GE (Eaton's Viking) Electric Dryer Help

[aviator74]

Hello. I have a mid 80's GE (Viking) electric dryer that needs some service. When I run it, it makes a loud squealing noise. I believe that it needs a rear drum support bearing, and possibly front support glides. I can not locate any information, manuals, or part numbers to do with my machine. I bought the unit second-hand and did not get a manual. I would really appreciate any help that anyone here might be able to provide. The Model number on the unit is ED700EW4191 JY5 76635. Thank you.

 

[mrb627]

Maybe post a few pix and someone in the know may be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[combo52]

GE style electric dryer

This is virtually identical to GE dryers from the mid 60s into at least the mid 1980s, there are still plenty of parts available for this. I would recommend going ahead and taking the machine apart. You raise the top panel by removing the screws under the front edge of the top, then you take the front panel off by taking the screws off. Then you remove the rear panel and the small little access panel for the rear bearing unhook the belt remove the C clip on the shaft from the rear drum bearing, and then you can lift the drum out and inspect everything.

Overall should be a fairly easy fix. These were good average dryers not as big or well designed as the whirlpool machines but they were pretty good work horses.

We had an absolutely mint almond one sitting around the shop that had gotten rebuilt a few years ago. I finally sold it just a few weeks ago. Somebody was desperate for a dryer for a rental property.

John L

 

[aviator74]

Unfortunately the parts companies around me do not have well versed employees, and it is pretty much impossible to get parts from them. I have a Viking (FilterFlo) washing machine of about the same vintage, and I can't get parts or information for that unit either. I appreciate the information. right now I am in need of information on the part numbers. Thanks

 

[pierreandreply4]

@aviator74 have you check on sites like part select for parts numbers that you can then purchase on eBay? or if your model have a tech sheet listing the part numbers?

 

[114jwh]

Hi Monte

This website has been around forever and the technician does cover many older models of appliances. This page has some pictures of the process to take your dryer apart that John outlined for you. Yours would be considered the "Older Style GE Dryer" he references. This page has a section on troubleshooting for GE dryers and he tries to separate older and newer styles. There are a bunch of other pages on this site that might help you too.

I found this page in an older Supco catalogue that may help you. I believe the drum bearing and glides are the ones I've highlighted for the older style GE dryers but I'm not certain. I'm sure if John sees this post he'll be able to confirm right away if those are the correct parts or once you take the dryer apart and confirm what is wrong you'll be able to match up the pictures with what you need. The GE official part number is the top and the aftermarket part number is below so you can search for both. Typically its better to get official parts but I've found some aftermarket ones work just fine too. It looks like you can also search for the full part or just the necessary rebuild parts for both of these items.

Hope this helps you to figure out the problem and get it working like new again. Please let us know how it works out.

 

[combo52]

Hi Monte, yes, the parts highlighted in post number six are likely the parts your dryer uses, the first part in post number six would also work on your dryer as would the fifth part listed, which is not highlighted.

I was suggesting taking your dryer apart to see what is really needed sometimes not that much is needed or it might be pretty serious, if for example, the front slides have worn down completely. The metal will tear up the outside of the drum and you won’t be able to get a good durable repair without replacing the drum itself.

Good luck let us know what you find.

John L

 

[pstehle]

Could also be the idler, I suppose, or even motor bearings, though it wouldn't likely stay running long if that were the case. I was never much of a fan of the shaft and sleeve rear bearing design, though it was quite serviceable. I always preferred the Westinghouse ball and socket style, though those got REALLY loud if the ball wore into the plastic and the shaft ran on the bearing support...