The tumble dryer is a complementary household appliance to the washing machine, which works on an internal heating system. The air is sucked in from the outside by a turbine, it is then heated by the resistors of the dryer. The moist air turns into water which is finally stored in a collection tank. Like any other device, it is important to ensure that all its parts are always in good condition.
The work of a dryer is possible only when the drum is running at full speed. Indeed, the drum of a tumble dryer is supported by rollers, sort of rollers which maintain it during its rotation. When these rollers are defective, the machine could no longer function as it should.
You will have to change the drum rollers of your dryer, when you notice:
- the dryer does not spin,
- the dryer makes noise,
- the dryer is blocked during drying,
- the dryer dries badly,
- an error code is indicated on the front, for certain models.
It is a simple operation that you can do by yourself.
The rollers of a dryer are inside: they are the parts on which the drum rests. On most models, they are found on the back of the device and for others, it is both on the front and the back of the device.
To access it, you must remove the rear panel and the drum.
The drum rollers in a dryer are small wheels that support the dryer drum and allow it to rotate smoothly during the drying cycle. Over time, these rollers can become worn or damaged, leading to noisy and inefficient dryer operation. Changing the drum rollers is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires some basic tools and mechanical know-how. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of changing the drum rollers of a dryer.
Step 1: Safety Precautions
Before you begin any repair work on your dryer, prioritize safety. Ensure the dryer is disconnected from the power supply by unplugging it from the electrical outlet or switching off the circuit breaker dedicated to the dryer.
Step 2: Access the Dryer’s Drum Rollers
To access the drum rollers, you will need to open the dryer’s cabinet. The specific steps to access the rollers may vary depending on your dryer model. Generally, you will need to:
- Remove any screws or clips securing the dryer’s top panel to the cabinet. Slide a putty knife or a similar tool between the top and front panels to release any hidden clips.
- Lift the top panel and prop it up securely.
- Locate and remove the screws or clips securing the front panel to the sides of the cabinet.
- Carefully tilt the front panel forward and disconnect any wires or cables attached to the door switch.
- Set the front panel aside.
- Now, you will have access to the dryer’s drum and drum rollers.
Step 3: Remove the Old Drum Rollers
Inspect the drum rollers for signs of wear or damage. There are typically two drum rollers located at the rear of the dryer drum.
To remove the old drum rollers, you may need to release tension from the drum belt. Do this by pushing or pulling the tension pulley to loosen the belt and slip it off the motor pulley and tension pulley.
Next, locate the retainer clips or screws securing the drum rollers to the dryer cabinet. Remove these clips or screws to release the drum rollers.
Step 4: Install the New Drum Rollers
Position the new drum rollers in place, aligning them with the corresponding holes or slots in the dryer cabinet.
Secure the drum rollers with the retainer clips or screws you removed earlier.
Step 5: Reassemble the Dryer
With the new drum rollers installed, it’s time to reassemble the dryer. Replace the dryer’s front panel and secure it with the screws or clips you removed earlier.
Step 6: Reattach the Drum Belt
Loop the drum belt around the dryer drum, ensuring it sits on the drum’s grooves.
Reapply tension to the tension pulley by pushing or pulling it, and loop the belt around the motor pulley and tension pulley.
Step 7: Test the Dryer
Before pushing the dryer back into its designated spot, perform a test run to check if the new drum rollers are functioning correctly. Turn on the dryer and run a drying cycle to ensure that the drum rotates smoothly without any issues or excessive noise.
Step 8: Final Adjustments
If you notice any issues during the test run, such as unusual noises or the drum not rotating smoothly, double-check the installation of the new drum rollers. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the rollers are properly aligned and secure.
Conclusion
Changing the drum rollers of a dryer is a manageable task that can greatly improve the dryer’s performance and reduce noise during operation. By following this step-by-step guide, you can successfully replace the old drum rollers with new ones, allowing the dryer drum to rotate smoothly during the drying cycle. However, if you encounter any difficulties during the process or have concerns about handling the repair, it’s always best to seek assistance from a professional dryer technician. With the new drum rollers properly installed, your dryer should operate smoothly and efficiently, providing you with effective drying performance and quieter operation.
