Squealing Whirlpool-type dryer fix

[dnastrau]

Hi everyone:

I wanted to share a tip that I discovered while doing a cleaning maintenance and noise troubleshooting on our 29" KitchenAid (Whirlpool) dryer. The dryer has been squealing on start-up for quite awhile and sometimes the noise will persist until the machine warms up. I assumed that a belt/idler pulley/drum roller problem was at hand.

Upon disassembly, I found that the drum belt "idler pulley" wasn't an idler at all - instead there was a curved spring loaded nylon-faced tensioning device that rode against the back of the belt to produce the needed tension. Over the past seven years the belt has worn a groove in the tensioner apparently causing the squealing noise. Whirlpool service part #691366 is the updated replacement that is a true "idler wheel" assembly (for the 29" model dryer). I ordered one with a new belt in the hope that my screaming dryer will be quiet once again. You can also get a complete kit from Whirlpool including the belt, idler wheels and drum rollers if you need all of them.

This information should apply to any 29" Whirlpool/Kenmore/KitchenAid/Roper/Estate/Inglis/Crosley dryer with this factory supplied sub-par tensioner - as far as I can tell. I am not sure if any of this applies to the 27" models or not.

Cheers,

Andrew S.

Squeaky KA KGYS750 dryer
Quiet Maytag Epic 9700 washer

 

[coldspot66]

The "skid" idler was used to replace the 691366 idler pulley , which has been used since 1964. It tends to get noisy after awhile, then shreds the belt.Also the belt dust can stain the rear drum seal, then start staining the clothes as they tumble. I've replaced quite a few in the last 5 years or so. A classic example of fixing something that isn't broken to save $$$. Someone's head ought to roll for coming up with this!!!!

 

[dnastrau]

Bean counters

Interesting - some Corporate bean counter wanted to save 50 cents on a part and came up with this cut-rate idea (!) I wonder if they have gone back to the original 1964 part design with the real idler wheel (what I thought was the "new and improved replacement") at the factory now? Let's hope so...

Andrew S.

 

[coldspot66]

Yes ,they have discontinued use of the skid idler & have gone back to the pulley style a few years ago!!

 

[dnastrau]

Good!

At least Whirlpool did the right thing and went back to the part that they should never have stopped using in the first place.

Thanks for the follow-up!

 

[panthera]

what a pity

One reason the bean counters and all those wonderfully young, dynamic marketing managers get away with these things is because there are still too many folks out there who think: "That's just the way it is..."
I am no fan of Whirlpool, but at least they fixed their mistake.
Here.
Thanks a lot for sharing this, Andrew!

 

[dnastrau]

Glad to share

Hi Keven:

I am glad to share as others may find this information useful - that is what the forums are all about! I have learned a lot from the folks here (your posts for example are very informative) and I am happy if I can contribute as well.

Andrew S.