Replacing worn-out drum glides in a clothes dryer may seem straightforward, but many DIYers encounter problems by making simple mistakes. From using the wrong tools and parts to improper installation and reassembly, beginners often overlook critical steps that lead to bigger headaches down the road.
Follow some key tips to ensure your dryer repair goes smoothly – take time to gather the proper supplies, work slowly and methodically during disassembly, carefully follow instructions for installing the new glides, and thoroughly test the dryer afterward.
Preparation Mistakes
Before replacing your dryer drum glides, it’s important to gather the right tools and parts. Rushing into the project without proper preparation can cause issues. Here are some common mistakes to avoid in the prep stage:
Failing to Gather the Right Tools
Having the correct tools for removing and installing the glides makes the job much easier.
- Essential tools include a Phillips screwdriver, socket wrench set, pliers, and flashlight.
- Trying to use the wrong size or type of tool can damage screw heads or the dryer itself.
Not Ordering the Correct Replacement Parts
The new glides must be made specifically for your dryer model.
- Using universal or off-brand glides often results in improper fit and performance.
- Take the time to order the right OEM or high-quality replacement parts.
Skipping Safety Precautions
It’s important to stay safe while working on your dryer.
- Always unplug the dryer and turn off the power supply before starting.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when working.
- Use caution when handling sharp or hot parts.
Disassembly Errors
Disassembling a dryer to access the drum glides can be tricky. Rushing through this process or making careless mistakes can lead to bigger issues down the road. Here are some common disassembly errors to avoid:
Rushing Through Disassembly
Taking your time during disassembly is very important. The inside of a dryer contains many small, delicate parts that are easy to break if you move too fast.
- Going slowly reduces the chance that you’ll damage something by accident. Be patient and deliberate with each step.
- Trying to remove components too quickly can lead to stripped screws, broken wires, and damaged parts. Slow down and work carefully.
Losing Track of Screws and Small Parts
As you disassemble the dryer, you’ll end up with a pile of screws, brackets, wires, and other small parts. It’s very easy to lose track of these pieces if you aren’t organized.
- Use containers or trays to hold different types of screws/hardware as you remove them. Label the containers to keep parts separated.
- Lay larger parts out in order and take photos for reference during reassembly.
- If you lose an important part, your dryer may not go back together correctly or function properly.
Damaging Surrounding Components
The internal components of a dryer are tightly packed together. As you remove pieces to access the glides, be very careful not to damage fragile surrounding parts.
- The wiring is especially delicate – avoid putting too much strain on wires as you work.
- The blower fan and heating element are also easy to bend or break if handled roughly.
- If you damage related components, it can lead to other problems beyond just worn glides.
Diagnosis Mistakes
Before installing new glides, it’s important to properly diagnose that worn glides are the cause of your dryer issues. Misdiagnosis can lead to frustration.
Misidentifying the Problem
Several problems can cause similar dryer symptoms. Don’t assume worn glides are the root cause.
- Inspect the drum rollers and belt for wear.
- Check if the motor or belt tension needs adjusting.
- Verify that ventilation ducts are clear of lint buildup.
Taking time to properly diagnose saves time and money.
Overlooking Related Wear and Tear
When you have access to the glides, inspect related components.
- Examine the drum rollers, felts, and bearings for wear.
- Catching additional worn parts now prevents future repairs.
Installation Errors
When installing new dryer drum glides, taking shortcuts can compromise performance and lead to future issues. Avoid these common installation mistakes:
Improper Alignment of New Glides
The position of the glides is critical for smooth drum rotation.
- Align the glides evenly based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Improper alignment can cause the drum to rub, resulting in noisy operation and potential damage.
Using the Wrong Adhesives or Fasteners
Use adhesives designed for high-heat applications.
- Regular adhesives can fail prematurely due to heat exposure.
- Improper fasteners may not hold the glides securely in place long-term.
Forgetting to Clean the Mounting Surface
The glides must mount flush to optimize contact with the drum surface.
- Remove old adhesive and debris from the mounting area.
- Dirt or residue will prevent solid adhesion.
Reassembly Mistakes
After installing the new glides, it’s crucial to properly reassemble the dryer. Rushing through reassembly can cause major issues down the line. Avoid these mistakes:
Incorrect Order of Reassembly
Reassemble the dryer in the reverse order of disassembly.
- Following the original order ensures proper fit and positioning.
- The wrong sequence can leave components misaligned or unsecured.
Over-tightening or Under-tightening Fasteners
Use care when tightening screws and bolts during reassembly.
- Overtightening can damage components or strip threads.
- Under tightening leads to loose parts that rattle and fail prematurely.
Forgetting to Reconnect All Components
Before retesting, verify all wires, hoses, and harnesses are reconnected.
- Loose wiring can cause electrical shorts and fire hazards.
- Unhooked components will prevent normal operation.
Post-Replacement Errors
You’re not done yet after installing the new glides! Avoid these common mistakes once the job is “finished”:
Skipping a Test Run
Always test run the dryer before regular use after replacing glides.
- Confirm the normal operation and listen for odd noises.
- Catch any issues caused by improper reassembly.
- Verify the dryer drum glides smoothly without rubbing or vibration.
Don’t assume everything is fixed until testing the dryer.
Ignoring New Noises or Vibrations
If you notice any new sounds or vibrations, don’t ignore them!
- Minor noises may signal improper installation or unseen damage.
- It’s better to catch problems now before they lead to bigger issues.
Seek help from an appliance repair specialist if any concerns come up during testing. Don’t just cross your fingers and hope problems will go away.
Conclusion
Replacing dryer drum glides may seem straightforward, but many beginners end up running into issues. By avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth repair.
The key points to remember are:
- Take time to gather the proper tools, parts, and safety gear during preparation. Rushing leads to problems.
- Work slowly and carefully during disassembly. Damaging or losing track of components creates headaches.
- Verify that worn glides are the true problem before replacing them. Misdiagnosis is frustrating.
- Follow instructions precisely when installing new glides. Improper positioning or fastening affects performance.
- Reassemble the dryer in reverse order. Rushing can lead to improper connections.
- Always test run after replacing glides. Address any new noises or issues right away.
With proper care and patience, you can replace your dryer drum glides successfully. Just avoid beginner mistakes, take your time, and don’t skip important steps.