How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6009858 / WP6-3129480 Dryer Drum Roller Axle

I searched YouTube to find a video on how to disassemble my particular model. I took a few pics of critical areas before disassembling. I kept screws near their holes with masking tape. One of the drum support rollers was in bad shape. I decided to replace both and also the corresponding axles plus the belt tension pulley. Parts arrived in two days. One of the axles could not be removed until I did further disassembly. The roller bearings are sleeve bearings and there's a debate online as to grease or not. I ended up greasing but wiping most of it off, a sort of compromise. If the new ones fail I'll grease more next time. I was able to reassemble without any significant issues. Problem resolved. 

The roller nearest the heater housing was the culprit due to drying of the shaft lubricant after constant exposure to heat from the heater housing over the years. Because of the age of the dryer I replaced both tub support rollers, shafts, and fiber washers. I also replaced the belt and tensioner roller. The repair was pretty straight forward and aided by videos, however it did require a lot of tear down (not too difficult) including the removal of the drum. Parts were fairly easy to access for replacement. At the end there were no missing or left over parts and the dryer runs fine and doesn't make a peep! 

I was able to fix it with the tools listed below. The parts were an exact match and I was overall greatly pleased with the repair. The part of the repair that was most challenging was to re-install the drum rotation belt with the alignment on the pulleys while at the same time trying to support the drum in the front. It definitely required the help of a second person. I would highly recommend your parts and excellent repair videos. 

By watching some videos I determined that the most likely causes were bad drum support rollers. To be sure, I planned to order two drum support rollers and an idler pulley wheel. Using the exploded parts diagram on this website I easily determined the parts I needed, and I ordered extra hardware--such as support rollers, clips, and washers in case something else was worn or damaged during my repair attempt. I removed a rear access panel and replaced the idler pulley wheel. I then removed the from cover and drum and in a few minutes replaced the drum support rollers. I took photos at each step before removing screws, after removing screws to remember how parts were oriented. The entire job going slowly and carefully, taking pictures and vacuuming lint from inside the cabinet took just under two hours and that included a break to eat dinner! 

I replaced both drum support rollers with the roller axle. Also, I replaced both tumbler bearing kits. 

I ordered the thermocouple, heat limit sensor and the fan wheel. On inspection the fan wheel attachment hub had fatigued and cracked off (Maytag Dryer bought in 1990) After installation of just the fan wheel, airflow restored and dryer worked as good as new. Didn’t need the other parts but will keep in stock. I might order another fan wheel to keep in case ( we love the dryer, this is the third issue in 30 years. 

Replaced both rollers and shafts. 

I replaced both drum support rollers and shafts, the idler pulley and belt. Disassembly was easy using the Maytag videos. Cleaning up the inside was annoying. Removing the support shafts was difficult because the 1/4-20 nuts were so tight and it was not easy to get a wrench behind the bracket. Assembly went well until it was time to reinstall the belt on the motor pulley. I had to go back to the video to relearn. But, it works and is now quiet. Not bad for a 77yo who's now sore all over :-) 

Replaced drum support rollers and drum roller axles and greased them well. I probably could have gotten away with just cleaning and greasing the old ones, but I already had the new ones in hand and it would have only been a matter of time before the squeal came back. I didn't need the tumbler bearing kit as the old ones were still in good shape. 

Replaced two axles.