How to Replace a Bearing Glide on a Front-Loading Dryer

Disconnect your dryer from the power source either by unplugging the dryer or turning off the circuit breaker inside the main breaker panel.

Find the two screws along the bottom of the dryer’s front panel and remove them. Lift up and out on the bottom of the dryer’s front panel to release it from the dryer cabinet. Lean the front panel against the side of the dryer cabinet, so you do not have to disconnect the door switch wires. Other dryer models may open differently. Refer to the resource section for additional disassembly instructions.

Remove the four screws at each corner of the front bulkhead. Pull out on the bulkhead to release it from the dryer drum and lift it off the dryer.

Lay the bulkhead on the floor or a sturdy work surface with the side that faced the dryer drum facing up. The two dryer bearing glides are located along the bottom of the bulkhead opening. The drum bearing glides support the front of the dryer drum.

Drill out the rivets holding the bearing glides to the bulkhead. Attach a 1/8-inch drill bit to a power drill. Position the drill against the rivet on the outside of the bulkhead. Drill completely through the two rivets on each bearing glide.

Pull the bearing glides from the slots cut in the bulkhead. Some dryer models have brackets that hold the bearing glides. Insert a slotted screwdriver between the bracket and the glide to pop it from the bracket.

Insert the cork from the bearing glide kit through the slots in the bulkhead. Place the metal bearing glide on top of the cork. Insert the ends of the bearing through the slots in the bulkhead.

Place the long end of the rivet, supplied with the bearing glide kit, into a pop rivet tool. Line up the holes in the glide bearing with the holes in the bulkhead.

Insert the rivet through the hole in the bearing and the hole in the bulkhead along the outside of the bulkhead. Squeeze the handles on the pop rivet tool to rivet the bearing glide in place. If your dryer uses bearing glide brackets, pop the ends of the replacement glides in the bracket. The design of the bearing glide will hold the glide in place.

Reinstall the bulkhead, ensuring the drum rests on the bearing glides. Follow the disassembly steps in reverse to reassemble your dryer.