After installing a new belt the drum turned properly for a few minutes then the idler arm and idler wheel shifted toward the motor pulley, made contact and began making a thumping sound. I checked the belt position and confirmed it was not twisted. I recently renewed multiple parts including rear bulkhead felt gasket, front glides, and rear drum rollers. If I manually pull the idler arm toward the spring about 1/2'' the noise will stop and it runs smoothly. I thought perhaps I had the wrong belt so I pulled it off and compared it to the old one.
Appears identical but since the old belt had not caused a problem I switched to the old one. This solved the thumping but I notice the idler wheel and the motor pulley are still so close that the pulley is scraping the idler wheel. If I reset the belt and idler position and turn on the motor I can watch as the idler arm moves slightly under spring tension but keeps 1/2" distance from the pulley then after a minute or so swings toward the pulley, makes contact, and remains in that position. Any suggestion as to the cause? Weak spring? New belt too tight? Thanks
Appears identical but since the old belt had not caused a problem I switched to the old one. This solved the thumping but I notice the idler wheel and the motor pulley are still so close that the pulley is scraping the idler wheel. If I reset the belt and idler position and turn on the motor I can watch as the idler arm moves slightly under spring tension but keeps 1/2" distance from the pulley then after a minute or so swings toward the pulley, makes contact, and remains in that position. Any suggestion as to the cause? Weak spring? New belt too tight? Thanks
