Maytag dryer idler pulley
Match the pulley style and shaft mount to the model number before ordering.
$10-$30
Check price
A Maytag dryer idler pulley keeps tension on the drum belt. When the pulley bearing wears out, the dryer may squeal, chirp, thump, smell like hot rubber, or hum without turning the drum.
Replace the idler pulley when it wobbles, binds, or has a rough bearing. Inspect the belt and drum rollers at the same time because those parts wear together.
Symptoms
| Symptom | Likely cause | Repair path |
|---|---|---|
| High-pitched squeal | Dry idler bearing | Replace idler pulley |
| Drum will not turn | Broken or slipped belt | Replace belt and inspect idler |
| Burning rubber smell | Belt dragging on stuck pulley | Stop running and replace worn parts |
| Thumping while tumbling | Flat-spotted roller or damaged belt | Inspect roller kit |
| Belt slips off again | Wrong belt route or weak tension | Recheck idler spring and belt path |
Replacement Steps
- Unplug the dryer. For gas dryers, turn the gas valve off before moving the unit.
- Pull the lint screen and remove the visible screws near the filter opening if your model uses that layout.
- Release the top panel clips or remove the front panel screws, depending on the Maytag cabinet style.
- Take a photo of the belt route before removing tension. The belt must wrap around the drum, motor pulley, and idler pulley in the correct direction.
- Push the idler arm to release belt tension. Slide the belt off the motor pulley.
- Remove the idler pulley from its shaft or bracket. Clean lint from the bracket and confirm the arm moves freely.
- Install the new pulley. It should spin smoothly without wobble.
- Inspect the belt. Replace it if the ribs are cracked, shiny, torn, or stretched.
- Route the belt around the drum with the ribbed side against the drum, then loop it around the motor pulley and idler pulley.
- Turn the drum by hand one full rotation before closing the cabinet. The belt should track straight.
Common Mistakes
- Ordering a pulley without checking the model number.
- Reusing a stretched belt that caused the pulley to run hot.
- Routing the belt on the wrong side of the idler pulley.
- Leaving lint packed around the motor and heater area.
If the dryer still will not start after the belt and pulley repair, check the door switch, thermal fuse, and motor circuit.