How to Lubricate Dryer Drum Rollers – Maintenance Made Easy

Properly lubricating the drum rollers in your dryer is key to ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently. Failing to lubricate them can lead to excessive noise, vibration, and wear and tear. This simple maintenance can extend the life of your dryer and prevent more costly repairs down the road.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of lubricating your dryer’s drum rollers step-by-step. We will cover the reasons for lubricating, what supplies you need, how to access the rollers, the lubrication process, reassembling the dryer, and extra tips and precautions.

Whether you’re an appliance repair novice or a seasoned DIYer, this guide will give you everything you need to properly lubricate the drum rollers on your dryer. Let’s get started!

Why Lubricate the Drum Rollers?

The drum rollers allow the dryer drum to spin smoothly as it tumbles clothes during the drying cycle. Over time, friction causes the rollers to wear down, leading to the following issues:

• Squeaking, grinding or rattling noises when the dryer is running
• Vibration or shaking of the dryer
• The drum slowing down or getting stuck
• The dryer overheating due to friction

By lubricating the rollers, you reduce friction and allow the drum to glide smoothly again. This stops the noises, vibration, and potential damage over time.

Lubricating the rollers extends the life of your dryer and prevents more expensive fixes like replacing the entire drum and rollers. It’s simple preventative maintenance that pays off.

Supplies Needed

Lubricating the drum rollers is an easy process that doesn’t require many supplies. Here is what you’ll need:

• Lubricant – Use a silicone spray lubricant made for appliance parts. Do not use WD-40.
• Rag – For wiping away excess lubricant.
• Phillip’s head screwdriver – For removing access panels.
• Needle nose pliers (optional) – Helpful for accessing rollers.
• Work gloves (optional) – For handling hot internal parts.
• Flashlight (optional) – For better visibility.

How to Access the Drum Rollers

The first step is to locate and access the drum rollers, which sit at the back of the dryer drum. Here’s how:

1. Unplug the dryer – Always unplug the appliance before any repairs for safety.
2. Remove the rear panel – The rear panel is held on by several screws. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove them. Pull off the panel.
3. Remove the front lower panel – Remove the two screws at the bottom of the front panel. Pull it out and off.
4. Locate the rollers – With the back and front panels removed, you should see two rubber rollers at the back of the drum. This is what you will lubricate.

Now that you can access the rollers, you’re ready to lubricate.

How to Lubricate the Drum Rollers

Follow these simple steps to properly lubricate your dryer’s drum rollers:

1. Wipe any debris – Use a rag to wipe away any dirt, lint or residue on the rollers. Remove any built-up debris.
2. Rotate rollers – Turn the drum manually to expose the full surface of each roller.
3. Apply lubricant – Spray silicone lubricant liberally along the entire length of each roller.
4. Rotate and reapply – Turn the rollers again and reapply lubricant. Ensure the entire surface is coated.
5. Remove excess – Use a rag to wipe away any dripping or pooling lubricant.
6. Turn drum – Rotate the drum several full turns by hand to distribute the lubricant evenly.

Be generous with lubricant application, but wipe away any globs or drips. The rollers should be slick, but not dripping wet. A thin, even coat is ideal.

Reassembling the Dryer

Once lubrication is complete, reassemble your dryer by following these steps:

1. Replace front panel – Insert the bottom of the front panel first, then secure with the screws.
2. Replace rear panel – Align the rear panel and secure all screws firmly.
3. Plug in dryer – Reconnect the power supply.
4. Test run – Turn on the dryer for a short test cycle. It should run quietly and smoothly now.
5. Wipe up spills – Clean any lubricant spills inside the dryer with a rag.

The drum rollers are now properly lubricated and ready to keep your dryer running optimally!

Tips and Precautions

Follow these tips for safe and effective lubrication of your dryer drum rollers:

• Unplug the dryer and allow rollers to cool before lubricating if it was recently used. Metal and lubricant can be hot.
• Only lubricate the drum rollers. Do not get lubricant on the clothes drum itself.
• Use silicone spray lubricant, not regular WD-40 which can attract lint.
• Apply liberally but wipe up any drips or globs that could fling off during spinning.
• Turn the drum by hand multiple rotations to evenly distribute lubricant.
• Run one short test cycle before regular use to verify even gliding and quiet operation.
• Be prepared to thoroughly wipe up any lubricant spills inside the dryer before using again.
• Lubricate rollers every few years or whenever sounds of sticking develop.

Lubricating the drum rollers on your dryer is easy DIY maintenance that can add years of smooth and quiet performance. Follow the steps in this guide and you’ll have the rollers spinning freely in no time.

In Summary

Here is a table summarizing the key steps and tips for properly lubricating dryer drum rollers:

Frequently Asked Questions