Speed Queen Dryer: Black Marks on Clothes? Felt Seal... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The drum felt seal is designed to create a tight seal between the rotating drum and the dryer cabinet, preventing lint and other debris from entering the blower housing and causing damage. The seal also helps to protect clothing from rubbing against the metal edges of the drum, which can cause wear and tear. When the seal deteriorates, there is direct drum-to-clothes friction.

Symptoms:

The homeowner observes black marks or smudges appearing on clothes after being dried in the Speed Queen dryer. The marks are usually located on areas of the clothing that rub against the dryer drum.

Possible Causes:

Worn or damaged drum felt seal
Improper drum alignment
Excessive dryer load size
Lack of lubrication on drum support rollers
Foreign objects trapped between the drum and felt seal

Solution:

1

Disconnect the dryer from the power source (unplug or turn off the breaker).
2

Remove the lint filter and access panel to inspect the drum felt seal for wear or damage.
3

Remove the front panel of the dryer using a 1/4-inch nut driver. Disconnect any wiring harnesses attached to the front panel, noting their original positions.
4

Carefully remove the drum from the dryer cabinet. Inspect the drum support rollers for wear or damage. Lubricate the drum support rollers with high-temperature grease.
5

Replace the worn or damaged drum felt seal with a new seal, ensuring it is properly aligned and secured. Use high-temperature adhesive if necessary.
6

Reassemble the dryer, ensuring all wiring harnesses are properly reconnected and the front panel is securely attached.
7

Test the dryer operation to verify the black marks are no longer appearing on clothes.

Safety Warning:

Disconnect the dryer from the power source before performing any repairs. Electrical shock hazard exists if not properly disconnected. Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedure is recommended for all repairs. Some components may retain a 120V AC charge even when the dryer is switched off.

Prevention:

Regularly inspect the drum felt seal for wear or damage. Avoid overloading the dryer with excessive amounts of clothing. Periodically lubricate the drum support rollers to ensure smooth drum rotation. Clean the lint filter after each use.

Expert Tip:

Use a small mirror and flashlight to inspect the back portion of the drum felt seal without fully disassembling the dryer. Often, the wear is most pronounced at the rear of the drum due to constant friction during operation. You can run a Speed Queen dryer in service mode to test the drum motor and other components individually; Consult the service manual for instructions on how to enter service mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of adhesive should I use to secure the new felt seal?

Use a high-temperature adhesive specifically designed for dryer repairs. Contact cement or silicone-based adhesives are commonly used and can withstand the heat generated during dryer operation.

•How often should I lubricate the drum support rollers?

Lubricate the drum support rollers every 12-24 months, or as needed. Listen for any squeaking or grinding noises during dryer operation, which may indicate a need for lubrication.

•Can I use a generic drum felt seal, or do I need to use a Speed Queen-specific part?

It's always recommended to use a Speed Queen-specific drum felt seal to ensure proper fit and performance. While generic seals may be available, they may not be as durable or provide the same level of sealing as a genuine Speed Queen part.

Speed Queen Dryer: Black Marks on Clothes? Felt Seal Replacement Guide

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of adhesive should I use to secure the new felt seal?

•How often should I lubricate the drum support rollers?

•Can I use a generic drum felt seal, or do I need to use a Speed Queen-specific part?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: