How to replace Whirlpool dryer blower wheel WP697772

Tired of your Whirlpool dryer sounding like it’s auditioning for a heavy metal band while taking forever to dry your clothes? You might have a pesky blower wheel problem on your hands! Don’t worry—this quick fix is just a DIY project away, and we’ve got a step-by-step video guide below to show you exactly how to get your dryer back on track.

Is your Whirlpool dryer making obnoxiously loud rumbling noises and taking much longer to dry your laundry? If so, your issue may be a faulty blower wheel.

The blower wheel is responsible for pushing air through the dryer drum and vent system while the dryer runs. Over time, the plastic blower wheel can wear out or become clogged with lint, which can cause excessive noise while it’s working.

Before swapping out the blower wheel, always check for lint buildup and clean it out as needed. But if it’s damaged or you’re still experiencing dryer issues, you’ll likely need to replace it.

This is a really easy repair that shouldn’t take much time. You can find a replacement blower wheel WP697772 here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool 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

What you need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Socket wrench with 1/2-inch extension
• Adjustable wrench
• Whirlpool blower wheel WP697772 (make sure it’s compatible with your specific dryer model)

Keep safety first

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 preventing 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 clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• 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.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

How to replace the blower wheel

Step 1 – Disassemble the dryer

1. Turn off the dryer and disconnect it from the power supply.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to unscrew the two screws along the back of the top panel.
3. Slide the top panel back and lift it off.
4. Remove the control panel screws in the upper corners.
5. Detach the wire plugs and slide out the control panel.
6. Open the dryer door and take out the lint screen.
7. Remove the Phillips screws along the inside of the front panel.
8. Close the door.
9. Tilt the dryer back and place a wood block under the front legs for support.
10. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the front panel screws.
11. Unplug the door switch wire and remove the front panel.
12. Remove the duct retaining bracket.
13. Detach the front bulkhead.
14. Reach into the drum belt area and lift the idler arm to release belt tension.
15. Slide the belt off the pulleys.
16. Carefully maneuver the drum out of the dryer.

Read more: Electric Dryer Leaving Black Marks On Clothes: Top 5 Problems and Fixes

Step 2 – Remove the old blower wheel

1. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the single screw securing the blower wheel cover. Take off the cover.
2. Insert an adjustable wrench on the flat side of the motor shaft. Wedge it against the blower housing to remove it.
3. Insert a socket wrench with a 1/2-inch extension into the center of the wheel. Turn clockwise to loosen it.
4. Unscrew the wheel the rest of the way by hand and remove it from the shaft.
5. Discard the old blower wheel.

Step 3 – Install the new blower wheel

1. Thread the new blower wheel clockwise onto the motor shaft by hand until it’s tight.
2. Wedge the adjustable wrench against the blower housing again to hold the shaft.
3. Use the socket wrench to tighten the new wheel onto the shaft.
4. Replace the blower wheel cover by inserting the tab into the slot. Secure it with the cover screw and 1/4-inch nut driver.

Step 4 – Reassemble the dryer

1. Grab the drum belt and position the drum on the support rollers.
2. Slide the drum back into the cabinet.
3. Loop the belt around the idler pulley and motor drive pulley. Turn the drum manually to make sure the belt has good tension.
4. Reattach the front bulkhead and secure it with the 1/4-inch nut driver.
5. Reconnect the wire plug.
6. Replace the duct retaining bracket and top brace.
7. Screw in the front panel.
8. Screw in the top panel.
9. Reattach and screw in the control panel.

Read more: DIY Dryer Troubleshooting: What Is Causing Slow Drying Times?

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the blower wheel in 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.

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. We can also help you troubleshoot common dryer problems here.

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