How To Lubricate Squeaky Whirlpool Duet Dryer Spindles

Whirlpool Duet dryers are super-capacity, high-efficiency residential appliances with multiple drying cycles and temperature settings. Although Duet dryers have a noise-reduction feature, if the rollers underneath the dryer drum get clogged with lint or other grime, they can start to squeak. Lubricating the roller spindles with sewing machine oil works wonders to silence a squeaky Duet dryer. The spindle lubrication process is extensive and requires the disassembly of the dryer cabinet. Consult a professional if you aren't confident in your ability to perform this repair.

Step 1

Unplug the electrical cord from the wall outlet. Close the gas supply valve if you have a Whirlpool Duet gas dryer. Pull the dryer 2 to 3 feet from the wall.

Step 2

Reach behind the dryer to remove the three hex-head screws and flat nylon washers on the rear flange of the top cover. Raise the rear flange 1 inch and slide the top cover toward the wall to clear the retaining tabs on the front of the dryer cabinet. Lift off the top cover and lean it against the side of the machine.

Step 3

Remove the three Phillips screws from the electronics board bracket to expose the control console wiring. Unplug the control console's two ribbon cable connectors from the electronics board. Remove the two Phillips screws from the bracket directly behind the control console. Open the dryer door and pull the bottom of the control console toward you to clear the retaining clips on the front panel. Lift the control console straight up to remove it.

Step 4

Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen directly below the door opening; close the door. Locate and remove the two hex-head screws on the bottom flange of the lower front access panel. Pull the panel toward you and down to remove it. Take out the single hex-head screw on the bracket below the lint duct and the two hex-head screws at the top of the lint duct. Set aside the removed lint duct and screws.

Step 5

Reach behind the drive motor and grab the idler pulley. Pull the idler pulley to the left to relieve the tension on the dryer belt. Remove the belt from the motor and idler pulleys, but don't try to pull it from the drum.

Step 6

Unplug the moisture sensor connector from the dryer's main harness connector. Pull on the door switch wiring connector to unplug it from the electronics board.

Step 7

Remove the two Phillips screws at the top and bottom of the front panel. Pull the front panel away from the washer cabinet and lean it against a wall.

Step 8

Slip the belt off of the dryer drum. Grab the front and back edges of the drum and lift it out of the dryer cabinet.

Step 9

Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean out any lint inside the dryer cabinet. The lint can get trapped inside the rollers and cause them to squeak.

Step 10

Locate the rollers on the back of the front panel and on the inside rear dryer panel. Pry the triangle rings off of the rollers using a small flat-head screwdriver. Slide the rollers off of their spindles. Spray the spindles with sewing machine oil to lubricate them and prevent them from squeaking.