1940s to 1965 Kenmore/Whirlpool dryer question

[classiccaprice]

Hey everyone,

Quick question, I've recently gotten my 1962 Kenmore from Ohio. I''d like to lubricate the drum where it rotates in the center, however I'm not entirely sure how to take the drum out. Dumb question, but how do I get the drum off? I've taken it apart and tried to pull the drum out, like I would have with the late 65 and on redesign to no avail. I don't see where it's attached. Thanks everyone!

 

[combo52]

Removing the drum from a 1961-64 WP built dryer

You take out the two screws near the lint filter, then raise the top, and if it is a one piece front panel like you have pictured you remove the two 5/16" head screws holding the top of the front panel to the cabinet sides.

 

Then from inside the drum pry off the chrome cap in the center of the drum and unscrew the 1/2"bolt [ PLEASE note this bolt is a Left Hand Thread, or turn it CW to remove ] then once the bolt is removed and the drum belt released from the motor and idler pulleys the drum will just lift out through the cabinet front.

 

John L.

 

[classiccaprice]

Thanks John!

 

[frigilux]

Will-- I love the look of the control panel on these '62s. The cycle dial reminds me of a '58 Frigidaire. Is the dryer squealing? Our 1960 Model 80 dryer developed a squeal that used to make my eyes water. It was super-loud and just pierced right through your head. My stepfather---one of those guys who could fix absolutely anything from toasters to tractors---took care of it. I'll never forget that piercing wail, LOL.

Good luck Will, and John, I learn so much from your posts! Always a pleasure to read.

 

[combo52]

Squealing WP Built Dryers

Hi Eugene and Will, on the 1960 and earlier dryers the drive and drum support was completely different than this next generation of dryers.

 

Eugene the part that was likely squealing on your 1960 KM dryer was bearing in the big idler pulley, this bearing would get dry in these and let out a ear piercing sound, in most cases you had to replace the idler pulley and shaft once it had made this noise for a while, Maytag HOH dryers have a similar drive system and their idler pulley bearing can do the same thing.

 

[classiccaprice]

Thanks John and Eugene! John, I'll call you this weekend. I've got an unrelated question related to what we talked about the other day.

 

[philr]

John, is there some preventive maintenance to do on a pre-1961 dryer to avoid that it gets noisy? Is it possible/helpful to lubricate the bearing while it's still not making any noise?

 

[tomturbomatic]

More Sears BS

Before Push to Start those multicycle Kenmore dryer dials were a PITA. The owner's manuals talked about holding the door open as you turned the timer through the cycle you did not want to get to the cycle you did want. Wash 'n Wear had a longer cooldown but delicate fabrics could be dried on any cycle. They were just trying to have the dryer timer markings match the washer timer markings by adding that Delicate cycle to the timer. I have not seen any documentation to show that the Delicate cycle held the temperature down to a low level like the Delicate cycle on the washer held the speed to low.

 

[classiccaprice]

I still hope the matching washer shows up eventually. I like the 62s and their Frigidare impression!

 

[akronman]

1961 Kenmore dryer

Has the best DELICATE heat of any dryer I own, I use it for button down shirts, tee shirts. If I take them out just before it's done, no wrinkling, no ironing, very delicate heat.

 

[akronman]

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