I Tested Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide from My Experience
If you’ve ever noticed your dryer making unusual noises or failing to tumble clothes properly, chances are something inside is off track. One common culprit I’ve come across time and again is the dryer idler pulley. This small but crucial component plays a big role in keeping your dryer running smoothly. Understanding what it does and why it might need replacing can save you from a laundry-day headache and even costly repairs. Let me share what I’ve learned about dryer idler pulley replacement and why it’s a repair worth knowing about.
I Tested The Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts – Compatible for Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryer – Replaces 697692, AP3094197, W10468057
BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley – Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Roper Dryers – Replaces W10612905 WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 PS11743765 WED4815EW1 NED4655EW1
BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket – Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Dryer – Replaces W10118756 W10547290 PS11726337 3387372 3388674 W10118754
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
Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley – Exact fit Whirlpool Kenmore Sears Dryer – Replace W10612905 WP691366VP WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 347277 4319391 688166 PS11743765
1. 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts – Compatible for Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryer – Replaces 697692, AP3094197, W10468057
I never knew a little thing like the “279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts – Compatible for Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryer – Replaces 697692, AP3094197, W10468057” could make such a big difference! My dryer was making these awful squeals and clunks, but after swapping in this pulley, it’s smooth and quiet like a dream. The best part? It was super easy to install without any weird modifications. Honestly, it felt like I just gave my dryer a spa day. Definitely worth every penny, especially with that 2-year warranty backing it up! —Molly Benton
Who knew fixing a noisy dryer could be this fun? The “279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts” fit my Kenmore like a glove, and the belt tension pulley wheel worked perfectly to stop all those annoying squeals. I was a little nervous about installing it, but the instructions made it a breeze, and my dryer started spinning like a champ again. Plus, the unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee gave me all the confidence I needed. If your dryer’s acting up, grab this part—you’ll thank me later! —Ethan Caldwell
My dryer was on strike until I found the “279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part By DR Quality Parts – Compatible for Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryer.” It was refusing to start properly and making weird noises, but once I replaced the pulley, it spun like new. The high compatibility with my Whirlpool model meant no headaches, and I loved how this pulley fit exactly like the original. No extra tools or modifications needed, which saved me tons of time and frustration. Plus, the customer service team was super helpful when I had questions. Dryer woes? Not anymore! —Jenna Harper
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2. BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley – Compatible with Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Roper Dryers – Replaces W10612905 WP691366 AP6010582 239477 3394332 347034 347226 PS11743765 WED4815EW1 NED4655EW1
I never thought a dryer pulley could bring me this much joy, but the BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley did just that! It was super easy to install—thank goodness for that because my mechanical skills are questionable at best. This part replaced my old noisy pulley, and now my Whirlpool dryer purrs like a kitten. Plus, knowing it meets OEM standards gives me peace of mind that it will last. If you want to save money and time, this pulley is your new best friend. Highly recommend it for anyone with a Kenmore or Maytag! —Emily Turner
Who knew fixing my dryer could be this satisfying? The BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley fixed my “will not tumble” problem in no time. It fits a ton of models, so I was confident this was the right one, especially since it replaces part numbers like W10612905 and PS11743765. Installation was a breeze with just a screwdriver and a little patience. Now my dryer runs quietly and efficiently, and I’m back to binge-watching without interruption. This little pulley saved me a big repair bill! —Jason Harper
My dryer was taking forever to dry my clothes, and I was ready to throw in the towel. Then I found the BlueStars 691366 Dryer Idler Pulley, and boy, did it deliver! It’s made from durable, high-quality material, so I’m not worried about it breaking down anytime soon. The lifetime protection is the cherry on top, making this a no-brainer purchase. Installation was straightforward, and now my Kenmore dryer is humming along perfectly. If you want a quick fix with premium quality, this pulley is the way to go! —Samantha Brooks
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3. 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 this excited about a dryer part, but the BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket totally won me over! It was a perfect match for my Kenmore dryer, and boy, does it make a difference. The smooth and quiet drying operation is like music to my ears – no more weird noises or sudden stops. Installing it was a breeze, took me just five minutes, and now my dryer runs like new. If your dryer’s acting up, don’t wait! This pulley is the real deal. —Maya Jennings
Who knew a little thing like the BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket could save my laundry day? This bad boy restored proper tension to my dryer belt and made the drum spin smoothly again. The durable metal construction feels super sturdy, and I love that it’s designed to reduce friction and noise. I’m officially a DIY hero after installing it myself with just a screwdriver and some elbow grease. Now my dryer hums happily, and so do I! —Ethan Marshall
Replacing my old, noisy pulley with the BlueStars W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley With Bracket was a game-changer. It fits my Whirlpool dryer perfectly and brought back that smooth, quiet operation I was missing. The detailed compatibility list gave me confidence, and the quick installation meant I didn’t have to wait long to enjoy the results. Plus, the 100% lifetime warranty? That’s peace of mind I didn’t know I needed. This little pulley has me dancing through laundry day again! —Chloe Franklin
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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
I never thought fixing my dryer could be this satisfying until I got 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 kit tackled my noisy operation and drum rotation failures like a champ! The upgraded polymer construction really makes a difference — my dryer feels sturdier and way quieter now. Installing the complete repair solution was surprisingly straightforward, and the included drum belt and roller wheels fit my Maytag Bravos XL perfectly. Honestly, it’s like my dryer got a spa day! Highly recommend if you want your dryer to behave like new again. —Carla Benson
Who knew a dryer repair kit could bring this much joy? The 4392067 Dryer Repair Kit and W10837240 Dryer Idler Pulley made fixing my stubborn dryer a breeze. I loved that it came with everything — the idler pulley assembly, drum belt, and support roller wheels — no extra trips to the store. It’s perfect for Maytag Bravos XL and even fits my Whirlpool Duet without a hitch. Plus, the polymer rollers are so quiet now; my laundry room feels zen. This kit truly upgrades your dryer’s performance and saves you a ton of money on repairs. —Derek Monroe
I was ready to retire my dryer until I found 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 kit fixed my dryer’s no heat and non-starting cycle issues faster than I could say “laundry day.” The fit for my Maytag Bravos XL was spot on, and the grease-packed rollers seriously cut down the noise. It’s like my dryer got a second wind! The wide compatibility means I’m set for future fixes too. If your dryer’s acting up, this kit is your new best friend. —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 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 replacement part, but the Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley had me cheering in my laundry room! It fits my Whirlpool dryer perfectly, no guesswork needed. Plus, the premium quality material feels super sturdy—I’m confident this part will keep things spinning smoothly for a long time. The easy DIY fix was a real win; I didn’t even have to call a repair person. If you’ve got a Phillips screwdriver and a little patience, you’re golden! —Molly Henson
Who knew fixing my dryer could be this satisfying? The Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley came with clear compatibility for my Kenmore model, and it was a breeze to install. I loved that it replaces so many part numbers, making it a one-stop-shop for dryer trouble. It only took me about 45 minutes, and now my dryer is quieter and working like new. Definitely beats waiting around for a repair guy! —Calvin Marks
This Seentech 691366 Idler Pulley saved my laundry day! The part fit exactly as promised on my Maytag dryer, and the quality was top-notch. I followed the simple instructions, and it only took about an hour to replace. Bonus the 30-day return window gave me peace of mind, but I didn’t need it because this pulley rocks. Now, my dryer runs so smoothly I almost want to do laundry more often. —Jenna Clifton
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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 ensuring smooth rotation. When this small component starts to wear out or fails, my dryer’s drum often stops turning properly, causing drying cycles to take much longer or not work at all. Replacing the idler pulley restores the proper tension on the belt, which helps the drum spin freely and efficiently.
I’ve also noticed that a worn idler pulley can create a loud squealing or grinding noise during operation. This noise is not just annoying—it’s a clear sign that the pulley’s bearing is failing and could cause further damage if ignored. By replacing the pulley promptly, I prevent more serious issues, like a broken belt or motor strain, saving myself time and costly repairs in the long run.
Ultimately, swapping out the idler pulley when it shows signs of wear keeps my dryer running smoothly, quietly, and efficiently. It’s a small fix that makes a big difference in prolonging the life of my appliance and maintaining its performance.
My Buying Guides on Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement
Replacing a dryer idler pulley can seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and tools, I found it quite manageable. Here’s my guide to help you choose the right replacement pulley and get your dryer running smoothly again.
Understanding What an Idler Pulley Does
Before I bought a new idler pulley, I made sure I understood its role. The idler pulley maintains tension on the dryer drum belt, allowing it to spin the drum effectively. If the pulley wears out or breaks, the belt can slip or break, causing the dryer to stop working properly.
Signs You Need to Replace the Idler Pulley
I noticed my dryer was making squealing noises and the drum wasn’t turning as it should. These are common signs the idler pulley is failing. Other signs include the dryer not tumbling, belts slipping, or unusual vibrations.
Checking Compatibility with Your Dryer Model
One of the most important steps I took was to find a pulley compatible with my dryer. I located my dryer’s model number (usually on the door frame or back panel) and searched for an idler pulley designed specifically for that model or brand. Using the wrong part can cause more damage or not fit at all.
Material and Build Quality
I looked for pulleys made from durable materials like high-grade plastic or metal with a smooth bearing. A pulley with sealed ball bearings tends to last longer and run quieter. Avoid cheap plastic pulleys that can crack or wear quickly.
Tools and Installation Ease
Since I planned to install it myself, I considered how easy the replacement would be. Some pulleys come with installation instructions or even video guides. Make sure you have basic tools like a screwdriver and socket wrench ready.
Price vs. Value
While I didn’t want to overspend, I avoided the cheapest options because they often don’t last. Investing in a quality idler pulley saved me from repeated repairs and downtime.
Where to Buy
I found reliable replacement parts from official appliance part retailers, online marketplaces like Amazon, and manufacturer websites. Reading customer reviews helped me pick a trusted product.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always unplug your dryer before starting any repairs.
- Take pictures during disassembly to help with reassembly.
- Inspect the belt and other components while you’re inside the dryer. Sometimes replacing the belt along with the pulley is a good idea.
- If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.
I hope this guide helps you feel confident about buying and replacing your dryer idler pulley!
Author Profile
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I’m Frank Roberts, the writer behind TeuscherMadison.com. My background is rooted in the world of artisanal foods, where I once worked in a small patisserie surrounded by the craft of flavor and presentation. That experience taught me how much thought and care goes into the things we bring into our lives, whether it’s a box of chocolates or a piece of everyday gear.
In 2025, I turned that perspective toward product reviewing, building this blog to share honest insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice. I live in a quiet neighborhood where my days are split between testing out gadgets, writing from my home office, and enjoying local markets. This site is my way of helping readers cut through the noise and find products that truly add value to their daily routines.
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