[artman]

My dryer is making a loud screeching noise for a few seconds, then its fine for a few minutes, then screeching for a few seconds, etc etc.

I took it apart, and could find nothing obvious. The glides looked fine, I saw no sign of the drum seals being worn through, and the drum wheels in the back seem to have lots of rubber, so I don't think that they are the cause. I even sprayed some WD-40 on them, as well as the the wheel in the middle that helps turn the belt.

I also noticed that I have to put a little effort into turning the drum manually. I am not sure if that should be really easy, or if a little resistance is normal.

Any chance that this rings a bell with someone?

Thanks

[kayakcrzy]

No, it should be reasonably easy to to turn. It is most likely going to be the motor. A great way to check is take the drum out and leave the door switch hooked up, and then turn the dryer on a no heat mode, and let the motor run by itself, if you hear the motor make the noise you know that is it. If you need me you can reach me at my website at ApplianceEducator.com Tom

[artman]

Kayakcrzy;

First, thanks for the response.

I did as you suggested, and the motor seemed very quiet. I left it running for a while, and didn't hear so much as a squeak.

Then, I reached down and gave the pulley assembly a couple of turns, and heard some screeching reminiscent of the horrible sound I would hear from the dryer.

This is the wheel that is tensioned with a spring, I guess to provide extra tightness to the belt.

Is this something I should replace, or can a little axle grease or something do the trick?

Thanks again.

[kayakcrzy]

I knew we would get to the bottom of this. That is why I suggested that you do what I had told you. Because I knew one on the parts was going to be bad that you said was OK. I figured if you take the drum out before, you were good enough to tear it down. Actually I would replace it, and the rollers, and the belt. You know the parts are cheap, and if you clean it all out, you will be good for another 5 years. Did you also clean all the lint out of the front panel on the bottom. That is the blower housing? Tom ApplianceEducator.com

[artman]

I ordered the parts on Sunday, they shipped on Monday and arrived on Tuesday. And, that was on standard shipping.

Anyhow, getting the idler pully on was easy. Getting the belt back on was a bit harder. I had to place the dryer on a table so I could get at it at a good angle, then I used a rope to pull down some slack on the belt while I used my other hand to push up on the pulley and get the belt onto it.

Long story short, the thing sounds like a new dryer now. Thanks again for all your help.

[kayakcrzy]

Good Job, Glad I could help. Tom ApplianceEducator.com