How to replace Whirlpool dryer leveling foot 49621


Steven E / Thursday February 8, 2024


Is your Whirlpool dryer wobbling or making its way across the room during a cycle? A worn-out or damaged leveling foot might be to blame, but don’t worry—it’s an easy fix! We’ve got a step-by-step guide and a handy how-to video right below to help you restore stability and peace in your laundry room.

If your Whirlpool dryer is uneven, wobbly, or “walks” across the floor while drying laundry, it may be due to a worn-out or damaged leveling foot or feet. The leveling foot is responsible for keeping your dryer stable while it’s running. Over time, it can wear out or become damaged, which can cause your dryer to vibrate excessively or shuffle across the ground.

Replacing the leveling foot 49621 is a relatively simple repair that can be completed with a few basic tools in a short amount of time. Let’s dive in!

NOTE: Leveling foot 49621 only includes one foot. If you need to replace more than one foot, each one is sold separately. 

You can order a new leveling foot 49621 here. If you need a different leveling foot or more parts for your Whirlpool dryer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install them.

Watch: How to replace Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag leveling foot 49621

Check part compatibility

Before you replace the leveling foot, check that you have an OEM part that’s compatible with your specific appliance model. To do this, you’ll need to find the appliance model number.

The model number is typically found on a sticker or a metal plate in one of the following locations:

  • Inside the dryer door or on the door frame
  • On the back of the dryer near the top or bottom
  • On the side of the dryer cabinet
  • On the control panel or console

Once you find it, write it down or take a clear photo for reference. Then enter the number at AppliancePartsPros.com to see if it’s compatible with the new part.

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

What you need

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

Safety precautions

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Read more: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

Installation steps

  1. Turn the dryer off and unplug it.
  2. Carefully tilt the dryer backward to reveal the two front leveling feet mounted underneath the base. Only lean it back far enough to access and remove the feet without tipping it over. Be very careful when propping it back to prevent damage to the dryer or its surroundings.
  3. Use a large pair of adjustable locking pliers to grip around one of the existing leveling feet. Turn counterclockwise to loosen and unscrew the foot out of the threaded base until it’s completely detached.
  4. Repeat the process to remove the second foot, then set them aside.
  5. Orient the new foot to align it straight into the empty threaded hole where you removed the old foot.
  6. Slowly screw the new foot clockwise into the base by hand.
  7. Once the foot is threaded firmly and as far as possible by hand, take your adjustable pliers and continue tightening down to adjust it to the height that’s needed.
  8. Install the second foot while aligning it to the same height as the first new foot.
  9. Gently tilt the dryer back upright onto both feet.
  10. Check that the dryer is fully stable and level on all four feet. Make any final minor height adjustments if necessary.
  11. If needed, repeat this process to replace the rear feet with additional leveling feet.
  12. Restore power to the dryer and run a small cycle to make sure it doesn’t move excessively.

Read more: How To Disassemble A Dryer

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the leveling feet 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.

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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