To ensure the tightness of the drum, the dryer has a special seal, which is called felt. They are made of felt and facilitate the sliding of the drum during operation. A tumble dryer has two seals, one per side of the drum.
Felts can wear out over time and cause the following failures:
- The dryer makes a lot of noise and vibrates a lot.
- It is difficult to spin the drum by hand.
- You may feel hot air leaks.
The dryer has 2 gaskets on its drum, one at the front and one at the back. To replace them, it will therefore be necessary to disassemble the drum.
Felt seals play a crucial role in a dryer as they create a barrier between the rotating drum and the dryer’s front and rear panels, preventing heat and air from escaping and protecting clothes from being caught in the gap. Over time, felt seals can wear out, become damaged, or start to disintegrate, leading to reduced drying efficiency and potential damage to clothes. If you notice signs of wear or deterioration on the felt seals of your dryer, it’s essential to replace them promptly. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of changing the felt seals of a dryer.
Step 1: Safety Precautions
Before starting 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 Felt Seals
To access the felt seals, you will need to open the dryer door fully and remove the dryer’s front and rear panels. The specific steps to access the felt seals may vary depending on your dryer model. Generally, you will need to:
- Remove the lint screen or lint filter from the top of the dryer.
- Locate and remove any screws or clips securing the dryer’s top panel. 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 dryer’s 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.
- To access the rear felt seal, remove the access panel at the back of the dryer.
Step 3: Remove the Old Felt Seals
With the front and rear panels removed, you can now access the old felt seals. The felt seals are attached to the dryer drum and the front and rear panels. Carefully peel back the old felt seals from their positions, using a flat-head screwdriver if needed.
Step 4: Clean the Drum and Panels
After removing the old felt seals, take the opportunity to clean the drum and the front and rear panels where the new felt seals will be attached. Use a mild detergent and water or a suitable cleaning agent to remove any dirt, debris, or adhesive residue.
Step 5: Install the New Felt Seals
Now it’s time to install the new felt seals. Start by positioning the felt seal on the front panel or rear panel and align it with the drum. Press the felt seal firmly into place, making sure it adheres securely.
Step 6: Reassemble the Dryer
With the new felt seals in place, it’s time to reassemble the dryer. Reverse the steps you followed to remove the front and rear panels and the access panel at the back of the dryer. Reattach any wires or cables disconnected from the door switch.
Step 7: Test the Dryer
Before pushing the dryer back into its designated spot, perform a test run to check if the new felt seals are functioning correctly. Turn on the dryer and run a short cycle to ensure there are no issues with the new felt seals.
Step 8: Final Adjustments
If you notice any issues with the new felt seals during the test run, double-check the installation to ensure they are properly aligned and adhered to the drum and panels. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a tight and secure fit.
Conclusion
Changing the felt seals of a dryer is a vital maintenance task that ensures optimal drying performance and protects your clothes from potential damage. By following this step-by-step guide, you can successfully replace the old felt seals with new ones and restore your dryer’s efficiency. Properly functioning felt seals will create a secure barrier between the drum and the dryer’s front and rear panels, retaining heat and air during the drying process. 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 new felt seals in place, you can continue to enjoy efficient and effective drying, knowing that your clothes are protected and your dryer is operating at its best.
