How to Install the Rear Bearing on a Dryer

Unplug the dryer to make sure there is no power to the dryer.

Lift the dryer top by inserting a putty knife approximately 2 inches in from each corner of the top. Once you insert the putty knife, the clips should release. Lean the top against the wall, as it cannot support itself.

Remove the front of the dryer by removing the two screws located just inside the top of the front cover. Run your putty knife along both sides of the dryer to release the clips that hold the front cover in place. Pull the dryer front panel to the side and lean it against the dryer.

Release the belt from the idler pulley by reaching underneath the drum. Pull the idler pulley to the left to release it from the motor pulley and pull the belt off both pulleys.

Pull the drum belt upwards sharply to release the rear drum bearing. Slide the dryer drum forward through the front opening in the dryer.

Remove the rear support bearing from the dryer by loosening the bracket that holds it in place, but do not remove it completely. Pull the bearing out of the support bracket using a 5/16-inch nut driver. Make sure the ball bearing inside the bearing stays in place when you remove the bearing by holding it in place with your hand. Once you have removed the bearing, remove the ball bearing to reuse with the new rear bearing.

Squeeze high-temperature grease into the hole where the rear bearing was located. Also place some grease in the opening of the new bearing.

Insert the old ball bearing into the rear bearing and place it inside the bracket that will hold it in place. Tighten the nuts that hold the bracket in place with a 5/16-inch nut driver. Squeeze more high temperature grease into the bearing once you have it in place.

Reinstall the dryer drum by pushing it back into the body of the dryer. Drape the belt around the drum, keeping the grooved side down towards the drum. Line up the tumbler shaft on the back of the drum with the support bearing you just replaced. The drum should snap into place.

Reinstall the belt onto the idler and motor pulleys by reaching underneath the drum. Pull the idler pulley to the left with the belt wrapped around it and wrap the belt around the motor pulley. Allow the idler pulley to spring back into position. The belt should now be tight around the drum. Make sure the drum turns freely by turning it by hand.

Reinstall the front panel by aligning it in the base panel, placing it onto the retaining clips, and snapping it in place. Reinstall the two screws that hold the front panel in place.

Lower the top back down onto the dryer and until the retaining clips snap back into place.