1973 Hotpoint dryer squeaking

[harvestgold73]

Hello, I'm writing for assistance with my beautiful '73 Hotpoint dryer festooned in harvest gold.

The dryer drum spins quietly, both by power and by hand, when the unit is cool. It starts squeaking upon reaching operating temperature, both by power and by hand.

Any advice as to what is causing the noise, and what can be done? Thanks in advance ...

 

[combo52]

Squeaking 1973 Hotpoint dryer

Most likely, the rear Teflon bearing is worn out, the dryer at this age should be completely disassembled and cleaned anyway, if it hasn’t seen thorough maintenance in a long time.

The rear bearing is still readily available. If you catch it early enough, you only have to replace the little Teflon piece. Otherwise, you may have to replace the whole bearing assembly if it’s worn too far into the metal.

When it’s taken apart to clean, clean the motor very carefully, the cooling openings in the motor tend to get packed with lint in these older dryers and then the motor will overheat and either cut off on you or fail sooner.

Good luck with it John

 

[maytag85]

I agree with John, more than likely the main drum bearing is more than likely worn causing the noise. GE still uses a similar design to this day albeit a bit cheapened. Also would be a good idea to clean the insides of the machine out for a preventative measure.

 

[harvestgold73]

Thank you so much, this place is an invaluable resource. Glad to know I can remedy it, I've already replaced the FilterFlo pump on the accompanying washer.

Would either of you have a part number for the correct GE bearing?

 

[harvestgold73]

Before I buy, can anyone confirm bearing kit WE25M40 as the one I need? Thanks so much.

 

[combo52]

GE Dryer Rear drum Bearing

That is the correct # for a complete bearing replacement, however unless you have really run this a very long time while screeching long you only need the little bearing itself Pt # WE3X75 which is less than $15.

John

 

[harvestgold73]

Excellent advice, thanks!

 

[harvestgold73]

GE Dryer Rear drum Bearing

Dryer is running smoothly and quietly now! While in there I vacuumed all the lint, found a petrified rat and lots of what looks like bird feed it had carried into the bottom of the unit.

Thanks again for the help! I've included photos of my harvest gold pair.

 

[DADoES]

 
Pic 4, what's the labeling on the scrubber in the lid?  Collar & Cuff?

 

[peteski50]

Hotpoint!

That is a nice set you have. We had the 1977 TOL set with back open lid and hand wash adj that was a great set also. The dryer was the big capacity unit!

 

[rpms]

No picture of the rat?

 

[circlew]

Very nice set! We got new laundry equipment in the summer of '73, and I remember going with my parents to Swallen's to look at machines. They were a long time Hotpoint dealer, and had these models on display. Also looked at Whirlpools there. They decided on Maytag, partially because the dryer door swung the correct way for the arrangement. They were bought at the hardware store that was a Maytag dealer (the one I worked at during the summer of '77).

 

[harvestgold73]

It does indeed read "Collar and Cuff."

The rat was absolutely vile, flung it to the moon lol