Whirlpool 279264 Dryer Front Bearing And Seal Kit OEM Part

After having replaced the drum support rollers twice in a roughly 3yr period, I realized something wasn't quite right, and indeed it wasn't. I had been ordering the wrong parts - I did use the online parts locator after checking, & double checking my model number. Apparently my older Whirlpool dryer has a somewhat ambiguous model number because the rollers that were shipped each time looked nothing like the originals. I realize that is not particularily uncommon - manufacturers often modify replacement parts. This time I decided to chat with Applliance Parts Pro's customer service department, and had a good picture of the actual model number label ready to attach to an email. The rep I spoke with was very accomodating, friendly and efficient. She had no problem giving me an email address to send the picture to. With in a few minutes she messaged me back with a part number for the rollers (which was different from my previous orders), part numbers for the front & rear seal assemblies, and the lint screen. I gotta tell ya, she was fast ! That means a lot to a 62yr young man who was born w/out the patience gene. At any rate, I received the parts, got the job done in a few hours, and I now have a dryer that runs every bit as smooth & efficient as it did when it was new. I'd be remiss in my moral responsibilties if I didn't recommend always making sure you have provided as much accurate model, stock, run, or whatever else is on the manufacturers ID label BEFORE making a parts purchase. Great company to deal with ! - just remember, as I was taught as a rookie electronics tech, "Always suspect yourself first, and if it's a really tough dog, walk away from it for a day or two" That line has served me well over the years.

After taking the front off and removing the drum I saw that one of the two drum support wheels had failed. So I took down the model number and went on line to locate the replacement parts. I tried to find the part locally as to avoid a long wait for shipping, but I was unable to. Stumbling on the Appliance Pros website I easily located and ordered the parts. The maintenance pack seemed my best choice. It contained two support wheels with the associated retainers as well as a tension wheel and a drive belt. Although some of the parts didn't need immediate replacement it seemed prudent to change them anyway. I also ordered a felt front drum bushing(which was worn) as well as a door switch to replace the one that I broke during my exploratory. The site's parts conformation tool an well as the on-line tutorials gave me confidence that I ordered the correct parts and could install them. For shipping I selected standard(the cheapest option) which would be delivered in 3 to 5 days. Much to my surprise the parts arrived the next day in less than 24 hours. The parts fit perfectly and the rest of the repair went without a hitch.

The symptom was lint everywhere in the laundry room and longer drying times. replaced front and rear drum seals and bushings, while open replaced drum rollers and belt, cleaned all components of dust/lint, oiled belt tension roller, and buttoned it back up. I bought this Kenmore new in 1979 and keeping it going still. only wish I could get a new timer knob. all the parts were right and high quality, the only hitch was the drum seals did not include instructions and the front is trimmed to fit as shown in the video but a quick glimpse of the instructions showed multiple cut lengths and how to determine which to use but not clear enough to read. I tried the chat option to see if there was a pdf available as I saw no reference on the website. I got no response on a Sunday after 30 minutes, so I just measured 3 times and cut once matching the front drum bearing to the old one. This was my first time for drum seal replacement so took a little more time since no instruction sheet for specs but it all works. thankful the video mentioned drying time for the glue used on the seals. Please consider adding a pdf file for instruction sheets on each part page so when the parts come in factory-sealed bags without them (although pic on the parts page shows them in the bag) they can be accessed to allow proper fitment of parts.

New belt and front bearing. Video on website shows step by step. Spent more time cleaning dryer up than making the repairs.

Asked for day off from work. Replaced broken belt (old one broken); replaced rear drum support rollers (stiff, hard to turn) (buffed out wheel shaft, lubed with lithium grease); replaced pulley (also stiff, hard to turn); replaced front felt seal (didn't really need to); Tried to replace front drum plastic bearing, ordered wrong part, didn't need to replace anyway, reinstalled old part (30 years old); may replace it later.