Replaced belt & pulley, now drum won't spin properly

Hi an welcome to FixYa, I am Kelly.
This squeaky sound your hearing is usually the idler pulley, idler pulley shaft, but also can be the motor or the drum roller bearings. Usually if the drum roller bearings are bad the dryer will thump as it rotates.
The idler pulley and lever is and assembly that is item 8 of this link:
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=5174194&diagram_id=28598568#d28598568

Since it is squealing at this time when you have the repairs done that you replace the belt that is item 21 this link:
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=5174194&diagram_id=28598572#d28598572


The motor is item 7 this link:
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=5174194

I recommend that if you do the repairs that you replace the idler pulley, the drum rollers, and the belt.
Drum rollers are item 17 this link:
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=5174194&diagram_id=28598572#d28598572 (make sure to check the drum roller shafts that are item 19 of the same link.)

While repairs are being completed also inspect the drum front and rear seals. Thare are items 14 and 26 (Same part number) of the above link.

By doing all of the above you should be able to get many more years of service out of your dryer.

If you need to purchase a service manual for self repair it can be downloaded here for $9.95:
http://allrepairmanuals.com/maytag-dryer.htm?model_number=MDE308DAYW

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

replace the belt and the idler pulley for the belt. It has a worn bearing causing this awlful noise

http://www.applianceaid.com/images/belt-config.JPG

If you hear a loud bang while your dryer is working, and you notice that the
drum has stopped turning, chances are the drivebelt has snapped.
Fortunately, replacing the belt is a fairly straightforward operation that
can be handled with a few simple tools.
First, unplug the dryer. Lift the lint-screen cover and pull out the lint screen
If your dryer has a lint screen on the inside of the door, skip this step.
Then remove the two screws that are under the cover. To unlatch the dryer top,
insert a thin-blade putty knife between the top and front panel,
about 2 1/2 in. in from one corner. Push in on the knife to release the locking
clip, lift the corner, then release the clip on the other side. Swing the top
up and lean it against the wall.
Next, move to the lower toe panel. Slip the putty knife between the lower panel
and the door panel at one side and twist the knife to release the clip
Then release the opposite clip and lift the panel up and off the hinge springs.
To support the dryer drum while the belt is being replaced, place scrap wood
under the front of the drum.
Loosen the two screws at each side of the bottom of the front panel.
Move to the top of the panel and remove the screws from the inside of the
cabinet that hold the front panel to the sides.
Slide the old belt off the drum.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installing the belt
Lean the front panel out slightly and allow the drum to rest on the scrap wood
support. Drop the new dryer belt between the front panel and the drum, and
loop it over the drum. Then, lift the drum slightly while pushing the front
panel back into position.
Replace the screws at the top inside of the front panel, tighten the lower panel
screws and remove the scrap wood from under the drum. Check to make sure that
the rear drum seal fits properly over the lip on the rear bulkhead.
Position the new belt where the old belt was, with the grooved side of the belt
facing down.
Now, move to the motor area and pull out the old belt. To route the new belt
around the idler and drive pulley, first pass the entire belt, doubled up,
under the idler pulley. Then, push the idler belt toward the motor, slip the
belt around the motor pulley and release the tension on the idler pulley.

Open the dryer door and rotate the drum counterclockwise a few times to make
sure the belt is tracking properly. Lower the top and press down at each
corner to engage the clips. Lift the lint-screen cover, replace the two screws
and reinstall the lint screen. Finally, secure the lower front panel and turn
on the dryer for a test.
This is a FREE answer
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ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR DRYER BEFORE STARTING ANY REPAIRS
Your problem sounds like drum rollers have flat spots on them or in need of lubrication.
If you have a front loading machine,

Remove the electrical console that holds the timer switch, start switch, etc. from the top of the dryer.
Be REAL CAREFUL not to knock any of the wires off of the timer switch. Then remove the top of the dryer.
Remove the front of the dryer. This will expose the drum and belt. Remove the drum and belt and this will expose the drum rollers, idler arm pulley and motor.
Now is a good time to check the belt to see if it has slipped off of the idler arm pulley and also to check the belt condition for wear.
Be sure to note the route of the belt, this will come in handy when you go to reinstall the belt.
Check your drum rollers for flat spots or wear, if they have flat spots or wear on them replace them.
If the drum rollers don't have flat spots or wear on them then they probably only need lubrication. Lubricate the shaft of the rollers with a good grade of machine oil such as 3 in One oil. Reassemble the dryer, plug back in. This should solve your noise problem.
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Hi,
Here is a tip that I wrote about dryers and noises...
It will help you determine what is happening there...


http://www.fixya.com/support/r4416566-dryer_repair_squeaks_grinding_clicking

heatman101

Asker's Testimonial " This should give me an ida of what to look for once I open er up " -

This is usually a result of a stalling idler pulley or drum, causing a burned spot on the drum drive belt.

The situation will only worsen. The belt is best replaced before it breaks.

Items to pay attention to, when the drum drive belt is replaced, are:
(1) Clean and lube the idler pulley and drum roller shafts.
(2) Confirm that the drum glides will yield additional service life.
(3) Check motor condition and de-lint the blower housing and blower intake pathways.

I found a dryer manual on the web that showed how the drum belt wrapped around the pulleys.
Problem solved.

Pull the front panel off, remove the top screws and tilt top back. Rout the new belt around drum at the old wear spot with the grooved side against the drum. Next remove the back access door and rout the belt around the idler pulley and motor pulley. There is only one way to do this and get proper tension on the belt.
Also, when you order the belt, ask if it has a belt routing diagram on the belt package.

HI thanks for your question. it could be the drum rollers, or the idler pulley. if the idler pulley. pull dryer from the wall. remove small panel at the back & oil the idler pulley. its the one the belt, rides on thanks.

If the belt looks worn you should replace it. But it sounds like the idler pulley has gone out of position or possibly broken. The idler pulley adds tension to the belt and keeps it from spinning on the drum surface. Check the path of the belt on the bottom of the dryer. That is where the idler pulley is.