I have a Roper Dryer
The noise may be coming from drum support rollers. As the rollers wear with age, they collect dirt, dust and lint and may need to be cleaned and lubricated. If the model number is correct, the rollers can be accessed by following these steps:
1. UNPLUG the dryer and remove the lint screen.
2. Remove the two screws that were under the lint screen and lift the top panel.
3. Unplug the door switch connector plug and any ground wire that may be installed on the casing.
4. Locate the two screws that hold the front panel in place. There should be one screw on each side in the cabinet interior.
5. With the door shut, lean against the front panel and remove the two screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, grasp the front panel at the top center and lift straight up to remove.
You should now have complete access to the dryer interior. Release the belt tension, by pushing the idler pulley (tensioner) to the right (away from the belt) and lift the entire drum with the belt still remove.
The drum support rollers are located along the back wall (bulkhead) of the dryer.
6. Using a screwdriver pry the metal retaining clip off the LEFT roller support bracket. Then, remove the plastic triangular shaped tri-rings off each support shaft.
7. The rollers will slide off the support shaft. Clean any built up lint and debris that may have accumulated around the support shaft. If the rollers are still in good shape, reinstall.
8. Install the plastic tri-rings on both shaft, followed by the support bracket and metal retaining clip on the LEFT roller. Use a small nut driver and place it over the support bracket retaining clip and push on to the shaft to get it to seat properly.
9. Apply a small amount of oil on the each roller at the point where the support shaft inserts through the roller axle. NOTE: Lubricate with a light turbine oil (such as Singer or 3 in 1 brands) at the point where the roller axle meets the shaft. DO NOT get oil on the roller itself or it may cause the drum to slip.
10. Re-install the drum, making sure the rollers are seated properly in the groove around the perimeter in the rear. Make sure the belt is looped around the drum with the groove side facing the drum.
11. Have someone hold the drum in place while you re-install the belt over the tension pulley and motor. If working alone, kneel down so you can see the tensioner and motor and rest the drum front on your shoulder or knee.
With the belt removed, this may cause the idler pulley (tensioner) to come loose. This is normal with no tension on the pulley to hold it in place. To re-install the belt the pulley, follow these steps:
1. Loop the drive belt around the dryer drum with the groove side facing the drum.
2. With the tensioner in your left hand, insert the clip end of the idler pulley into the grooves on the dryer bottom casing with the idler wheel pointing to your left. (The grooves are directly in front of the drive motor.) NOTE: Clean the tensioner pulley wheel (if dirty), prior to reinstalling. Apply a small amount of oil where the pulley wheel meets the axle of the tensior. DO NOT get any oil on the surface area of the pulley wheel as this will also get oil on the drive belt. Oil on the drive belt can cause slippage on the drum.
3. While holding the tensioner in place, insert the belt UNDER the wheel with your right hand and push the wheel to the RIGHT while pulling the belt over the drive motor pulley.
If this does not explain it well enough, you can also verify by going to repairclinic.com. Click on the Repair Help link and look for the "Dryer Belt Diagrams" link under the Special Features section on the next page. Look for WHIRLPOOL and refer to diagram H (This model Roper is manufactured by Whirlpool).
Replacement parts (if required) can be ordered on line at any of the following websites:
searspartsdirect.com
pcappliancerepair.com
appliancepartspros.com
repairclinic.com
If the rollers require replacement, the part number for a replacement kit is 349241T. The kit includes BOTH rollers, the tri-rings and retaining clip for the support bracket. All these sites offer great service with competitive pricing, so shop and compare. The first three sites I have listed also inlcude helpful exploded view diagrams that can help you locate and properly indentify the parts you may need. you can view a diagram of the belt and tensioner under the "Cabinet Parts" section. The belt is listed as item 56 and the tensioner is listed as item 53.
NOTE: If you still have the teflon glide type tensioner, Whirlpool recommends you replace it with a conventional roller type idler pulley. The teflon type tensioners caused premature wear to the drive belt. The part number for a replacement is 691366.
Once you have the belt installed, re-install the dryer front panel by holding it as you did previously. Line up the holes on the inside bottom edge of the front panel with the small mounting cleats on the front edge of the side panels. This can be done by yourself, but an assist may make it easier. Once you have the front panel in place, lean against it to hold it in place and install the mounting screws.
NOTE: Don't forget to reconnect the grounding wire and door switch connector plug. Without the door switch connected, the dryer will not run. Lower the top panel back in place and reinstall the two screws.
NOTE: Placing a piece of duct tape over the dryer vent chute will help safeguard against dropping anything down in the blower fan assembly. If you drop any screws down the chute, you will need to remove the dryer back panel to retrieve them. If you have any questions about this repair, please post back and let me know. I hope this helps you.
NOTE: A secondary cause of the dryer noise is the rear drum seal becoming worn and requiring replacement. If this is the case, the seal comes as a kit, which includes a special heat resistant cement to glue the new seal in place. You will need to remove the drum and peel the old seal off. Clean the surface area real well. Spread a thin layer of cement on the glue surface of the drum and apply the drum seal. Allow to dry for a few minutes, then repeat, gradually working your way around the perimeter of the drum. DO NOT attempt to apply glue to the entire drum and then try to apply the seal. The glue dries too fast. Work in small sections until the seal is installed all the way around the perimeter. The part number for the replacement rear seal is 279857. DO NOT attempt to oil the drum seal.