How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6013682 / WP9703438 Dryer Drum Support Roller Retaining Ring

FIRST I WATCHED THE VERY INFORMATIVE AND DETAILED REPAIR VIDEOS -UNPLUGGED DRYER, REMOVED FRONT CABINET COVER, REMOVED TUMBLER BAFFLE, REMOVED BLOWER HOUSING COVER, RETAINING RING, CLAMP, OLD BLOWER WHEEL, IT WAS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO CLEAN OUT ALL OF THE YEARS OF ACCUMULATED LINT. INSTALLED ALL OF THE NEW PARTS. THEN I TACKLED THE TUMBLER BEARINGS. I DRILLED OUT THE OLD RIVETS WITH 1/8" METAL BIT. INSTALLED THE NEW PARTS AND SECURED WITH NEW RIVETS. MY 22 YEAR OLD MAYTAG IS PROBABLY QUIETER NOW THAN WHEN IT WAS BRAND NEW. REPAIR REQUIRED A RETAINING RING PLIER AND A POP RIVET GUN. 

I replaced the blower wheel. Unfortunately, the wheel had three vanes that were broken in shipping. I chose to use it anyway, as I did not want to wait for several more days without a dryer. It worked well with the broken vanes, and is very quiet. 

Parts arrived the next day, and went in smoothly. Always a pleasure dealing with APPLIANCE PARTS PROS. Thanks again, Glenn 

Installed new Tumbler Bearing Kit, Blower Wheeler Assembly and Drum Support Rollers. 

Watched the video that Appliance Parts Pros had on their website...really helpful...watched it step by step. Pretty simple when you get in there and look around. Saved $$ doing it myself then having to pay labor for a quick fix. 

I knew it was the blower wheel that was worn out, inner shaft space rounded and enlarged from years of wear. I ordered a new blower wheel which was a cinch to install. The front of the dryer is easily taken off by removing two screws on the lower front of the dryer. the top is held in place with two spring clips. The blower is located inside the left front blower housing. this is opened up by removing about six or eight sheet metal type screws and then taking off the retaining clip. It is also a good idea to wipe and vacuum the inside of the bottom of the dryer to remove the accumulated lint, toothpicks and dirt to ensure smooth operation. Note that when I ordered the wheel I also ordered a clamp and a retaining clip as recommended by the website. The clamp was not necessary as the wheel comes with a clamp but does not come with a retaining clip. The dryer sounds and works like a brand new machine. 

Have rebuilt the dryer by replacing all wheels and the blower including idler and belt almost all elect components. Runs like new 

The problems was with the hub of the plastic blower wheel. The D happen hole for the motor shaft had worn out and let the blower wheel "free wheeled" on the motor shaft. Noise on start up was scary! Also replaced the long belt while it was apart and cleaned and greased all bearing. My wife thinks I'm SUPERHUSBAND now!. 

Replaced drum roller axel, drum support rollers and front bearings. 

The belt on our 20 plus year old Maytag Dependablr Care electric dryer finally gave up the ghost. Disassembly was fairly straight forward, Phillips screw driver and some nut drivers. Upon inspection, the drum support rollers and their axles had seen better days and no longer spun very freely. You will need snap ring pliers to get them off. The drum roller axles have a 9/16 hex nut behind them. Unless you have a very low profile ratchet, use an open/box wrench. Space is tight so break the nut and then spin the axle out by hand. Look for areas of discoloration on the axle, a not so obvious sign of wear. Replace the roller and the axle as the metal on the roller itself has a wear pattern, as does the axle. Use the access panel on the back of the dryer to route the belt on the tensioner and motor pulley. Google search for an image. Once it's on, spin the drum by hand and work the belt from the installation groove in the drum onto the belt wear mark. Only after you do that will the belt look right when you look at the tensioner and motor pulley.