Whirlpool dryer won’t tumble

Common Causes and Solutions:

1. Broken Drive Belt:
   • Cause: The drive belt wraps around the dryer drum and the motor pulley. If the belt is broken or worn, the drum won’t rotate.
   • Solution:
     • Unplug the dryer and remove the front or rear panel to access the belt.
     • Inspect the belt for signs of wear or breakage.
     • If the belt is damaged, replace it with a new one following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Faulty Drum Rollers:
   • Cause: Drum rollers support the drum as it rotates. Over time, these rollers can wear out or become damaged, preventing the drum from turning.
   • Solution:
     • Unplug the dryer and remove the front or rear panel to access the drum rollers.
     • Inspect the rollers for signs of wear or damage.
     • If the rollers are worn out, replace them in pairs to ensure even wear.
3. Worn Out Idler Pulley:
   • Cause: The idler pulley maintains tension on the drive belt. If the pulley is worn or broken, the belt may lose tension and fail to turn the drum.
   • Solution:
     • Unplug the dryer and remove the front or rear panel to access the idler pulley.
     • Inspect the pulley for wear or damage.
     • Replace the idler pulley if necessary.
4. Defective Motor:
   • Cause: The motor drives the belt, which turns the drum. If the motor is defective, the drum won’t tumble.
   • Solution:
     • Listen for a humming sound when you try to start the dryer. If you hear a hum but the drum doesn’t turn, the motor might be seized.
     • If the motor is suspected to be the issue, it’s best to contact a professional technician for diagnosis and replacement.
5. Malfunctioning Drum Glides or Bearings:
   • Cause: Drum glides or bearings help the drum to rotate smoothly. If these components are worn or damaged, the drum may not tumble properly.
   • Solution:
     • Unplug the dryer and remove the front or rear panel to access the drum glides or bearings.
     • Inspect these components for wear or damage.
     • Replace any worn or damaged glides or bearings.
6. Obstructed Drum:
   • Cause: Sometimes, items can get caught between the drum and the dryer’s interior, preventing it from turning.
   • Solution:
     • Unplug the dryer and carefully inspect the drum area for any foreign objects.
     • Remove any objects that may be obstructing the drum.

Conclusion:

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve the issue preventing your Whirlpool dryer from tumbling. However, if you’re uncomfortable performing these tasks or if the problem persists, it’s best to seek assistance from a qualified technician to ensure the dryer is repaired safely and effectively. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will help keep your Whirlpool dryer in optimal working condition.