How to replace the idler pulley assembly on a Whirlpool dryer

Is your Whirlpool dryer making unsettling noises or refusing to spin? The culprit might be a worn-out idler pulley assembly, a common issue that can halt your laundry progress. Dive into our step-by-step guide—and don’t miss the accompanying how-to video—to master the art of replacing this vital component yourself, saving time and money in the process.

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The idler pulley assembly on a Whirlpool dryer is responsible for maintaining tension on the dryer belt, allowing the drum to rotate smoothly. Over time, the idler pulley assembly may wear out or become damaged, leading to problems such as a loose or noisy belt or a drum that doesn’t rotate.  

By following this guide, you can save on the cost of professional repairs and tackle the replacement yourself. The repair process typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your familiarity with appliance repairs. So, grab your tools, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get your dryer up and running like new again!

Watch here: Duet Dryer Idler Wheel & Bracket Assembly (part #W10837240)-How To Replace

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 you’ll need

• 1/4″ nut driver
• 5/16″ nut driver
• 3/8″ socket

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• 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.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 

Replacement steps

Removal

1. Remove the three quarter-inch screws at the back of the machine that hold the top panel in place.
2. Pull back slightly on the top panel and lift it off the machine, setting it aside.
3. the quarter-inch screw that secures the smaller access panel,
4. Remove the grounding wire attached to the access panel using a 5/16 inch nut driver.
5. Slide the power cord out of its slot and place it in the machine to prevent disconnection.
6. Remove the access panel spring retainer between the access panel and the exhaust duct. Press down on the tab while pressing on the retainer to release it.
7. Once the spring retainer is removed, unscrew and remove all the quarter-inch screws securing the access panel.
8. Lower the top of the panel away from the machine and pull it away to remove it.
9. Pull the idler wheel towards the outside of the dryer to release tension on the belt and slide the belt off the motor pulley.
10. Use a 3/8 inch socket to remove the bolt securing the idler wheel and bracket assembly.
11. Disconnect the assembly from the spring. Remove the old idler wheel and bracket assembly.

Installation

1. Install the new idler wheel and bracket assembly by lifting up the spring and reattaching it to the bracket.
2. Position the bracket between the motor pulley and the broken belt switch, aligning the hole for the bolt.
3. Insert the bolt and tighten it using a 3/8 inch socket.
4. Place the belt back on by stretching it towards the outside of the dryer and running it over the top of the idler wheel, creating a loop for the motor pulley.
5. The belt should come over the top of the idler wheel, over the top of the motor, and back over to the other side of the drum.
6. Reattach the rear access panel and screw it back into place. Lift up on the exhaust tube if needed to align the panel correctly.
7. Feed the power cord back through the hole and make sure the black retainer block is securely snapped in place.
8. Reinstall the screws to secure the rear access panel.
9. Reconnect the grounding wire.
10. Place the access panel back on and secure it with the quarter-inch screws.
11. When putting the top panel back on, make sure that the tabs go underneath the designated piece. Set the top down slightly back from the console and slide it forward to lock the tabs in place.
12. Plug the power cord back in and run a test cycle to check that the repair was successful.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the idler pulley assembly on your Whirlpool dryer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts 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.

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