How to Replace a GE We12x83 Idler Pulley

Unplug your dryer from the wall outlet or turn off the circuit breaker in your main breaker panel. If you own a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply valve behind the dryer.

Open the dryer cabinet to remove the dryer drum and access the idler pulley. Since each model dryer a manufacturer makes may disassemble differently, refer to the resources to find the instructions for your brand and model.

Look beneath the dryer drum to locate the idler pulley next to the motor. You can usually find the motor and idler pulley on the right side of the cabinet near the rear wall. Note the way the dryer drum belt wraps around the pulley wheel and the motor shaft.

Push the idler pulley arm toward the dryer drum. This action releases the tension on the drum belt, allowing you remove the belt from the pulley and the motor shaft.

Lift the dryer drum from the cabinet to allow you to make repairs to the idler pulley.

Find the washer-cap push nut on the end of the idler pulley arm. The washer-cap push nut holds the idler pulley wheel on the arm. Grab the washer-cap push nut with pliers and pull it off the end of the pulley arm.

Slide the old idler pulley off the pulley arm. Wipe any dirt and debris from the metal arm with an old rag.

Slide the replacement idler pulley part number WE12X83 onto the idler pulley arm. Make sure the flat side of the pulley faces the back wall of the dryer cabinet. Push the washer-cap push nut back onto the end of the pulley arm to secure the new idler pulley wheel.

Reinstall the dryer drum. Push the new pulley toward the drum. Thread the drum belt around the new idler pulley and the motor shaft. Release the pulley to place tension on the belt. Manually rotate the dryer drum clockwise to ensure the drum belt realigns on the exterior of the dryer drum.

Reassemble the dryer cabinet reversing the disassembly instructions you used to take your cabinet apart. Reconnect your dryer to the electricity and turn on the gas if applicable.