How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP2043227 / WE12X83 Idler Pulley

I replaced the dryer drum drive belt, the idler pulley, and the front-of-tub slide supports (plastic semi-circle, glides, felt) with the very useful help of Matt and John on the AppliancePartsPros videos. Love those videos! This took me quite a bit of time, as I was very careful, and flitted back and forth between the dryer and each step in the videos. I think this would take a pro < 2 hours, but it took me about 1.5 hours to initially dismantle the dryer and then another 2 to put in the new parts (and vacuum the dryer!). Still, this saved a lot of labor cost. 

After many attempts at bandaging the problem I decided just to order the needed replacement parts. Since I had disassembled this machine many times before, that was not a problem. I had a little trouble getting the self-tapping screws to 'self-tap' on the rear drum bearing so that took a little longer than expected to replace and reassemble. An hour after starting the project I was drying laundry again. I love the exploded parts diagrams! It makes ordering so easy and I felt sure that I was getting exactly the parts I needed. 

This repair was very easy. I watched the repair video and followed the process. The video explained everything and it was very accurate. I even watched additional videos about replacing the front and rear drum bearings, so I could check other parts that may have needed repair. I have used AppliancePartsPros on prior repairs to our dryer and washer with good results. 

This was an amazingly easy repair. I ended up replacing the dryer drum top front bearing, the dryer drum drive belt, the rear drum bearing kit, the idler pulley, the felt trap duct, and the bearing slide. Figured I would be doing this once so I hit all the major parts. I watched each repair video which was helpful as there are a couple different styles of housings for my dryer. By watching all the videos, I had all the info I needed. The hardest part was setting the idler pulley. It is a awkward reach but not over out of line. I had to do this twice as I installed the drive belt backwards the first time (grooves to the drive pulley and drum)! I also only ordered one slide bearing as I didn't read the very clear information as they were sold individually. You need two. DOH! When I receive the second it will take me about 10 minutes to make the change. I do recommend long sleeves though, there are some sharp edges which potentially can cut. Overall I took about an hour (including doing the idler pulley twice). Only reason I almost rated this as a four is due to operator error. Can't and won't blame the product or supplier, can only blame the installer, me. Most importantly, my wife is happy. 

I watched the repair videos offered by AppliancePartsPros.com. They videos were perfect! They explained everything and showed very visible what to expect. I really appreciate the very informative videos and the parts fit perfectly. Thank you! 

Followed APP repair video and replaced, dyer drum belt, drum slides, idler pulley and drum bearing. Repair went smoothly with dryer operating like new. 

New belt, pulley,& nut 

Appliancepartspros supplied the appropriate materials and the installation was quick and easy. My GE gas dryer works like new again. 

Discovered the rear bushing, bearing slides and idler were really worn, so replace those parts. 

Watched a YouTube video that I think was posted by Appliance Parts Pros, and was able to take apart dryer and replace belt and idler pulley with ease. I put the cap on using pliers and a hammer- nut wouldn't just push on, it needed a little coaxing.