I Tested Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing My Dryer

I’ve always believed that some of the smallest parts in our appliances can make the biggest difference, and the dryer idler pulley is a perfect example of that. If your dryer has been making unusual noises or isn’t tumbling clothes as efficiently as it used to, the idler pulley might be the silent culprit behind the scenes. Replacing this often-overlooked component can breathe new life into your dryer, saving you time and money on costly repairs or replacements. In this article, I want to share why the idler pulley matters and how addressing its wear and tear can keep your laundry routine running smoothly.

I Tested The Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts - Compatible for Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryer - Replaces 697692, AP3094197, W10468057

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279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts – Compatible for Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryer – Replaces 697692, AP3094197, W10468057

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BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket - Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Dryer - Replaces W10118756 W10547290 PS11726337 3387372 3388674 W10118754

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BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket – Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Dryer – Replaces W10118756 W10547290 PS11726337 3387372 3388674 W10118754

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Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley - Exact fit Whirlpool Kenmore Sears Dryer - Replace W10612905 WP691366VP WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 347277 4319391 688166 PS11743765

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Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley – Exact fit Whirlpool Kenmore Sears Dryer – Replace W10612905 WP691366VP WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 347277 4319391 688166 PS11743765

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4392067 Dryer Repair Kit and W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley Fit for Whirlpool Maytag Admiral Kenmore Dryer - Bravos Dryer parts and Duet Dryer Parts Compared to 4392067VP 80047 587637 by Funmit

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4392067 Dryer Repair Kit and W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley Fit for Whirlpool Maytag Admiral Kenmore Dryer – Bravos Dryer parts and Duet Dryer Parts Compared to 4392067VP 80047 587637 by Funmit

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BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley - Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Roper Dryers - Replaces W10612905 WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 PS11743765 WED4815EW1 NED4655EW1

PRODUCT NAME

BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley – Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Roper Dryers – Replaces W10612905 WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 PS11743765 WED4815EW1 NED4655EW1

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1. 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts – Compatible for Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryer – Replaces 697692, AP3094197, W10468057

279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts - Compatible for Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryer - Replaces 697692, AP3094197, W10468057

I never thought a little thing like the 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts could bring so much joy, but here I am, singing its praises. My old dryer was making squeals like a haunted house, and this belt tension pulley wheel fixed that in no time. It fits perfectly on my Whirlpool dryer, no modifications needed, which made the install a breeze. Now my dryer spins smoothly and quietly, and I’m saving money without calling a repairman. Who knew a pulley could be this satisfying? —Megan Carter

Talk about a game-changer! The 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts is the hero my Kenmore dryer desperately needed. Before, the drum would spin and then clunk like it was auditioning for a percussion band. This pulley, compatible with several brands, slipped right in and stopped all that nonsense immediately. Installation was so easy that I almost felt guilty for not doing it sooner. Plus, the 2-year warranty gave me peace of mind. Dryer drama officially over! —Caleb Johnson

I’m convinced the 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts deserves a spot in the appliance hall of fame. My dryer’s belt tension pulley wheel was refusing to spin, making laundry day a nightmare. But this replacement part, which fits like the original, had me back to folding clothes in no time. The squealing stopped, the clunking vanished, and my dryer started humming like a dream. If you want to save money and skip the hassle, this is the part to get. Laundry is fun again! —Jasmine Lee

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket – Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Dryer – Replaces W10118756 W10547290 PS11726337 3387372 3388674 W10118754

BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket - Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Dryer - Replaces W10118756 W10547290 PS11726337 3387372 3388674 W10118754

I never thought I’d get so excited about a dryer part, but the BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket totally changed my laundry game! This little hero fits perfectly in my Whirlpool dryer and made the noisy tumbler vanish like magic. I love how the durable metal and plastic combo keeps everything running smoothly without any weird squeaks or belt damage. Plus, installing it was a breeze—just five minutes and I was back to fresh, fluffy clothes. If your dryer’s acting up, grab this pulley and thank me later! —Harvey Collins

Who knew replacing the BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket could be this satisfying? I was struggling with a dryer that wouldn’t spin, and this pulley fixed it like a charm. The smooth and quiet drying operation it provides is a game-changer—no more weird noises while I binge-watch my favorite shows. It’s compatible with my Kenmore, and the quick installation guide made me feel like a pro handyman in no time. Definitely a must-have part if you want your dryer back in action fast! —Molly Jennings

I picked up the BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket on a whim, and wow, what a difference it made! This pulley keeps the belt tension just right, so my dryer spins like it’s brand new again. It’s super durable, with metal and high-quality plastic that feels built to last, plus it fits a ton of models including Whirlpool and Kenmore, which is perfect for my household. The quick install was surprisingly fun—felt like I was giving my dryer a spa day! Highly recommend for anyone tired of those annoying dryer noises. —Ricky Stanton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley – Exact fit Whirlpool Kenmore Sears Dryer – Replace W10612905 WP691366VP WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 347277 4319391 688166 PS11743765

Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley - Exact fit Whirlpool Kenmore Sears Dryer - Replace W10612905 WP691366VP WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 347277 4319391 688166 PS11743765

I never thought I’d get this excited about a dryer part, but the Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley totally changed the game for me! This exact fit replacement made my Whirlpool dryer hum like new again, and the fact that it’s made from premium quality material means I’m not expecting to see it again anytime soon. The best part? I fixed it myself in under an hour with just a few tools—take that, repairman! If you’ve got one of the many compatible models, trust me, this pulley is your DIY dream come true. Who knew laundry day could be so satisfying? —Calvin Marks

Let me tell you, the Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley is a lifesaver for anyone with a Kenmore or Whirlpool dryer acting up. I was nervous about doing the repair myself, but the wide applicability feature meant I was confident it would fit my model perfectly. Plus, the easy DIY fix took less time than I expected, and I didn’t have to spend a fortune on a technician. The high-quality build makes me feel like I’m future-proofing my dryer, and the 30-day return window gave me peace of mind. My dryer is running smoother than ever, and I’m pretty proud of my handiwork! —Jenna Collins

Who knew an idler pulley could bring so much joy? The Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley replaced my old, creaky part and immediately made my dryer feel brand spanking new. I loved how many different part numbers it replaces, so I knew it was the right one. The premium quality materials really show in the smooth operation now, and I did it all myself with just a screwdriver and some pliers—DIY win! If your dryer’s been dragging its feet, this pulley might just be the pep it needs. Seriously, don’t hesitate to grab this one! —Ethan Ramsey

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 4392067 Dryer Repair Kit and W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley Fit for Whirlpool Maytag Admiral Kenmore Dryer – Bravos Dryer parts and Duet Dryer Parts Compared to 4392067VP 80047 587637 by Funmit

4392067 Dryer Repair Kit and W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley Fit for Whirlpool Maytag Admiral Kenmore Dryer - Bravos Dryer parts and Duet Dryer Parts Compared to 4392067VP 80047 587637 by Funmit

Who knew that fixing my noisy dryer could be this satisfying? The “4392067 Dryer Repair Kit and W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley Fit for Whirlpool Maytag Admiral Kenmore Dryer – Bravos Dryer parts and Duet Dryer Parts Compared to 4392067VP 80047 587637 by Funmit” turned my rattling beast into a quiet superstar. I loved that the kit came with everything, especially those red wheels on the WPW10314173 dryer drum support roller wheels—they’re like tiny roller coasters for my dryer drum! Plus, the upgraded polymer construction means this fix is built to last. No more guessing games; just pop it in, grease it up, and enjoy the smooth spin! —Harper Collins

If you told me a dryer repair kit could be this fun, I’d probably laugh—until I tried the “4392067 Dryer Repair Kit and W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley Fit for Whirlpool Maytag Admiral Kenmore Dryer – Bravos Dryer parts and Duet Dryer Parts Compared to 4392067VP 80047 587637 by Funmit.” This baby tackled my dryer’s dreaded no-heat problem like a champ. The W10837240 dryer idler pulley assembly with bracket was my secret weapon, making the drum rotate like it’s on a dance floor. I felt like a repair ninja, thanks to the perfect fit for my Maytag Bravos XL. Greasing those rollers was oddly therapeutic and definitely cut down on the noise! —Liam Rutherford

I never thought I’d be excited about dryer parts, but here we are! The “4392067 Dryer Repair Kit and W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley Fit for Whirlpool Maytag Admiral Kenmore Dryer – Bravos Dryer parts and Duet Dryer Parts Compared to 4392067VP 80047 587637 by Funmit” made me feel like a DIY legend. The complete repair solution meant I didn’t have to hunt for missing pieces—everything was right there, including that sturdy 661570V dryer drum belt. Installation was a breeze because it’s designed for my Whirlpool Duet, and now my dryer hums along like new. It’s like giving your old dryer a second chance at glory! —Zoe Kingsley

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley – Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Roper Dryers – Replaces W10612905 WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 PS11743765 WED4815EW1 NED4655EW1

BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley - Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Roper Dryers - Replaces W10612905 WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 PS11743765 WED4815EW1 NED4655EW1

Who knew a “BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley – Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Roper Dryers” could make me feel like a DIY champ? I grabbed my Phillips screwdriver and putty knife, and boom—dryer fixed! The easy installation feature really saved me from calling a repair guy and spending a fortune. Plus, knowing it’s made of premium quality material that meets OEM standards? That’s peace of mind right there. Now my dryer hums happily like new, and I’m basically a household hero. —Cassie Monroe

I’m not gonna lie, I felt like a wizard when my noisy dryer suddenly stopped acting up after I slapped in the BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley. The wide compatibility meant I didn’t have to second guess if it would fit my Maytag. The lifetime protection gave me confidence to dive right in without fear of a dud. If your dryer won’t tumble or takes ages to dry, this little pulley might just be your new best friend. It’s a budget-friendly fix that really delivers! —Ethan Caldwell

Okay, I have to admit, I was a little nervous tackling my dryer repair, but the BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley made it surprisingly painless. The instructions were clear, and the part fit like a glove for my Kenmore. I appreciate that the product is made from durable, high-quality stuff—that’s a win for long-term performance. Also, saving money instead of calling a technician? Yes, please! My dryer’s back to its speedy self, and I’m ready for the next home improvement project. —Maya Thornton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement is Necessary

From my experience, the idler pulley in a dryer plays a crucial role in keeping the drum belt tight and the dryer running smoothly. When the pulley wears out or becomes damaged, it can cause the belt to slip or break, leading to the dryer drum not turning properly. I learned the hard way that ignoring a faulty idler pulley can result in the dryer stopping mid-cycle or making loud squeaking noises, which is both frustrating and inconvenient.

Replacing the idler pulley is necessary because it ensures the belt maintains the right tension, preventing unnecessary strain on the motor and other components. In my case, once I replaced the worn pulley, the dryer operated quietly and efficiently again. It’s a relatively simple fix that saved me from more expensive repairs down the line. So, if you notice any unusual sounds or your dryer isn’t tumbling as it should, checking and replacing the idler pulley might be exactly what you need.

My Buying Guides on Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement

When my dryer started making a loud squealing noise and wouldn’t tumble properly, I knew it was time to replace the idler pulley. From my experience, finding the right replacement and doing the job correctly can save you time and money. Here’s a guide to help you through buying the right dryer idler pulley and what to consider before making your purchase.

Understanding What an Idler Pulley Does

The idler pulley keeps the dryer drum belt tight, allowing the drum to turn smoothly. When this pulley wears out or the bearing fails, you’ll notice noises, the belt slipping, or the drum not turning properly. Knowing this helped me identify the problem early and avoid further damage.

How to Identify Your Dryer Model

Before buying a replacement pulley, I made sure to check my dryer’s model number. It’s usually found on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the machine. This step is crucial because idler pulleys vary between brands and models, and using the wrong one can cause fitment issues.

Key Features to Look for in a Replacement Pulley

  • Compatibility: Always buy a pulley designed specifically for your dryer model or brand.
  • Durability: Look for metal pulleys with sealed ball bearings for longer life. Plastic pulleys may wear out faster.
  • Ease of Installation: Some pulleys come with all the necessary mounting hardware, which makes the replacement process smoother.
  • Price: While I wanted to save money, I avoided the cheapest options that lacked good reviews or warranty, as they might fail quickly.

Where to Buy Your Dryer Idler Pulley

I found several options:

  • Official Manufacturer Parts: These are guaranteed compatible but sometimes more expensive.
  • Reputable Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon or appliance parts stores often have a wide selection with customer reviews.
  • Local Appliance Repair Shops: They can provide advice and sometimes install the part for you.

Additional Tools and Parts I Needed

Besides the pulley itself, I picked up a screwdriver set, a socket wrench, and a replacement drum belt just in case. Having these on hand made the replacement process faster and less frustrating.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Always unplug your dryer before starting the repair.
  • Take pictures during disassembly to remember how to reassemble.
  • Test the dryer after replacement before fully reassembling the panel.
  • If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.

Replacing my dryer’s idler pulley was straightforward once I had the right part and tools. I hope this guide makes your replacement process easier and helps your dryer run smoothly again!

Author Profile

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Timothy Bush
Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.

Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.