Removing and replacing the drum of a newer Whirlpool model
| Note: | | Disconnect the power source to your dryer before you begin to remove the drum. Either unplug the unit from the wall outlet, remove the appropriate fuse from the fuse box, or flip the appropriate breaker in the circuit breaker panel. |
Opening the cabinet and removing the dryer drum for newer Whirlpool brand models starts at the control panel. Begin by removing the end caps found at either end of the console. Lift them from the back, and then pull them towards you. There will be two screws holding the console in place. Remove the screws, and then slide the console towards you and flip it up. You will find an additional three screws at the back of the cabinet top. Remove these and slide the cabinet top towards you and lift it off the unit.
Proceed by removing the kickplate. There are two spring catches that need to be disengaged before you can remove the kickplate. Each spring catch is found about four inches in from each side. Use a putty knife or some other thin and flat object to wedge in between the front panel and the kickplate. Push down on the clips with the putty knife to disengage.
Open the dryer door and remove the screws that are holding the hinges to the door. Tilt the door up and pull on it gently to remove it. Continue the dismantling process by removing all the screws you find that are holding the front panel to the unit. There will be door switch screws, ground wire screws, and other screws holding the front panel to the bulkhead.
With the front cabinet removed, reach under the dryer drum to the back of the motor, and release the belt tension. Now the front bulkhead and the drum can be easily removed.
Reinstalling your dryer drum and reassembling the entire unit is basically the disassembly process in reverse. Though it can be a little tricky.
In these machines, the idler (also known as a tensioner) and the motor are in the back of the machine. When you have put the front bulkhead and drum back in place, pay special to the belt. Make sure it is flat against the drum all the way around. You may want to use your hands to manually rotate the drum in order to look at the entire belt. Also, line the belt up with the skid mark on the drum. Apply tension to the belt by making a loop with it and slip it under the tensioner (idler pulley arm). Push in on the idler pulley arm and using your fingers, slip the belt loop around the motor pinion.
Replace the front panel of your dryer. Replace the dryer door, and then replace the kickplate. Reattach the cabinet top and then push the control panel back in place and reattach the two end caps.
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