Repairing Guides

how to repair a dryer motor

by Dr. Colton Abshire III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Instructions.

  • Shut off the power. Unplug the dryer. If it's a gas dryer, shut off the gas. Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
  • Raise the top panel.
  • Remove the front panel.
  • Remove the drum.
  • Remove the motor clamps.

Part of a video titled Maytag Dryer Repair – How to replace the Drive Motor
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So but it has a cord on it simply unplug it. And if it's a hardwire dryer. You'll need to locate theMoreSo but it has a cord on it simply unplug it. And if it's a hardwire dryer. You'll need to locate the electrical panel and turn off the appropriate breaker or remove the appropriate fuses.

Full Answer

How do you repair a dryer?

How to Repair a Dryer. Many dryers are equipped with a reset button on the control panel. If the motor won't run, let the dryer cool for about ten minutes. Then push the reset button. If there are no problems with the motor, switches, or electrical system, this should restart the dryer. Caution: Before doing any work on the dryer,...

When do you have to replace a dryer motor?

If your dryer's motor fails either of these tests, you will have to replace it. For more information about dryer motors: How to replace a dryer's motor. Find the official OEM replacement motor that fits your dryer.

How do I know if my dryer motor is bad?

A few signs that your dryer motor is about to quit is when the dryer will not start back up right after completing a load of laundry. But if you wait an hour for the motor to cool down, the dryer will start again. Another is when your dryer makes a loud hum or buzz sound when your press the start button.

How do I open my dryer to get to the motor?

You will have to open your dryer's cabinet in order to gain access to its motor. For directions on how to open the cabinet of your dryer, please see our How to open your dryer's cabinet section.

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Is it worth replacing the motor in a dryer?

The 50% rule means that you shouldn't spend more than 50% of the cost to replace an appliance. In other words, if your technician quotes you $400 to replace a motor on your dryer, then it might not be worth it, considering the average cost for a new dryer ranges from $500–$800.

How do I know if the motor is bad on my dryer?

When a dryer motor goes bad, the loud grinding, rumbling from the worn-out bearings makes it seem like the dryer's going to blow up any second. It won't, but fairly soon after the noise starts it will stop dead in its tracks when the bearings seize.

What causes a dryer motor to stop working?

A faulty or broken thermostat can make a dryer stop working. Replacing the fuse or the thermostat will allow the dryer to work again. A blown thermal fuse from overheating indicates an additional problem, such as improper ventilation.

How much does it cost to fix a dryer motor?

Dryer Motor Replacement Cost Replacing a dryer motor ranges from $250 to $450, depending on the make and model. More expensive motors in luxury laundry brands have higher repair costs.

How long should a dryer motor last?

10 to 13 yearsWashers and dryers last 10 to 13 years on average. Because they don't have to contend with as much water as washers do, dryers last a little bit longer—about 13 years, regardless of whether the dryer is powered by gas or electricity.

Can you lubricate a dryer motor?

Stop the noise by lubing the dryer drum with 30-weight oil. The process is relatively simple with the right tools and alleviates the cost of hiring an appliance repairman. The dryer must be tilted, so some muscle is required for this project. Allow approximately 30 minutes to lube a clothes dryer's drum.

Can you still use a dryer if it doesn't spin?

If your dryer is not spinning but still getting hot, your clothes will remain damp. The dryer drum is spun by a belt that's connected to the dryer's motor. The motor engages the belt to spin the drum. Problems with the dryer not spinning often involve the motor and belt.

How do you test a dryer motor?

0:569:58How to Troubleshoot and Replace your Dryer Motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm going to show you how to remove. The motor from your dryer. Taking the blower wheel off andMoreI'm going to show you how to remove. The motor from your dryer. Taking the blower wheel off and getting it out of the dryer. So when you do get a new motor. You know how to easily replace.

What's wrong when the dryer won't spin?

One of the most common reasons your dryer won't spin is because the drive belt is broken. To find out if this is the problem, open the dryer door, reach in, and attempt to turn the big circular tumbler—the drum—by hand. If it turns too easily, the belt has probably snapped and needs to be replaced.

Is it worth it to repair a dryer?

Is it worth repairing a dryer? Dryer repairs are worth it if the appliance is less than 4 years old and the cost is less than $400. For older dryers and/or costly repairs, replacing your appliance is more cost effective.

Is it better to fix a dryer or buy a new one?

You can generally repair a dryer for $125 vs replacing it for $350. Since there's little difference in life expectancy between the two options, it's generally cheaper and more practical to repair a dryer than to replace it.

Is it worth repairing tumble dryer?

After a quote, consider the 50% rule. If your dryer will cost more than 50% of its original cost to repair and is over 50% of the way through its lifespan, then getting a new dryer is often more cost-effective.

How do I test a dryer motor?

Disconnect the motor's two wire leads from the wiring harness. Set your multimeter to the R x 1 setting. Touch each of the meter's probes to one terminal each. Your motor should show little resistance (a reading of zero, or close to zero).

What would cause a dryer not to spin?

One of the most common reasons your dryer won't spin is because the drive belt is broken. To find out if this is the problem, open the dryer door, reach in, and attempt to turn the big circular tumbler—the drum—by hand. If it turns too easily, the belt has probably snapped and needs to be replaced.

How do I know if my dryer blower is bad?

1:072:02Electrolux Dryer Is very Loud—Bad Blower Wheel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is the way you know for sure that it's a blower wheel. Problem because the blower wheel keepsMoreThis is the way you know for sure that it's a blower wheel. Problem because the blower wheel keeps spinning. After everything else has stopped in that means it will come. Loose.

Why is my dryer heating but not spinning?

Check the Thermal Fuse The thermal fuse is a key safety feature of your dryer that shuts the dryer off if it runs too hot. While it's meant to shut the entire dryer off, a faulty thermal fuse may cut power to the motor while the heating element remains on. This may be the reason for your dryer not spinning.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a dryer?

It depends on the repair. As is the case with all appliances, if repair costs are more than half of what it would cost to buy a replacement, buy a...

Why is my dryer not generating heat?

There are several reasons your dryer might not be producing heat. The most common include a clogged dryer vent, tripped circuit breaker or unsteady...

Why won't my dryer start?

There are many things that could be the culprit for why your dryer won't start, including a bad thermal fuse; a failed start switch or door switch;...

Can tumble dryers be repaired?

Yes. But depending on the problem, and the cost of the repair, it might be more cost efficient to replace the dryer rather than repair it.

Why won't my dryer spin?

When a drum stops spinning, a broken drive belt is usually the reason. A drive belt that's functioning properly should provide some resistance, so...

How to remove a blower wheel from a motor?

You can do this by holding the motor shaft stationary, and then turning the blower wheel so that you can remove it from the rear of the motor shaft. There will spring clamps securing your motor in the motor bracket. Hold the motor still and remove those. Depending on your model, you may next have to remove the motor's pulley.

Can you remove a motor without a pulley?

Newer model motors come without a pulley attached to the motor. If your's is a newer model motor without the pulley attached to it, you don't have to worry about removing it. Discard the faulty motor and replace it with a new one. Install it in the opposite order that you ...

How to replace a dryer timer?

Here's how to test and replace a dryer timer: Step 1: To access the timer, remove the front of the control panel. On some dryers, the timer can be removed without removing the panel.

Why is my dryer not running?

The door switch is critical to the dryer's operation. If the switch is not working, the dryer will not run. If the dryer has a door latch, make sure the latch is free of dirt or lint and properly adjusted before you make any switch tests or replacements.

Why is the door of a dryer sealed?

The door of the dryer is sealed with one or more gaskets to keep the hot air in the dryer from escaping and prevent the cool air in the laundry area from being sucked into the dryer. A deteriorated or damaged gasket greatly lowers the efficiency of the dryer.

What is dryer drum?

A dryer consists of a large drum into which wet laundry is loaded. A motor with pulleys turns the drum, and heated air is blown through the drum. ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. Except for the power cord and the exhaust vent, the components that make up the dryer are contained in a sheet metal box.

What is a dryer?

A dryer is simply a large drum into which wet laundry is loaded. A motor with pulleys -- connected by a series of belts -- turns the drum. Air heated by a gas heater or electric heating element is blown through the drum to dry the laundry.

How to adjust a dryer shutter?

To adjust the shutter, take out the screws and remove the panel that covers the gas flame. Turn on the dryer so the flame is burning. If the flame has a deep blue color and you hear air whistling around the burner, the air/gas mixture is receiving too much air.

What causes a dryer to blow?

Breaks or sags cause undue strain on the dryer's blower system, and can cause drying problems. If the vent pipe or tubing has become clogged with lint, remove the lint by pushing a garden hose or a drain-and-trap auger through the vent to a convenient joint. Disassemble the joint to remove the debris.

How long does it take to fix a dryer?

Most dryer problems can be fixed in an hour with a few basic tools and a continuity tester or multimeter—and you can do the work yourself with these simple instructions.

How do I replace a dryer heating element?

Replace the bad heating element on an electric dryer by unscrewing the retaining clip at the top of the heater box. Then pull out the box and remove the element retaining screw. Swap the elements and reinstall. If you have an electric or gas dryer that tumbles but won’t heat, check the thermal fuse for continuity.

How to access thermal fuse on dryer?

If you have a gas dryer with the lint filter in the door, access the thermal fuse by opening the bottom panel. If the filter slides into the top of the machine, remove the entire front panel. On an electric dryer, remove the rear service panel.

What to do if dryer is dead?

If you don’t get continuity, replace the switch. If your dryer seems absolutely dead when you turn it on, chances are the door switch is bad or the plunger is broken or bent. Door switches wear out from normal use, but repeatedly slamming the door can speed up their demise.

How to remove front panel of dryer?

With the bottom panel open, you can remove the front panel by removing two screws at the top and two at the bottom. If your filter slides into the top of the dryer, remove the screws alongside the filter slot. Using a putty knife, release the two spring catches located under the top panel at the front.

Can I repair a dryer myself?

Here’s the first thing to know about dryer repair: You can solve most dryer troubles yourself. There’s no need to find a technician, schedule a service call or pay hundreds dollars for dryer repair.

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