Sears Kenmore Dryer noise

 I have a Sears Kenmore (mfd by Whirlpool) Dryer, model 110.64212200 that
is almost 3 years old and only gets light/moderate use.  It has begun
making an unhappy squeaking/groaning noise during operation.  Based on
the frequency of the squeaking it sounds like it is the drum rotating
that is causing the squeaks, not the motor.

Is there anything that I can lubricate or otherwise do to maintain my
equipment?  The user manual and installation manual don't offer anything
of value other than the parts diagram.

Thanks!

 

 3 years and light use would seem a little soon for the drum bearings to
start wearing out but I would remove the drum and inspect the bearings on
the two drum wheels and the idler/tension pulley bearing.  It's pretty easy
to disassemble and since Whirlpool makes about 60 percent of all dryers sold
in the U.S. most books in the library on appliance repair will usually show
the Whirlpool being taken apart and put back together.  If the bearings look
and feel tight, lubricating would help.  By the way, it's a good idea to
clean all the lint out of the inside of a dryer cabinet every couple of
years, anyway, to avoid fire hazard.

Tom G.

 

I've found that dryer bearings are not lubeable. About two weeks later they
start squeeking again. And its probably not a good idea to have oil mixing with
lint near a burner anyway. Fortunately, roller kits are cheap.

 The secret is to use the proper lube.  Disk brake caliper lube (high heat)
works perfectly.

--
Steve Barker

 There are only two rollers you can use: the ones with white hubs, or
the ones with colored hubs.  Technically, the white ones are the more
correct ones, but the colored onese work great too.  The only
difference in part numbers that you found are due to parts coming as a
pair, or coming with other parts in a kit, as opposed to coming
separate.

I don't use a whole lot of lubrication on shafts, maybe just a drop
when I have used a solvent in that place.  The term I have always used
for the right kind of oil is turbine oil.  I am looking at my bottle
right now: Supco Zoom Spout all purpose oil.  This is nice stuff to
have around.

I would agree that too much oil makes a mess.  I don't agree that
lubrication is dangerous.  It really doesn't get near flame or heat.
Avoid lubrication that has high odor.  You don't want your clothes
smelling like WD-40.