How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP3094197 / 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley

The idler pulley wore out in our current dryer. I had to take off the top and back of the dryer. I unscrewed the plug in from the back. That was the toughest part. After I received the part it was a simple replacement and I had to re-engage the belt. After everything was all back together, I started up the dryer and everything worked perfectly. 

I googled what part I needed and ordered on this website. While learning how to take apart the dryer, I noticed the belt was getting worn so I ordered a new belt as well. The videos provided on this website REALLY helped me to replace the parts without having to search around for someone to show me. 

Changed idler pulley. 

Google search. Watched some videos, got directed to this Idler pulley replacement part from appliance parts pros. Ordered the part. When it arrived, I rewatched the video of how to replace the part. Was done in 45 minutes(I work slow). Super easy fix, and most importantly eliminated the squealing noise coming from my dryer! 

Ordered the part from the manufacturer. Canceled the order after waiting six weeks and it still had not shipped. Ordered another part from. AppliancePartsPros.com. It shipped the following day and arrived when promised. Took about 15 minutes to replace the idler pulley for the belt. This was about the easiest project I have ever done. Works like a champ. I am going to take a nap while the wife dries the clothes now. 

I looked on the Appliance Parts Pro's website for potential causes of the problem. The first step suggested was to replace the idler pulley. I removed the pulley and inspected it. It seemed like it had been grooved over time by the belt that turns the drum. I watched the video for the replacement of this part, (VERY HELPFUL) and ordered the replacement. Installation was a breeze. The dryer works GREAT with no more squeaking or clunking. Perfect FIX! 

Followed trouble shooting on this site and used the repair video provided. Replaced the idler pulley. Worked like a champ and the squeaking is gone. Very helpful video made the repair easy. 

Fix was very easy, and the part was of better quality than the OEM pully that was on it. Your video was helpful. My only concern at this point is the assembly itself. This is a friction idler, there are no bearings, it's metal to metal which limits its life expectancy. Maybe just me, but I would think a pully on bearings would last longer. I don't know how you shipped it so fast, but I got the part in what seemed like less than a day!! You guys are great!! 

Went to your website and determined it was the idler pulley. 

Got this part and followed the video on replacing it.