How to Fix a Blower Wheel for a Dryer That Is Too Hot

The blower wheel is the fan-like part of the dryer. It moves air within the dryer’s drum and out of its exhaust system. A blower wheel that is clogged with debris may cause your dryer to become too hot to touch.

What is the Blower Wheel?

The blower wheel looks like a hamster wheel. It blows air through the dryer’s drum, and out through the exhaust. Clumps of lint and fabric may get caught in the blower wheel and obstruct the airflow, trapping hot air in the drum. Alternatively, the blower wheel sleeve can become subject to wear and tear, weakening the dryer’s ventilation system.

Where is the Blower Wheel Located?

Depending on your model, the blower wheel may be in the dryer’s front panel or the back panel, inside the blower housing. It is also typically connected directly to one end of the dryer’s motor. Be sure to consult your user manual before proceeding.

General Location of the Blower Wheel

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Blower Wheel

1. As with all repairs, begin by unplugging your dryer. If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply and disconnect the gas lines.
2. Remove the top cover. You may need to use a putty knife.
3. Disconnect the door switch and moisture sensor wiring assemblies.
4. Remove the front panel.
5. Remove the duct from the dryer’s exhaust outlet. It may be secured by a gasket or band clamp, which you would need to loosen with a screwdriver.
6. Remove the back panel.
7. Remove the inlet housing.
8. Underneath the drum, reach back into the idler pulley and remove the dryer’s belt from the pulley and the motor shaft.
9. Slide the drum out of the front panel with one hand, lifting the belt to support the drum with your other hand.
10. Remove the blower wheel’s fitting, if it has one.
11. Using two wrenches, secure the front of the motor pulley with one and unthread the blower wheel with the other. (Note: Which way you turn the wrench to loosen the blower wheel depends on your dryer’s model, as many have a left-hand thread. Refer to your user manual.)
12. Check the blower wheel for obstructions. Try spinning it to see if it wobbles.

How to Install a New Blower Wheel

1. Unscrew the blower wheel by spinning it and remove it from the dryer.
2. Install the new blower wheel and tighten it using two wrenches.
3. Replace the wheel fitting if it was previously removed.
4. Reinstall the drum by aligning its rim with the rear rollers.
5. Feed the belt through the idler pulley and secure it onto the motor pulley.
6. Rotate the drum to align the belt.
7. Reinstall the inlet housing.
8. Replace the back panel.
9. Replace the front panel.
10. Reconnect the door switch and moisture sensor wiring assemblies.
11. Reattach the top cover.

Next: Troubleshooting the Timer

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