Last year, my dryer started making terrible sounds. It dries fine, just sounds like it's dying. I searched on this website and found that I needed new pullies. I also read that I could probably get by with using a lubricant for a little while (I understand that pullies should not use lube and that the lube attracts lint). I have done this twice and the dryer is quiet for a few months. I am ready to address this issue correctly now. My questions: 1. Is the cost of repairing this model worth it or is it time to purchase a new one? 2. Is it possible to make the repair myself? 3. The only two repair companies in my area according to Maytag's website are AE Factory Service and Appliance Express. Do you have any thoughts on either company?

Thanks in advance. This website and the experts on it have made me a better homeowner.

Handymom, 1. pulleys are under $15.00. 2. There's plenty of assistance for people making their own repairs. 3. I don't know anything about these companies.

Read Maytag Dryer- making horrible squeaking/squeeling noise - Appliance Repair Forum to see if you might like to tackle it yourself. Good luck

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm searching now :-)

I have had good luck here, and here is an exploded view of your Drum and Rollers:
Tumbler replacement parts for MAYTAG MDE4000AYW DRYER- ELE | AppliancePartsPros.com

If the drier has any age on it it needs to be torn down and cleaned well. Look on similar posts to see how to do it and go on YouTube to see how it is done. Then use white lithium grease on rear drum bearing if it has one and replace the pulleys. Even a new drier will require this service sometime so you might as well learn to fix that one. DrTom4444

To add, be aware of the tension roller and how the belt wraps in and out of everything.
With belt and tension removed, it will look different.

I can't believe I didn't get back with this thread. Thank you very much for the accurate info. Five months later I finally did tear the dryer down with a bit of muscle help from my husband. I replaced the pullies, cleaned up the inside and put it back together with a new light bulb and lint catcher. It's run perfectly ever since.

I am glad you fixed it. This is about how dirty all dyers get after just a year or two. You have to clean a dryer regularly or it will quit working. I have never bought a dryer; I always find one nearly new by the side of the road and take it home and clean it up, replace the blown safety, and grease the bearings. I then have a new dryer that even smells clean after a load of clothes. I have also found new washing machines with only stopped up water inlet screens, since a stopped up screen (cold water) will stop everything from working. Good luck and learn to use a meter and you will be able to fix anything.

Good Deal.