Home Garden

How to Disconnect the Motor & Idler Pulley on a GE Dryer Drum

The motor inside a GE automatic dryer turns a pulley that drives the dryer drum belt. An idler pulley keeps constant tension on the belt, keeping it tight against the drum pulley and allowing the drum to rotate smoothly. If the motor or idler pulley becomes damaged, it must be replaced. In some situations, it may be necessary to remove the parts, broken or not broken, so they can be inspected or as part of the troubleshooting process.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket wrench
  • Phillips screwdriver
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Unplug the dryer power cord. Open the door.

    • 2

      Remove the screws along the underside of the top panel. Lift the top panel up. Rest the panel against the wall behind the dryer.

    • 3

      Remove the screws securing the front panel to the dryer cabinet. Set the front panel off to the left side of the dryer.

    • 4

      Remove the two screws on the left and right sides of the cabinet near the floor.

    • 5

      Slide the belt off the pulleys below the drum. Lift the drum out of the GE dryer cabinet.

    • 6

      Unplug the wire connectors leading to the motor.

    • 7

      Remove the bolt in the middle of the blower wheel, using the socket wrench. Remove the blower wheel.

    • 8

      Unhook the clamps at the base of the motor. Lift the motor out of the cabinet.

    • 9

      Remove the bolt at the end of the idler pulley arm. Lift the idler pulley out of the dryer cabinet.