How to Install a Snap Ring on a Dryer Wheel

A broken or worn snap ring is often the cause of excess noise coming from a dryer's drum wheel. Dryers use either a triangular clip or a snap e-ring to secure the dryer wheel to the shaft on the rear of the dryer. If you have a model that uses a snap ring, often when you disassemble the dryer to inspect the cause of the rumbling noise, you'll find that the snap ring is either missing or extremely thin, allowing the roller to move excessively on the shaft. Installing a new snap ring does require a pair of snap-ring pliers, which are available at home improvement centers.

Snap-ring pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Insert each bent end of the snap-ring pliers into the holes on the existing snap ring, if there is currently a snap-ring still on the dryer wheel shaft. The snap-ring pliers have pointed jaws that fit snugly into the holes on the snap ring.
- 2
  Squeeze the snap-ring pliers handles slightly to open the jaws and spread the ring apart. Pull the ring away from the dryer wheel shaft.
- 3
  Release the plier handles, and allow the jaws to close. Take the old snap-ring off the pliers. Position the holes of a new snap-ring onto the ends of the snap-ring plier jaws.
- 4
  Open the snap-ring by squeezing the plier handles slightly. Hold the snap-ring open and maneuver it over the dryer wheel shaft until it is over the notch on the shaft. Release the plier handles, and remove the pliers.

How to Replace a Kenmore Dryer Pulley

How to Remove the Pulley on a Kenmore Front-Load Washer

Washer & Dryers