What does a dryer idler pulley do? The dryer pulley, commonly called the idler pulley, keeps the dryer drive belt under tension as the belt wraps around the dryer drum. The pulley wheel has a central axle that runs through a bearing, usually a sleeve bearing but on higher-end models, a roller bearing may be used.

What happens when an idler pulley goes bad? If the surface of the idler pulley wears, or the pulley seizes or binds it may cause the engine belt to squeal as a result of it rubbing against the surface of the pulley. In some instances a bad pulley may bind or slip and cause the belt to squeal when the engine is first started.

What does a bad idler pulley sound like in a dryer? Dryer Idler Pulley

When an idler pulley begins to fail it will create a squeaking or squealing noise, which over time can progress to a scraping or thumping noise.

Does the idler pulley spin on a dryer? A dryer’s idler pulley wheel serves to help the belt to rotate the drum. If it becomes worn, or if it breaks, then the drum will be impeded in its attempts to tumble and rotate. With your dryer opened up, you’ll notice that the belt loops over the drum, under the idler pulley wheel, and around the motor’s drive pulley.

What does a dryer idler pulley do? – Related Questions

Can I drive with a bad idler pulley?

Driving with a bad belt tensioner is unsafe since the tensioner is meant to guarantee ample tension that powers accessories. Wear on the belt tensioner will eventually cause the belt to slip, generate loud noise, and also create an unsafe level of heat along the accessory pulleys.

Should I lubricate the dryer idler pulley?

The idler pulley mechanism is one of three main components that will squeak on a dryer with excessive use. The component maintains tension on the belt to allow the drum to rotate smoothly and easily in the cabinet. Grease the shaft of the idler and its front bearings to eliminate the squeaking.

How much does it cost to replace idler pulley?

There is an average cost for a drive belt idler pulley replacement. Labor costs are between 64 and $81 while parts are between $79 and $83. Taxes and fees are not included in the estimate.

What does a bad dryer belt look like?

Rhythmic thumping sounds that can’t be blamed on a sneaker or other heavy item going round and round in the dryer are most likely caused by a loose dryer belt. If you can stand the noise, you could wait to get a dryer repair until the belt actually breaks.

Which side of dryer belt goes down?

Note: The flat side of the dryer belt should be against drum. Note: The grooves of the dryer belt should be against the drum. Note: Labeled side of the belt should face away from the dryer drum.

Can a dryer belt stretch out?

Over time, the belt in your clothing dryer can get worn out and stretch in size. This creates a sound as the belt goes from tight to loose as the dryer is running with a load in it.

Where is the idler pulley in a dryer?

The idler pulley is found underneath the drum on the right side of your appliance. As you are reaching under the drum, grab the idler pulley and push down to take the dryer belt off the pulley and the motor shaft. Stand back up, and use the belt to slowly guide the drum out of the dryer.

How much does it cost to fix a dryer idler pulley?

A dryer belt problem can be indicated by a squeaking noise, this is the sound of the idler pulleys and drum rollers. Dryer belt replacement is approximately $200, depending on the make and model. Dryer coil replacement is also a repair that your dryer may undergo at some point.

How do you lubricate a idler pulley dryer?

Hold the pulley arm with the shaft pointing upward and apply three or four drops of lightweight household oil to the pulley shaft. Rotate the wheel back and forth to allow the oil to penetrate, then spin the wheel to ensure that it’s turning freely.

When should I replace idler pulley?

An idler pulley is expected to wear over time, and eventually the pulley will fail. Replacement intervals for idler pulleys vary, but are usually within the 50,000 to 100,000 mile range. Replacement often coincides with expected serpentine/accessory belt replacement periods.

What happens if the tensioner pulley fails?

When the tensioner or tensioner pulley fails, the loss of tension can cause the belt and pulleys to make high-pitched rattling or chirping noises. If the pulley bearing completely fails, it can also cause a squealing or even a grinding noise.

Is a tensioner pulley the same as an idler pulley?

The primary distinction between tensioners and idler pulleys is the presence of an adjustable bolt. Tensioners are positioned on the bolt through mounting. Idler pulleys are not mounted to an adjustable bolt. Tensioners send pressure to belts that drive pulleys while minimizing the pressure on the belt.

Can you bypass the idler pulley?

Yes you probably can get a shorter belt and route it to bypass that pulley. The only thing is the belt will most likely slip every time the A/C compressor clutch is engaged.

What does a bad power steering pulley sound like?

A loose power steering pump pulley or mounting bracket will make a rattling sound too. A rattle sound can be caused by a loose rack due to wear. It could also indicate a loose serpentine belt or idler pulley bearings beginning to fail.

Can you spray Wd40 on dryer pulley?

Wd40 isn’t a lubricant, more of a penetrating oil. Problem with the dryer is that everything will stick to the greased/lubed parts as lint gets everywhere.

Where do I lubricate my dryer?

Locate the rubber-rimmed rollers with roller bearings at the back of the drying casing. Squeeze two to three drops of oil on the front and back of each roller bearing. Lift the dryer drum and place it back on the rubber-rimmed rollers. Hold the drum with your knee.

Should you lube dryer rollers?

Dryer drum rollers and pulleys have oil impregnated bushings. They do not need oil. Adding oil will cause more lint/dust to stick to the rollers/shaft and wear the rollers out faster.

What pulley is making noise?

The loose pulley can make chattering noises as it spins and the vibration can knock the serpentine belt off. A loose pulley can also mean its bearings are bad. A normal pulley in good condition will only move slightly.

Are dryers worth repairing?

Is it worth repairing a dryer? Dryer repairs are worth it if the appliance is less than 4 years old and the cost is less than $400. For older dryers and/or costly repairs, replacing your appliance is more cost effective.

What happens when a dryer belt breaks?

When Belt Breaks

Over time, wear can weaken the belt until it reaches its breaking point. When a dryer belt breaks, the drum no longer turns to tumble the clothes in the dryer’s hot air. This means clothes won’t dry even if the dryer’s heater and electric motor continue to function.

What causes a dryer belt to break?

A dryer belt wrapped around the drum’s exterior causes it to turn. Over time, the belt will wear out and eventually break, which will prevent the drum from rotating, and the dryer from functioning properly.