Whirlpool Drum Glide or Felt Seal Failure

Dryer produces a scraping or grinding noise when running

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Worn front drum glides, Torn front or rear drum felt seal, Foreign object caught between drum and bulkhead

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Unplug the dryer before servicing. Edges around the drum opening can be sharp.

  • Access front bulkhead: Remove the front panel to expose the front bulkhead and drum edge.
  • Inspect glides: Check the front drum glides or slides for wear. If the Teflon surface is worn through or missing, replace the glides.
  • Check felt seals: Inspect the front and rear felt seals for tears, missing sections, or signs of the drum rubbing metal-to-metal. Replace damaged seals using high-temperature adhesive as specified by Whirlpool.
  • Remove debris: Look for small objects (coins, screws) lodged between the drum and bulkhead. Remove them.
  • Reassemble and test: After replacing glides or seals, reinstall the drum and panels. Run the dryer to verify the scraping noise is gone.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Drum Glide Kit
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