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Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the idler arm on your Whirlpool dryer.

The idler arm supports the idler pulley on the shaft mounted to the arm. This pulley provides tension to the drive belt by means of the idler arm spring.

If the idler pulley has failed, you may need to replace the idler pulley shaft, which is mounted on the idler arm. In this case, it's simpler to obtain the pre-assembled unit and replace both components at once. The failure of either component will result in the drum not spinning correctly or drive belt failure.

This guide will work for most Whirlpool dryers. This guide is written with a model WED87HED dryer. If you have a different model, you may encounter some minor disassembly differences, but the overall repair process will be the same.

What you need

  1. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Safety Precautions: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Before you begin your repair, unplug your dryer.

    • Your power cord may have four prongs rather than three. The additional prong is a ground connection.

    Edit

  2. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Unfasten the top panel: step 2, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Unfasten the top panel: step 2, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Unfasten the top panel: step 2, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    FixMat
    $36.95
    Buy

    • Throughout this guide, keep track of each screw and reinstall it exactly where it came from.

    • Use a nut driver to remove the screws securing the top panel to the rear panel bracket.

    Edit

  3. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the top panel: step 3, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the top panel: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Grasp the top and slide it 1/2 to 1 inch toward the rear of the machine.

    Edit

  4. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the top panel upward to separate it from the chassis.

    • Remove the top panel from the machine.

    Edit

  5. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Unfasten the cover plate: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the cover plate screw.

    Edit

  6. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the cover plate: step 6, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the cover plate: step 6, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the cover plate: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the cover plate.

    Edit

  8. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Disconnect the cord: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the screws securing the cord cables.

    • Mark the cables with a permanent marker if needed and take a picture or draw a diagram.

    Edit

  9. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the cord: step 8, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the cord: step 8, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the cord: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the cord carefully down through the round hole.

    • Make sure you replace the connections correctly when you reassemble.

    Edit

  10. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Unfasten the cord terminal block: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the green ground screw.

    • Remove the cord terminal block screws.

    Edit

  11. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Move the cord terminal block: step 10, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Move the cord terminal block: step 10, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Move the cord terminal block: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Move the cord terminal block behind the rear panel.

    Edit

  12. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Unfasten the rear panel: step 11, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Unfasten the rear panel: step 11, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    FixMat
    $36.95
    Buy

    • Remove the rear panel screws.

    • Throughout this guide, keep track of each screw and reinstall it exactly where it came from.

    Edit

  13. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the screw holding the main board bracket to the chassis.

    • Remove the screws from the top rear of the machine.

    Edit

  14. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the rear panel: step 13, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the rear panel: step 13, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the rear panel: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Put on gloves before continuing, as the rear panel is sharp.

    • Lift the panel about 1/2 inch and tilt it to the rear to release it from the vent pipe.

    • Slide the panel off the vent pipe and remove it.

    Edit

  15. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Reassembly information: step 14, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Reassembly information: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • During reassembly, perform the following:

    • Make sure that the vent pipe is fitted into the collar on the panel.

    • Make sure the tabs at the bottom are aligned to the bottom rim of the chassis.

    • Position the panel so its screw holes match with the chassis.

    Edit

  16. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Unfasten the idler arm: step 15, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Unfasten the idler arm: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the bolt securing the idler arm to the motor frame.

    Edit

  17. Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the idler arm: step 16, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the idler arm: step 16, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Dryer Idler Arm Replacement, Remove the idler arm: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Move the idler arm toward the side of the dryer to unhook the idler arm tension spring from the arm.

    • Remove the idler arm.

    • During reassembly, be sure to reattach the spring before securing the arm.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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Bill Gilbert

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