[BETA270]

The drum on my clothes dryer starts out turning slowly before it gets going or doesn't turn at all. Sounds like the belt is slipping, how do I access it to check out whats going on and any ideas about the problem.
Thanks!

[Gene]

Hi BETA270

Did you hear a humming noise or any other kind of unusual noises coming from the dryer at the start up or after?
If it makes a humming noise, most likely the problem is a bad motor which has to be replaced in such a situation.
If it makes noises but not a humming one then the problem could be with the worn out drum support rollers and/or the idler pulley.

To get access to all the parts inside the dryer, remove two screws at the lint screen slot and using a putty knife, push and pry the clip on each side in front of the top panel to release the holding clips. Lift up the top panel until it rests on the hinges. Unplug the quick disconnect plug for the door switch. Remove a screw from each side of the front panel. Pull the front panel up and toward yourself to release it from the retainer clips. Looking under the drum you'll find the idler pulley with the belt. Draw a picture of the belt that goes through the idler pulley onto the motor pulley so you will know how to assemble it back. Remove the belt and pull out the drum. Now you have access to all parts inside the dryer.

The motor

The belt

The drum support rollers

The idler pulley

- The part number for the motor AP3094245

- The part number for the belt AP2946843

- The part number for the drum support rollers AP3098345

- The part number for the idler pulley AP2911909

- Here are the break down diagrams for the Whirlpool dryer Model LER8648LW0

Good luck.
Gene.

[Admin / APP Team]

Email message from BETA270:

Gene,

Thanks so much for your help, I'm sure you saved me hours of frustration as I had no idea where to start. I didn't hear a humming noise so hopefully its not the motor. I will operate on it tonight and hopefully be placing a parts order tomorrow.

Thanks Again!
BETA270

[Admin / APP Team]

Another email from BETA270:

Gene,

Thanks again, it took me all of 3 minutes to get the dryer apart thanks to your instructions. I found a screw missing on the back inside wall which made the drum bind when a large load was in it. I also found a pen in the bottom of the lint trap hole that had bound in the squire cage fan some time ago. Anyway all is working fine thanks to your greatly appreciated guidence.
I will buy any parts I need from here in the future. The best part is my wife is off my case to call a service guy and I still have beer money.

Thanks,
BETA270

[Gene]

Good job!

Gene.