Kenmore Dryer Drum Not Turning

The drum bearing supports the rear of the dryer drum. Over time, this bearing wears out. If the drum bearing is worn out, the dryer may not turn properly. To determine if the drum bearing is at fault, remove the dryer belt and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum rotates freely, the drum bearing is not likely worn out. If the drum makes squealing or grinding sounds when turned and/or is hard to turn, check the drum bearing and replace it if necessary.

Most dryers have two drum support rollers on the rear of the drum, and some dryers have two more rollers supporting the front of the drum. The rollers must spin freely to work properly. Over time, the drum roller axles can wear out, causing the rollers to bind. If the rollers are worn out or start binding, the motor will get overloaded and the dryer won’t turn. To determine if the support rollers are worn out, remove the belt from the dryer and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum does not rotate freely, check the support rollers for wear. If the rollers spin freely without wobbling, they do not need to be replaced. If a roller wobbles and/or does not spin freely, we recommend replacing all of the axles and rollers as a preventative measure.

The dryer blower wheel is the component that circulates the air through the dryer drum. Since the drive motor that rotates the blower wheel will often drive the belt that turns the drum as well, an obstructed blower wheel could prevent the drum from turning. Inspect the blower wheel and housing for any obstruction and replace the component if necessary.

The drum bearing supports the rear of the dryer drum. Over time, this bearing wears out. If the drum bearing is worn out, it may put too much strain on the motor, causing the dryer to stop mid-cycle or not turn at all. To determine if the drum bearing is at fault, remove the dryer belt and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum rotates freely, it is unlikely that the drum bearing is worn out. If the drum makes squealing or grinding sounds when turned and/or is hard to turn, replace the drum bearing.

Inspect the idler pulley for the dryer drum belt and make sure it spins freely on the shaft. If the idler pulley is stuck, worn or damaged, we recommend replacing the drum drive belt in addition to replacing the idler pulley.

One or more of the drum glides (also called slides) might be worn out. The drum glides are small plastic pieces that support the front of the dryer drum. As the drum rotates, it slides on these plastic pieces. Over time, the drum glides wear out. If the drum glides are worn out, the drum can start binding and put strain on the motor. If this happens, the motor shuts down, preventing the dryer from turning. To determine if the drum glides are worn out, inspect them for wear. If one or more of the glides are worn out, replace all of the glides as a set.

If the drum does not turn even though the belt is intact and the drive motor is functioning, it’s possible the drum itself is damaged and unable to rotate properly on the rollers or glides. Inspect the drum assembly for cracks or dents and replace it necessary.

A dryer maintenance kit will often include a drive belt and idler pulley, and may include rollers, a rear drum bearing, a felt seal, and other components. Since a broken drive belt, damaged idler pulley, and worn out rollers or drum bearings are the top causes of a dryer drum not turning, installing a new maintenance kit should solve the problem.