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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.
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Before you begin your repair, unplug your dryer.
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Use a nut driver to remove the screws securing the top panel to the rear panel bracket.
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Grasp the top and slide it 1/2 to 1 inch toward the rear of the machine.
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Lift the top panel upward to separate it from the chassis.
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Remove the top panel from the machine.
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Remove the cover plate screw.
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Remove the cover plate.
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Remove the screws securing the cord cables.
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Pull the cord carefully down through the round hole.
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Remove the green ground screw.
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Remove the cord terminal block screws.
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Move the cord terminal block behind the rear panel.
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Remove the rear panel screws.
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Remove the screw holding the main board bracket to the chassis.
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Remove the screws from the top rear of the machine.
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Lift the panel about 1/2 inch and tilt it to the rear to release it from the vent pipe.
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Slide the panel off the vent pipe and remove it.
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Make sure that the vent pipe is fitted into the collar on the panel.
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Make sure the tabs at the bottom are aligned to the bottom rim of the chassis.
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Position the panel so its screw holes match with the chassis.
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Remove the bolt securing the idler arm to the motor frame.
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Move the idler arm toward the side of the dryer to unhook the idler arm tension spring from the arm.
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Remove the idler arm.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.
