2 inches in from each top corner of the front panel.
5. Insert a putty knife into the recesses above the tabs to press and release the clips.
6. Once released, lift up on the front panel. The bottom lifts out of retaining slots.
7. Unplug the door switch wire harness for removal.
8. Remove the two bottom screws securing the front panel using a screwdriver.
9. Fully remove the front panel and set it aside.

With the front panel removed, you now have clear access to the drum and felt seal.

Removing the Worn Seal

Here are the steps to follow to remove the worn or damaged felt seal from the dryer drum:

1. Locate the motor pulley on the left side and the idler pulley on the right.
2. Press the idler pulley to the right to release tension on the belt.
3. Slip the drive belt off both pulleys and set it aside.
4. With the belt removed, carefully pull the drum forward to remove it.
5. Lay the drum on a flat surface or have someone assist in holding it steady.
6. Locate the felt seal wrapped around the open end of the drum.
7. Starting at a corner, work a putty knife in between the seal and metal drum edge.
8. Slowly pry up the felt seal, working your way around the drum.
9. Remove any remaining adhesive residue with rags and cleaner.
10. Scrub the sealing surface thoroughly to prepare for the new seal.

With the old seal removed and the adhesive cleaned up, you’re ready to install the replacement.

Installing the New Felt Seal

Follow these instructions closely when installing the new replacement felt seal:

1. Position the new felt seal on the drum with the glue strip facing down toward the inside of the drum.
2. Starting at one end, press the seal onto the drum’s sealing surface.
3. Working slowly around the drum, secure the seal temporarily with clothespins.
4. Lift the seal edge and apply a 1/4 inch bead of adhesive sealant strip provided.
5. Quickly press the seal back down into the fresh sealant.
6. Repeat around the entire drum, one section at a time, until completely sealed.
7. Use additional clothespins to hold the seal in place as the adhesive dries.
8. Allow the adhesive to cure completely, ideally overnight, before reassembling.

The new felt seal will create a tight, durable seal around the dryer drum.

Reassembling the Dryer

Once the adhesive has fully dried, you can reassemble the dryer. Follow these steps:

1. Carefully insert the drum back into the dryer frame. Spin it to check the new seal clearance.
2. Loop the drive belt back over the motor and idler pulleys.
3. Replace the front panel, inserting the bottom into the retaining slots first.
4. Secure the front panel screws and reconnect the door switch wiring.
5. Snap the lint screen housing back in place and replace the screws.
6. Plug in and restore power to the dryer.
7. Run a test cycle to verify normal operation before drying clothes.

Take your time and make sure everything is properly aligned and secured. With the new seal installed, you can enjoy optimal clothes-drying performance.

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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