I have a whirlpool model # LER5636KT1 dryer. I started to replace the dryer belt (it's broken) and there is no pulley, just a clip thing with a groove in it. Is that the pulley arm? Should there be a wheel there or does the belt just ride that groove?

Your exploded view is supposed to be here, but it doesn't appear to be complete: http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...KT1&pathTaken=

What I have seen is that when the belt breaks, the pieces go flying. It's usually an arm, a wheel and a spring. Without tension it looks like a pile of parts literally. Spring has to be attached. Arm has to be attached etc.

The breakdown view doesn't appear complete. In fact, belt isn't even a parts description. Suggest yipping at Searspartsdirect to get a decent diagram.


I located a diagram here: http://www.appliancepartspros.com/pa...odel_id=265669 The idler pulley is #53

Your wheel may have broken in half.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

Your exploded view is supposed to be here, but it doesn't appear to be complete: http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...KT1&pathTaken=

What I have seen is that when the belt breaks, the pieces go flying. It's usually an arm, a wheel and a spring. Without tension it looks like a pile of parts literally. Spring has to be attached. Arm has to be attached etc.

The breakdown view doesn't appear complete. In fact, belt isn't even a parts description. Suggest yipping at Searspartsdirect to get a decent diagram.



I located a diagram here: Replacement parts for WHIRLPOOL LER5636KT1 | AppliancePartsPros.com The idler pulley is #53

Your wheel may have broken in half.

---

I looked everywhere and there are no parts that flew off. The belt broke cleanly and after assessing the situation, I could only conclude that the arm IS the whole assembly. It's tensioned when it's in place and the belt fits into the groove. I hooked it all up and it works perfectly.

I hope this helps anyone else who might have this model. THERE IS NO PULLEY, JUST AN ARM WITH A GROOVE! If you look closely at it, you will see that it sits with the bottom in one of the slots on the floor of the cabinet and lines up with the motor. As it sits on the floor, it will put tension on the belt when the belt is installed. It doesn't appear correct after the belt breaks and there is no tension on it, but when the belt is installed, it almost stands upright and bends towards the motor.
The arm is all metal, no plastic at all.

It was a hot, sweaty job. The bungy cord thing worked perfectly. My fiancé was no help at all and I refused to pay for something I knew we could fix so I did it all myself! It took about two hours but that was because I couldn't figure out the idler arm/pulley thing. I think I could do it in about 30 minutes now that I know what I am doing!

#53 from the second link clearly shows a wheel:

Part Details - WHIRLPOOL Idler pulley for Whirlpool made dryers, part number: AP2911909

Yeah, they used just a spring with a teflon piece without an actual wheel. Get the new idler pulley and it will have a wheel on it. It's a direct replacement. The old ones without the wheel were crud. I have to replace them all the time.
Rich
Western Appliance Repair of Boise
Western Appliance Repair of Boise 208-863-3702