Whirlpool Dryer Idler Pulley Wheel WP6-3037050 Replacement

Having trouble with your dryer not spinning or making strange noises? The culprit might be a worn-out idler pulley wheel, but don’t worry—this common issue is easier to fix than you might think! Follow our detailed guide and watch the handy step-by-step video below to get your dryer back in top shape, all while saving time and money.

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If your dryer isn’t spinning or making loud noises, the problem may be a worn-out or damaged idler pulley wheel. This inexpensive part is easy to replace yourself with just a few tools and this step-by-step guide.

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 is the idler pulley wheel?

The idler pulley wheel is a plastic wheel mounted on a movable bracket assembly on the back of the dryer. Its job is to keep tension on the drive belt that turns the dryer drum. As the motor spins, the drive belt rides along the idler pulley wheel, which pushes against the belt to provide the right amount of tension. This tension allows the drive belt to grip the drum and turn it.

Over time, the idler pulley wheel bearing can wear out or the wheel itself can become damaged. This affects how smoothly the pulley spins and how well it keeps tension on the belt. Signs that the idler pulley needs replacing include loud noises when the dryer starts, squeaking or squealing while running, the dryer not spinning at all, or the belt slipping off the pulleys.

Supplies needed

Gather the following tools and parts before starting:

• New idler pulley wheel (part #WP6-3037050)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Quarter inch nut driver
• Ratchet, extension, 3⁄8” socket
• Phillips head screwdriver

Safety first! Be sure to unplug the dryer or turn off the power at the circuit breaker before beginning work.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these steps to replace the idler pulley wheel on your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag dryer:

Remove the back access panel

The idler pulley wheel is located in the back of the dryer, so first you’ll need to remove the rear access panel:

1. Unplug the dryer or turn the power off at the breaker.
2. Using a nut driver, remove the screws along the outer edge of the rear panel.
3. Once all screws are removed, pull the panel away from the dryer to remove it. Set it aside.

Remove the drive belt

With the access panel removed, you can now detach the drive belt from the idler pulley wheel:

1. Reach into the back of the dryer to locate the idler pulley bracket.
2. Push the bracket arm towards the side of the dryer. This will release tension on the drive belt.
3. With the tension released, slide the drive belt off the motor pulley and idler pulley wheel.

Remove the idler pulley

Next, detach the idler pulley wheel itself from the mounting shaft:

1. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the e-clip securing the wheel to the shaft. Be careful not to lose the e-clip or washer behind it.
2. With the e-clip removed, slide the idler pulley wheel off the shaft.
3. Also, remove the metal washer behind the wheel.

Inspect the shaft for damage like scratches or gouges. The shaft should be smooth. If damaged, the shaft will need replacing before installing the new idler pulley wheel.

Install the new idler pulley

Once you have the old wheel removed, installation of the new one is the reverse:

1. Slide the metal washer onto the shaft, followed by the new wheel. Note the wheel has a contoured back that should face the rear of the dryer.
2. Replace the second washer and e-clip on the end of the shaft to secure the wheel. Use a flathead screwdriver to snap the e-clip into the groove. Give the wheel a spin to see if it moves freely.

Reinstall the drive belt

With the new idler pulley wheel securely in place, you can reinstall the drive belt:

1. Loop the belt over the idler pulley wheel first. Make sure it sits inside the grooved guide on the wheel.
2. Stretch the idler pulley bracket back towards the motor pulley.
3. With the bracket held in the stretched position, loop the belt over the motor pulley.
4. Slowly release the idler pulley bracket to tension the belt.

Replace the access panel

You’re nearly done! Just replace the rear access panel:

1. Align the panel into position on the back of the dryer.
2. Reinsert and tighten all screws along the edges with the nut driver.

Test and finish up

With the new idler pulley wheel installed, restore power to the dryer and run a test cycle:

1. If the drum does not spin, the belt may have slipped off track. This requires opening the top and repositioning the belt, covered in the next section.
2. If the dryer runs quietly without issue, the repair is complete!

Adjusting the belt (If needed)

If the drum did not spin during your test, the drive belt likely slipped out of position. Follow these steps to access and realign it:

Remove front panel

1. Unplug the dryer again.
2. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws along the front panel.
3. Lift up on the panel while pulling it forward to release the retaining clips.
4. Carefully tilt the panel to the side on its flexible wiring and support it out of the way.

Open the top

With the front panel moved, you can now open up the dryer top:

1. Use a ratchet with an extension and a 3⁄8” socket to remove the screws along the back and sides of the top panel.
2. Lift up evenly on the top panel to raise it. Caution – this panel is not hinged!
3. Place a towel or cardboard support under the lifted panel so it stays propped open safely.

Check and realign the belt

With the top open, you can now access the belt on the drum:

1. Look for the belt – it may have slipped over and fallen down into the side groove.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully lift the belt back into position on the central drum wheel if needed.
3. Rotate the drum by hand to make sure the belt tracks are centered on the drum without slipping off.

Secure the top and panel

Once the belt is realigned, close the dryer back up:

1. Carefully lift off your towel or support and lower the top panel back down into place.
2. Replace all screws into the top panel with the ratchet and socket.
3. Swing the front panel back into place, aligning the tabs with the slots.
4. Reinsert and tighten the front panel screws with the Phillips head screwdriver.

Power up and confirm the repair

With the front and top panels securely back in place:

1. Plug in and restart the dryer.
2. Run a full test cycle. The drum should now spin smoothly and quietly.
3. Listen and watch closely for any signs of slipping belts or loud noises.

If the dryer now runs quietly without issue, the idler pulley wheel replacement was successful! You can rest easy knowing you just saved yourself time and money by replacing this key part yourself.

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.

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