Dryer Idler Assembly

It was very easy to installed new parts.

I knew right away that some rollers were bad. So, I decided to do a total "rebuild" while I had the dryer apart. I.e., any part pertaining to movement of the drum. So, I replaced the 2 rear rollers, idler pulley, front glides and drum drive belt. Why not? You're already in there - just do it all, and you're good for maybe another 10 years. One thing they don't tell you in the videos, but you really should do; add some grease to the shafts for the rear rollers and on the shoulder bolt that holds the idler pulley in place. Don't "slather" it in there; I used a wooden toothpick to put a small amount for the roller shafts and shoulder bolt. It's best to use something that can stand high heat. I used STL Pipe Thread grease; but any good, high-heat grease will do. Also, take the time to vacuum out the inside of the dryer, and ALL air paths. Especially the front Lint Duct Assembly. Mine was so full of lint, it was almost blocking the blower wheel. It was so packed, it was mostly blocking the thermal limit switch!!. That could cause the dryer to over heat, and catch all that lint on fire. Clean it good, and it'll take less running time to dry your clothes. I could tell the difference.

Idler Lever was obviously totally gone and causing most of the noise. Videos are excellent. Just follow them carefully.

Followed the online repair demonstration videos. Lifted the top using putty knife to release: slid in between top panel and front panel. There is one on the left and one on the right. (Press toward back of dryer and lift lightly on the top for each side, releasing both sides and lift up. Rest on wall behind dryer). Photographed wires before disconnecting. Used nut driver to unscrew the front panel,one screw on each side. Lifted and pulled, and removed. Did the same for the inner part that holds the front of the drum. Four screws total there. Removed the drum by first reaching in under the drum and freeing the belt from the pulley, then pulling drum straight forward. Removed and replaced idler pulley with crescent wrench and socket. Removed and replaced drum rollers using snap ring pliers (these were only slightly worn, but ordered and replaced anyway since they were affordable) and added a little machine oil for good measure. Returned the drum, then put on new belt (using the video to be sure of correct placement and installation) and reassembled dryer, referring to the pics I took of the wires. Works like brand new now! Loved the videos! Very easy to follow!

As per your video

LESSONS LEARNED: Watch excellent repair video for assumed parts needing replacement; if possible dissasemble and check for wear before ordering parts; drum support rollers and tensioner pulley roller require small tipped (approximately 1/32") snap ring pliers not readily available and pricey (I was able to carefully file down the tips on standard-sized pliers to fit); note how front panel bottom guides slip in for properalignment. Drum rollers, belt and front support glides were replaced and everything was very quiet for two cycles before same screeching returned. Inspection after pulling the drum again showed black residue from belt wear around base of idler lever, which was loose and the roller and bearing shaft worn. Replaced lever and roller assembly which cured the problem. Notes: The idler arm pinch nut was so tight that it wasn't fully tightened down when built allowing the arm to flop on the mounting bolt. A box end wrench was needed to hold the nut(not pliers as in the video)to remove it. I ran it on and off three times before reassmbly to get complete tightening with proper clearance. Also, drum rollers and the idler roller come dry. A very light coating of auto bearing grease was applied to the roller shafts to extend life. Everything is nice and quiet after multiple cycles.

Hardest part was figuring out how to open the dryer. Most online sources about Mayags indicated that you remove the door and a front panel comes off. On this model you have to loosen two clips on the back of the driver behind the console, reach under the top panel that is now able to be lifted from the back of the dryer and release two more clips (by hand) that connect the top panel to the body. Once this was done, I was able to swing the top panel out of the way (there is no simple disconnection of the control panel from the body with a wiring harness, unfortunately) and find the rest of the fasteners to remove the front panel. The rest was quick and simple. My problem ended up being the idler lever, but I replaced the belt while I had the unit open. I bought a support roller, but did not replace it.

I followed the video instructions and the replacement of the parts was pretty simple. NIce instruction video. The guy is an artist. Thanks.

I used this excellent web site for the first time, querying by "sound symptoms". I ordered the four parts ranked most likely to be the culprit. I successfully changed all four, but unfortunately the problem persisted. So I ordered the next two ranked parts. VOILA! It was the Idler Lever. More specifically the pulley of the idler lever. Upon inspection of the old and new part, it was quite obvious the problem. The belt had worn a perfect groove, the width of the belt, into the pulley wheel. To the layman, the groove looked factory made, but it was not. I wish the web site suggested first to inspect the wheel for that condition before ordering any parts, but I'm still very impressed by this web site, especially the fact that you provide a start-to-finish installation video for EVERY individual part! Will definitely recommend you to friends!!

This is the 3rd time I have ordered from this site and as usual the parts arrived quickly and the instructions online were great.....For this repair I just followed the video and it was pretty easy. Just pay attention to how the belt is routed before you remove it. Also don't forget to plug the motor back in before you completely reassemble the dryer, reattach dryer vent, plug in, and move dryer back into place. I imagine that would be a real pain and maybe cause you to say several bad words. I also strongly advise you to take the time to clean out all the lent while the dryer is apart. Mine was 10+ years old and it was surprising how much lint was there.