279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement Part

I was thoroughly satisfied with this product after installing it into our Whirlpool dryer, which had been making a loud and annoying high-pitched squeal for about 8 years. It matched the original almost exactly in size and looks. Please avoid working on any appliance that has a plug while it’s plugged in. Last year, we had to pay an appliance technician to replace a broken heater coil. I watched him take it apart so that I could understand how it was done. Most people are afraid of appliance repair, but electric dryers are quite simple in most cases. After seeing all the lint and dog hair inside the dryer after 7 years of use, we decided to clean it up once a year. Dryers should have small slits on the sides so that cleaning can be done easily and occasionally. After a few tear-downs and greasing the rollers, the dryer would start making a loud squeaking noise within a few days. It was easy to remove the wheel from the tension part by slowly and carefully sliding a small flat-head screwdriver around the triangle clip that held the wheel in place. After removing the triangle clip, the wheel and the round washer came off easily. The scary moment came when the new wheel wouldn’t slide on after installing the new round washer. I thought it might have been too small to slide on the mount, but a little more pressure and it slid into place. Then, the replacement triangle clip slid on with more pressure than you think is needed. I buttoned everything up and did a few manual rolls of the drum to make sure the belt was on correctly and the drum rolled freely without any issues before putting the top panel back on. I plugged in the dryer and turned it on, and the high-pitched squeal was gone. This returned the full functionality of the dryer without the annoying squealing. I hope this lasts for a few years, but posts online indicate a lifespan of 2-3 years. I plan on cleaning mine every year so that as long as it squeaks around that time, I shouldn’t be too frustrated with the process.

This worked perfectly and solved my problem (very noisy dryer). Saved me hundreds in repairs.

Appears to be quality part. Was able to easily replace and it fixed the horrendous squealing noise. I had to use some fine sandpaper and dry lube on spindle to get pully on.

Worked

I purchased this part from this company before. It works fine, but it only lasts for about a year. The part was inexpensive so I bought 2. It's not that hard to swap out (well, not on my dryer, anyway.)

Fit good and is working well

Yes, this and a belt fixed my daughter’s dryer

Despite comments and various poor reviews I thought I would take a chance on this product. "It was Friday when my Whirlpool Duet Stream dryer started squeaking. Amazon delivered in one day so why not? After disassembling my dryer to install this part, like others I discovered it would not fit. The bushing in the pulley was too small by several thousands of an inch and refused to fit. In desperation I used a half inch drill bit and carefully removed a few thousands of an inch of material and it slipped on. I reassembled everything and it worked with no squeak. However the quality control is poor, the material of the bushing is not the same as the original, and based on other reviews I don't expect it to last. I will be ordering the OEM whirlpool part and be ready when this part fails.