Replacement of Whirlpool Dryer Idler Pulley Arm WP6-3033630

Is your dryer making strange noises or refusing to tumble? The culprit might be a faulty idler pulley arm, but don’t worry—tackling this fix is easier than you might think. With our step-by-step guide and how-to video below, you can replace the idler pulley arm yourself and get your dryer running smoothly again.

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Is your dryer making weird noises or not tumbling properly? The issue could be a damaged idler pulley arm. This inexpensive part connects the drive motor to the drum and keeps the belt tight. Replacing it is an easy fix you can tackle yourself.

We’ll walk through the full idler pulley arm replacement process step-by-step. We’ll show you how to remove the old pulley, install the new one, and get your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag dryer running smoothly again.

Watch the full repair here

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

Replacing the idler pulley arm requires just a few basic tools:

• Quarter inch nut driver
• 5/16 inch nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Quarter-inch nut driver
• Ratchet with extension
• 3/8 inch socket
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Replacement idler arm WP6-3033630

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Accessing the back of the dryer

1. Start by unplugging the dryer from the electrical outlet for safety.
2. The idler pulley is located in the back of the machine, so we need to remove the rear access panel.
3. Use a nut driver to remove the screws securing the panel.
4. Take off the panel and set it aside.

Removing the belt and idler arm

With the panel removed, you now have access to the belt and idler arm assembly.

1. First, release the tension on the belt. Reach into the dryer and push the idler pulley bracket towards the side of the machine. This will loosen the belt enough to unhook it from the motor pulley. 
2. Slide the belt off and set it aside.
3. Next, use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the lower screw from the idler arm. This releases a spacer and allows you to detach the idler arm.
4. Reach into the dryer and unhook the spring from the bottom of the idler arm, then slide the entire assembly out.

Replacing the idler pulley

With the idler arm removed, inspect the pulley wheel. These wheels commonly wear out from use. Check for damage and spin the pulley to see if the bearing is still smooth. If needed, replace the pulley wheel components at this point.

1. To remove the wheel, use a flathead screwdriver to detach the e-clip from the wheel shaft. 
2. Slide off the metal washers and wheel. Check the condition of the wheel and bearing.
3. If replacing the pulley, transfer any spacers or washers from the old one onto the new wheel. 
4. Slide the wheel and washers onto the shaft and secure with the e-clip.
5. Now disconnect the spacer plate. 
6. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the screw and take off the spacer.

Installing the new idler arm

1. Align the spacer plate with the new idler arm holes and reattach it with the screw and nut driver.
2. Before installation, double-check that the idler wheel turns freely on the pulley.
3. To install the idler arm, first hook the spring back into place on the bottom of the arm.
4. Insert the spacer and lower screw into the dryer chassis and tighten down with the 5/16-inch nut driver.
5. Loop the drive belt back onto the motor pulley.
6. Then pull the idler arm assembly over and stretch the belt around that pulley as well.

The belt should now be taut around both pulleys.

Reattaching the access panel

You’re almost done! The last step is to put the rear access panel back on. Align the panel into place and insert and tighten the nut driver screws.

Testing belt position

Restore power to the dryer and run a test cycle. Make sure the drum is turning properly. If the drum doesn’t spin, the belt may have become misaligned. This isn’t uncommon after working near the belt.

To realign the belt:

1. Remove the front panel screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. Lift off the front panel.
2. Use a ratchet with an extension and a 3/8-inch socket to remove the top panel screws. 
3. Carefully lift off the top panel. 
4. Place a rolled towel or support rod to hold the panel up safely.
5. Look at the drum and identify the wear mark where the belt should sit. 
6. If the belt has slipped down into the drum groove, use a flathead screwdriver to lift it back into position on the wear mark.
7. With the belt aligned, carefully lower the dryer top panel back down. Insert and tighten the screws with the ratchet and socket.
8. Reattach the front panel, inserting the tabs into the slots at the top. 
9. Tighten the front panel screws with the Phillips head screwdriver.
10. Plug the dryer back in and test to make sure the drum operates properly before using.

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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