Whirlpool WED87HED Dryer Idler Arm Replacement

Written By: Bill Gilbert

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Whirlpool WED87HED Dryer Idler Arm Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the idler arm on your Whirlpool Duet WED87HED dryer.

The idler arm supports the idler pulley on the shaft mounted to the arm. This pulley provides tension to the drive belt by means of the idler arm spring.

If the idler pulley has failed, you may need to replace the idler pulley shaft, which is mounted on the idler arm. In this case, it's simpler to obtain the pre-assembled unit and replace both components at once. The failure of either component will result in the drum not spinning correctly or drive belt failure.

Tools

Step 1

Before you begin your repair, unplug your dryer.
Your power cord may have four prongs rather than three. The additional prong is a ground connection.

Step 2

Throughout this guide, keep track of each screw and reinstall it exactly where it came from.
Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to remove the two 15.7 mm-long screws securing the top panel to the rear panel bracket.

Step 3

Grasp the top and slide it 1/2 to 1 inch toward the rear of the machine.

Step 4

Lift the top panel upward to separate it from the chassis.
Remove the top panel from the machine.

Step 5

Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to remove the 16.2 mm-long cover plate screw.

Step 6

Remove the cover plate.

Step 7

Mark the cables with a permanent marker if needed and take a picture or draw a diagram.
Use a Phillips driver or a 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the three 21.4 mm-long screws.
If your plug has 4 prongs, there will be a ground connection from the cord as well. Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to remove this connection.

Step 8

Pull the cord carefully down through the round hole.
Make sure you replace the connections correctly when you reassemble.

Step 9

Use a 5/16 inch hex driver to remove the 16.5 mm-long green ground screw.
Use a Phillips driver to remove the two 15.3 mm‑long cord terminal block screws.

Step 10

Move the cord terminal block behind the rear panel.

Step 11

Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the eleven rear panel screws.
Ten 20 mm-long screws
One 12.9 mm-long screw under the water inlet.
Throughout this guide, keep track of each screw and reinstall it exactly where it came from.

Step 12

Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the 16.4 mm-length screw holding the main board bracket to the chassis.
Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the two 20 mm-long screws from the top rear of the machine.

Step 13

Put on gloves before continuing, as the rear panel is sharp.
Lift the panel about 1/2 inch and tilt it to the rear to release it from the vent pipe.
Slide the panel off the vent pipe and remove it.

Step 14

During reassembly, perform the following:
Make sure that the vent pipe is fitted into the collar on the panel.
Make sure the tabs at the bottom are aligned to the bottom rim of the chassis.
Position the panel so its screw holes match with the chassis.

Step 15

Use a 3/8 inch socket, or a nut driver, to remove the bolt securing the idler arm to the motor frame.

Step 16

Move the idler arm toward the side of the dryer to unhook the idler arm tension spring from the arm.
Remove the idler arm.
During reassembly, be sure to reattach the spring before securing the arm.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Bill Gilbert

Member since: 30/06/22

37443 Reputation

Whirlpool WED87HED Dryer Idler Arm Replacement

Introduction

Tools

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