How to Test and Replace the Idler Pulley on a Samsung Dryer

Is your Samsung dryer making strange squeaks or thumping noises that just won’t go away? That annoying sound could be a sign that the idler pulley is worn out, causing extra friction on the drum belt.

Left unchecked, it can lead to bigger issues. But don’t worry! We’ll walk you through how to test and replace the idler pulley step by step so you can get your dryer running smoothly again without calling a repair service.

If you need any replacement parts for your Samsung dryer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

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 need

• Phillips screwdriver

Safety tips

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 eliminating 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 can cause accidents.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• 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.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

How to test and replace the Samsung dryer’s idler pulley

Below are the steps to access, test, remove, and replace the idler pulley in your Samsung dryer, followed by reassembly to restore proper operation.

Access the idler pulley

1. Disconnect power to the dryer by unplugging the power cord or turning off the circuit breaker.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the top panel at the back.
3. Move the top panel backward, lift it up, and set it aside.
4. Disconnect the wires located behind the console on the right side.
5. Lift the console upward and pull it away from the dryer, feeding the wires through the top bracket before setting the console aside.
6. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws behind the door in front of the lint trap.
7. Remove the four screws at the top of the front panel.
8. Slightly lift the front panel and rotate it forward.
9. Disconnect the door switch harness.
10. Completely remove the front panel and set it aside.
11. Remove the lint filter and set it aside.
12. Unlatch the wire retainers from the wire harness and disconnect the wires connected to the drum lamp.
13. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the five screws from the top plate and set it aside.
14. Remove the four screws from the front bulkhead and disconnect the sensor bar wire connector.
15. Remove the screws securing the lint duct, pull the duct down, and set it aside.

Remove the idler pulley

1. Reach back and remove the belt from the idler pulley.
2. Lift the front bulkhead up, pull it forward, then lift the drum off the rollers and set the bulkhead aside.
3. Remove the drum and belt and set them aside.

Test the idler pulley

1. Rotate the idler pulley by hand to check if it moves freely.
2. If the idler pulley does not rotate freely or has grooves from the belt cutting into it, replace it.

Replace the idler pulley

1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the mounting screw at the back of the motor mount.
2. Disconnect the spring and remove the old idler pulley.
3. Insert the spring into the idler pulley arm.
4. Secure the idler pulley to the motor mount with a Phillips screw.

Reassemble the dryer

1. Place the drum and belt back into the dryer and attach the belt to the motor and idler pulley.
2. Install the front bulkhead and secure it with the previously removed Phillips screws.
3. Reconnect the sensor bar wires.
4. Install the lint filter housing.
5. Reconnect the drum lamp wires.
6. Secure the wire harness with the retainers.
7. Reinstall the top plate.
8. Guide the front panel onto the bottom hinges.
9. Reconnect the door switch wires.
10. Rotate the front panel into place and secure it with the screws removed from behind the door and at the top.
11. Reinstall the console by setting it into place and guiding the wires through the top plate.
12. Push the console into position and reconnect the console wires.
13. Slide the top panel onto the dryer and secure it with the final screws.
14. Plug the dryer back in or turn the breaker back on to restore power.

More DIY help at your fingertips

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you test and replace the idler pulley in your Samsung dryer. 

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

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