Help Identify Dryer Issue

[blockeight88]

1996 Kenmore Ultra Fabric Care gas dryer. It started making a weird noise the other day, what appears to be a scrapping noise. I don't know how much about dryers, but I would assume it might be the felt that the drum sits on under the door.  Below is a video demonstrating the issue. 

 

Model: 11097586210

 



 

 

 

 

[maytag85]

John might know what it is, but I am willing to bet it might be the felt seal up at the front. Should be easy to fix since it a Whirlpool 29” top filter dryer, lots and lots of videos on YouTube showing on how to repair various issues and problems on those particular Whirlpool dryers.

 

[blockeight88]

Felt seal

That’s what I’m thinking because the sound is right at the door. Everything else on the machine sounds good.

 

[repairguy]

It’s the rear drum seal that needs to be replaced. The bulkhead may need to be painted in the bulkhead area while replacing the seal.

 

[blockeight88]

rear drum seal

Thank you for your input, Melvin. I will definitely inspect the bulkhead when I change out the rear seal. 

 

[qsd-dan]

Tear it apart, not much to 'em

 

[blockeight88]

Disassembly

I actually took in a part about a half hour ago and you are right. It's definitely pretty easy. IMO its easier to take a part than the washer. I was able to inspect the rollers and cleaned the shaft they connect to and add some grease. The felt on the rear drum is pretty shot. Some of the paint on the bulkhead as worn down but I am hoping the new drum seal fixes the noise. 

 

[DADoES]

 
The drum rollers and belt idler technically aren't supposed to be lubricated, the rollers are sintered bearings.  A bit of turbine oil is reasonable.  Grease not so much, much more apt to attract lint.

 

[blockeight88]

I didn't apply any grease to the belt idler. I only applied a very small amount to the roller shafts. Anyway Glen, do you believe the issue is the rear drum seal? 

 

[blockeight88]

Reapirs

I replaced the rear drum seal and bearing seal on the door (279408 & W11035878) along with the support ring bearing (279441). Sounds better, but still not that great. I don't know.

When replacing the bearing seal, the dryer door had 3 tabs and was new bearing seal only had 2 inserts. Not sure why that was.

New video.

 

[blockeight88]

I also swapped out the drum with an identical one and notice this rhythmic thumping sound.

 

[ryner1988]

Is your dryer a 29-incher with the lint filter on top? I've noticed many of those machines make that rhythmic thumping noise.

I've had two Whirlpool 29-inch dryers. My last one was model year 2008, January 2010 production according to the serial tag. My current one is 2015 model year, with a production code of November 2023. Both of them have made that thumping sound. My current dryer made that noise from the very first load.

The residential blind school I attended had a washer and dryer in each dormitory. Most of them were BOL Roper sets with 29-inch dryers. Almost all of them made that noise, and this was nearly 20 years ago.

So, perhaps the sound is just endemic to that type of dryer?

 

[qsd-dan]

Some of these drums are not the most concentric when manufactured. I bet this drum has a minor defect in it causing that thumping noise. It's definitely not the drum rollers.

Remove the drum and carefully run your hand around the lip of both ends, particularly the end where the drum rollers ride on. Bet you'll find something.

 

[blockeight88]

Which is why I'm just going to put back the original drum (as ugly as it looks) it didn't make any weird noises.

 

[DADoES]

 
The thumping noise is probably related to the drum's weld-seam passing over the support rollers.  Characteristics of the seam vary from drum-to-drum.  The thumping may lessen during a run after the rollers soften a bit from heating.

 

[combo52]

Noisi drum rotation in a 29 inch whirlpool built dryer

Ask Glenn mentioned the seam in the drum is often the cause of a bumping noise usually it’s too quick bumps in a row because it’s going over both rollers in the seven and 4 o’clock positions roughly in quick sequence.

It’s often better to leave the original drum in things unless there’s a definite need to change it, you can also try Sanding or filing the seam sometimes that helps if you’re trying for perfection.

 

[blockeight88]

Well i put my new OEM Whirlpool rollers in there and its much better. They also spin freely with my finger, unlike the old ones. I still hear a rhythmic sound, but its not bad. You guys be the judge.