[tjtroy]

I have an older model Tappan electric Dryer that squeeks when it has a large load of clothes in it. The squeeking seems to be coming from the back of the unit, about in the middle area. I suspect it is a worn rear bearing, and possibly a front top felt/slide assy. My question is...how do I get the front panel off. I don't want to pry on it without knowing for fear of damaging the finish or bending the cabinet. I know this is probably easy to remove....and am sure I can do it if someone can tell me how. I don't see any screws that are accessible from the front.

[Gene]

Using a putty knife, push the locking tab on each side between the top panel and the front panel. Lift up the top panel, remove the screw on each side holding the front panel and remove the front panel.

Remove the rear access panel. Draw a picture of the belt going around the motor pulley and the idler pulley and remove the belt.

Remove the drum. Inspect all parts and post the results for the correct part numbers.

Gene.

[tjtroy]

Originally Posted by Gene

Using a putty knife, push the locking tab on each side between the top panel and the front panel. Lift up the top panel, remove the screw on each side holding the front panel and remove the front panel.

Remove the rear access panel. Draw a picture of the belt going around the motor pulley and the idler pulley and remove the belt.

Remove the drum. Inspect all parts and post the results for the correct part numbers.

Gene.

Thanks for the tip to open the unit up. I ordered repair kit #5304461262 Dryer preventive maintenance kit. The kit contained everything needed for under $40 including shipping, and the parts were OEM tappan parts. The kit arrived this morning via FedEx and the repair took about 1 1/2 hours to complete ... considering never doing anything like this...was pretty good. The kit came with complete instructions, and the repair was very easy.
The front upper felt/bearing strip was very worn, and the rear bearing didn't appear to be very worn, but the lubricant was all dried up, and since the kit came with a new one, I replaced it. The kit also had a new tension assy, a new front lower felt bearing, and a new belt.
tj

[Gene]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us and good luck with your dryer.

Gene.