Our Speed Queen AGE939W gas dryer (believe this is same as Amana AGE939?) is leaving black streaks on the clothes and squeaks as the drum starts turning. I’d like to repair this myself and would like to go ahead and replace all of the parts that are likely worn while I’ve got it torn apart.
The drum is also visibly off center when you look at the back of the dryer—the gap at the top is much smaller than the gap at the bottom.
Based upon what I’ve read, I think I need the following:
Felt seals front and rear?
Drum roller (1 only?)
Belt (replacing this only because it seems like a good idea)
If I’d likely be better off buying a new one, that is fine too.
You are on the right track but I would recommend to disassemble the dryer first to see exactly which parts you have to order. The following diagrams and parts list will help you to do it. You will need a high temperature adhesive for the felt seals installation.
I took it apart this morning and here’s what I found—
the drum rollers are both likely shot—one has been worn partway through and the wheel was hanging there because it had nowhere to go. The other rolls poorly and I suspect it is bad. This is clearly the major problem.
the rear felt needs to be replaced. front appears fine so I’m not going to replace it unless someone suggest otherwise
front drum glides should be replaced (basic maintenance)—not sure I saw these when I took it apart, but it seems pretty basic
drive belt is ~10 years old and re-using the old one seems silly
idler pulley a little worn and might warrant replacing since I’ve got everything in pieces
Is there anything that fails on these machines that I should replace (ignitor, motor, blower, etc) as long as I’ve got everthing torn down?
Any tips on putting this back together?—it was pretty easy to tear down, but that is usually the case.
Parts list:
High temp felt adhesive
Drum rollers and assembly / shaft x 2
Front drum glides (2?)
Rear felt
Drive belt
Idler pulley and assembly
Also, should I be considering replacing this dryer vs spending $100+ on parts? I was talking with a local appliance company and he suggested that it wasn’t worth repairing a unit where many of the parts had been discontinued.
It has been going strong for 10 years and the repair seems pretty minor, so I’m inclined to fix it, but if the motor or other stuff is just going to start failing due to age, then…
I absolutely agreed with your diagnosis and the parts list you posted looks very good and complete. I don’t think you need anything else to replace at this time.
I hope you draw a picture of the belt way around the motor pulley and the idler pulley. In most cases this is one of most complicated part of assembling it back.
[quote=Clyde281;745556]…Also, should I be considering replacing this dryer vs spending $100+ on parts?..
…It has been going strong for 10 years and the repair seems pretty minor, so I’m inclined to fix it, but if the motor or other stuff is just going to start failing due to age, then…[/quote]
The answer on this question depends on condition of the dryer.
If I would know answer on the second question I would probably doing something different for different money :):):). The only what I definitely know is that old quality is much better.
Thanks for all the help Gene—I’ve found a diagram of the belt, so I’m good to go there. I’ll fix it (hopefully) and let you know how it works out for me.
It was an easy fix—there are only a total of 16 screws or nuts used. Here are my observations:
the service manual for these units is available on-line—enter “age939 service manual +pdf” into google and it should be the first result (or shoot me a PM with your e-mail addy)
the drum rollers require several washers to get the spacing right; these were completely gone on my dryer (worn away) and were not supplied with the replacement shafts or the replacement drum rollers. I was able to solve the problem by visiting a specialty fastener store. Without a large fastener store, this could have been problematic. I would order them (if available) next time.
the drum roller shafts have keepers on the end that are also not supplied with the replacement shafts.
I would do a better job placing the high temperature adhesive that is used to hold the rear felt seal in place next time. The adhesive sets up fast and that meant that I didn’t get it placed exactly right.
Thanks for the help Gene et al—much appreciated. I owe ya a beer next time you are in Seattle. Saved us a several hundred $$ for a professional repair and more than that for a new dryer.