My little Whirlpool dryer (LEW0050P) has begun to squeak shrilly, off and on, mostly on. It only squeaks when the canister is turning, stops when it pauses, and comes back when it starts again. It sounds like rubber on metal - and I have a hunch that a belt need lubricated.

Question one: how does an enterprising young lad open the little guy up? I don't see any screws on the front...

Question two: is there a wax or oil that's recommended?

Question three: if it weren't the belt, what would by your next best guess.

Question four: the dryer is on top of the washer and crammed into a very tight little nook in my very small condo. It was a supreme challenge getting it in (the hose kept falling off.) So, it would be great if I didn't have to move the thing. Is this possible?

Thank you to all the helpful, mechanically-inclined people out there.

Try prying between the deck lid and the side walls. Usually an enterprising guy can get a putty knife in there. Rub the belt with bar soap or belt dressing but I think it is the drum guides on each side of the drum. The drum just sits in a craddle of rollers and rolls. The rollers can go bad or the guides. You should not need to move the dryer to do this job. The drum lifts once the belt is disconnected.

Thanks ballengerb1, the roller is probably the problem.

I'm looking for parts online, but can't find anything specific for the lew0050pq. I found these Part Detail and these Part Detail

Do you know which would be most appropriate?

I don't know who you guys are, but thank you very much for your time.

Travis

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Originally Posted by puravidachicago

My little Whirlpool dryer (LEW0050P) has begun to squeak shrilly, off and on, mostly on. It only squeaks when the canister is turning, stops when it pauses, and comes back when it starts again. It sounds like rubber on metal - and I have a hunch that a belt need lubricated.

Question one: how does an enterprising young lad open the little guy up? I don't see any screws on the front...

Question two: is there a wax or oil that's recommended?

Question three: if it weren't the belt, what would by your next best guess.

Question four: the dryer is on top of the washer and crammed into a very tight little nook in my very small condo. It was a supreme challenge getting it in (the hose kept falling off.) So, it would be great if I didn't have to move the thing. Is this possible?

Thank you to all the helpful, mechanically-inclined people out there.

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1. from the back of the unit.
2. no
3. the idler roller, a wheel that has bearings inside the hub, usually the dryer will have two of these. Replace the rollers and you should be fine. And while you are there, remove any lint build up and inspect everything and replace the drum belt if it shows sign of wear, it is much easier to repair the items you find while you are already there and have it all torn apart.
4. you won't have to move it if you can fit between the wall and dryer, ha ha, just kidding, I am afraid you will have to remove the dryer from the top of the washer to repair. Just one thing, how do you load the washer? Are you another of Questionshelp's friends?
Be sure to unplug the appliance before attempting any repairs and follow all manufactures' warnings and cautions.