Frigidaire Dryer Drum Hard to Turn: Troubleshooting... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The dryer drum is designed to rotate freely. The motor turns the drum via a belt. Drum support rollers and glide pads minimize friction. Any increase in friction requires more power to rotate the drum and can lead to premature component failure.

Symptoms:

The homeowner reports that the dryer drum is significantly harder to turn by hand than it normally is. It may feel stiff or resistant to movement.

Possible Causes:

Worn drum support rollers.
Worn drum glide/felt pads.
Obstructed blower wheel.
Binding motor bearings.
Tight or damaged drive belt.
Debris caught between drum and rear panel.

Solution:

1

Unplug the dryer from the 120V AC outlet and turn off the breaker.
2

Remove the lint filter and the front panel (usually held by screws or clips). Use a 1/4-inch nut driver.
3

Inspect the drum support rollers for wear or damage. If they're flat-spotted or difficult to turn, replace them.
4

Check the drum glide/felt pads around the drum. If worn or missing, replace them. These create friction if they are not smooth.
5

Examine the blower wheel housing for obstructions. Remove any lint or debris.
6

Remove the drive belt. Try turning the drum by hand again. If it turns freely now, the problem is likely with the motor or idler pulley.
7

Inspect the motor and idler pulley for smooth rotation. If either is binding, replace them. If motor, check voltage at motor plug, should be 120V AC.

Safety Warning:

Always disconnect the dryer from the power source (unplug and turn off the breaker) before performing any repairs. High voltage is present inside the dryer. Use proper Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures to prevent accidental energization.

Prevention:

Regularly clean the lint filter after each use. Periodically inspect and clean the blower housing to prevent lint buildup. Replace worn drum support rollers and glide pads preventatively every 2-3 years.

Expert Tip:

To access the diagnostic mode on some Frigidaire dryers, simultaneously press and hold the 'Start/Pause' and 'Cancel' buttons for 3 seconds. This can display error codes and provide valuable troubleshooting information.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the part number for the drum support rollers on my Frigidaire dryer?

To find the correct part number, you'll need the model number of your dryer. This is usually located on a sticker inside the door or on the back panel. Once you have the model number, you can search for the drum support roller part number on an appliance parts website.

•How do I remove the dryer drum to replace the felt pads?

Removing the dryer drum typically involves removing the front or rear panel of the dryer (depending on the model). Then, you'll need to disconnect the belt and any other components attached to the drum. Finally, carefully lift the drum out of the cabinet. Consult your dryer's service manual for detailed instructions specific to your model.

•Is it possible that a bad motor start capacitor could cause the drum to be hard to turn?

While a bad start capacitor usually results in the motor not starting at all, a failing capacitor can sometimes contribute to increased motor resistance and make the drum harder to turn. It's less common, but worth considering if other components check out. You should measure the capacitor if you can, but it is advised you replace it if you are unsure.

Frigidaire Dryer Drum Hard to Turn: Troubleshooting Guide

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the part number for the drum support rollers on my Frigidaire dryer?

•How do I remove the dryer drum to replace the felt pads?

•Is it possible that a bad motor start capacitor could cause the drum to be hard to turn?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: