21 replies to this topic

[BobNJ]

Just to be clear: Maytag LDG7304aae, about 12 to 14 years old, developed a low rumbling, especially on start up. Not really loud. Then a couple of weeks ago, it started squeaking/squealing which would vary in volume, again, it seemed to be at its worst on startup. Finally, two days ago, my wife unloaded a load and said she smelled burning rubber. We have not done a load since then.

I have taken it apart. The belt is cracking. The rear rollers are worn-looking but do not squeak. I do not know what worn-out rollers look like so I don't know how much life is in them. One glide pad is worn down to the underlayer at the inside edge. The blower can be moved back and forth about 20 to 30 degrees when I hold the shaft still. I took it off and the d-shape is not so "d" looking anymore. I will replace it if I am going to repair this. After vacuuming out a lot of lint, even from behind a very tight-fitting washer on the motor shaft, it still squeaks at one particular spot on the rotation when I turn it.

The way I see it is 1) the rumbling sound is the blower. Easily fixed. 2) the squeaking sound is the motor shaft. Can I squirt some WD-40 or some oil I have left over from a circulator pump. Can I ignore it for awhile. (I'm probably in the market for a new dryer in a year when a remodeling project will yield a new upstairs laundry room. Then the old one goes in the garage.) 3) The burning rubber smell is ?? - the belt? Motor?

[jumptrout]

BobNJ, to get help you must start your own topic.