How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6009604 / WP500092 Felt Pad

After replacing thermal fuse once and having it fail a second time, I had to dig a little deeper to uncover the problem. I checked for blockage in the vent but everything was clear. I did, however, find that the drum had some up and down play in it. After closer inspection, I could see that the front drum seal was actually worn to the point that I could see a gap between the seal and the drum. I figured that the gap in the seal was letting air in and not letting sufficient air flow through the heater unit. By not letting enough air flow through the heater unit, the heat increased to the point of activating the thermal fuse. The limit thermostat was defective or it would have stopped the heater from getting to the point of blowing the thermal fuse. The dryer may have been operating off the limit thermostat and not the cycling thermostat as it is intended to. This may have caused the limit thermostat failure. I ordered the front and rear felt seals, new drum glides and felt pads, and adhesive for the seals. I was totally impressed that the parts were here two days later and allowed me to install them that weekend. After letting the adhesive set for a day, I put everything back together and monitored the heater, the limit thermostat, and the cycling thermostat with multimeters while the dryer was in operation. The dryer was now working off of the cycling thermostat. Another bonus was that the dryer ran a lot quieter. Thank you Appliance Parts Pros for your prompt delivery and ordering help. 

After looking online I found he problem. After opening up I saw that I needed to replace more an just drum glides. Found all parts and video on website to be very helpful. Supper fast shipment and I was able to have the dryer back up and running with only 3 1/2 days down. Only thing is that the dryer felt seal needs the glue, I think the website should clearly state it like with predictive cart feature where if you purchase one thing it asks do you need this also. That would have helped too. But overall purchasing was easy and fast had all part. 

Replaced drum rollers, one of which was cracked, idler pulley and drum drive belt, drum slides and felt pads. Used a bungee cord to support the drum to the rear bulkhead to make it easier to install the front bulkhead. You will need snap ring pliers to remove the snap rings more easily, which I had. 

After taking the exterior cover off along with the plastic molding for the blower/ vent the job was very easy to complete with little effort. The parts were easy to replace and fit great. 

After checking on-line videos, I opened the dryer enough to determine the problem and then ordered a front drum seal and adhesive, drum glides (2) and felt pads (2) and a new belt (thinking it would break soon anyway). Gluing the seal to the front bulkhead was the most difficult part, clamps as shown in the video did not work for me but a few pieces of "duck tape" worked well. The felt pads are self adhesive and the glides just slip into place, Fitting everything together was reasonably easy but I almost lacked the muscle to move the idler arm enough to get the belt on correctly. (just getting old) 

I replaced belt Tension pulley 

Watched the video on line and ordered the parts I thought I would need and so I would not have to do it later changed the dryer belt. The only problem I ran into was the video did not show was to take out the screws at the bottom of the front cover to take it off first then you can lift the top up. Now it is quiet 

Unplugged dryer and took unit apart. Found worn front guides, cracked belt. Took blower front off. Found shafts on blower fan had cracked and broke. Found parts on Appliance Parts Pros. Parts arrived in 2 days. Reassembled unit. Repair complete. .. 

I have an older model (15yrs) than to one shown in the video repair guide. Mine had a few more screws but was basically the same. The installation was easy and was completed in about 15-20 minutes, replacing both Drum Guides and both felt pads using a small socket. The only thing I would add is I found putting something under the front of the dryer to elevate it about 5-6" helps keep the drum in the correct position to reinstall the front panel and have it a line correctly. This is the second time I have used your video and parts for this dryer. The last time I replaced the wheels the dryer drum rotates on with the same excellent results. Many Thanks for your help and your excellent and very fast service Making a dreaded job a cake walk. Rick 

Replaced pads/glides, re-lubricated the rollers (which required retaining ring pliers) and cleaned out (15 years of) lint. Take (digital) photos as you disassemble to help with reassembly later. Definitely, wear gloves to protect your hands against sharp metal edges.