How to Fix a Pulley for a Washer That is Noisy and Leave Marks on Clothes
Depending on your model and style of washer, you may have a couple of different types of pulleys in your machine—such as a drive motor pulley, a transmission pulley, or a pump pulley. The pulleys will have belts wrapped around them, which help to spin the tub. A dirty or damaged pulley can result in a squealing or thumping sound when the washer is running. Using the information below, you will be able to determine if a pulley is the source of the noise coming from your washer.
What are Pulleys and Where are they Located?
On belt-driven washing machines, the motor pulley supports the drive belt and in some cases the pump belt. There will also be corresponding pulleys on the transmission and the pump. The pulley works with the belt to spin the tub in your washer. The location of the pulley will depend on the type of pulley it is—transmission, pump, or motor.
General Location of the Transmission Pulley in a Washer
General Location of the Motor Pulley in a Washer
What Type of Noise Can You Expect?
These pulleys can accumulate a buildup of grease, rubber compound, or dirt that can cause a squealing or thumping sound when the motor is running. If your washer is making this type of sound when agitating, draining, or spinning, you should inspect the pulleys for signs of dirt accumulation or damage.
How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Pulleys in a Washing Machine
- Before beginning, disconnect your appliance from the power source.
- Remove the cabinet, remove the back panel, or tip back the machine to locate the pulley in question. Remove the belt from the pulley in order to closely inspect the pulley.
- Look for signs of burning, wear, or damage. You should also look for buildups of grease, dirt, or other materials, cleaning anything you find off the pulley and the surrounding area.
- If you find any signs of damage, you will need a replacement pulley.
How to Install a New Pulley
The process for installing a new pulley will vary depending on your model of washer, and which type of pulley you’re looking to replace. Our video and instructions below will provide general repair help when replacing any pulley, and you can search for an instructional video specific to your washer with your model number.
- Before installation, make sure that the groove of the pulley the belt sits in is clean and free of debris.
- Line the pulley up with its housing and ensure that it fits into place and moves freely, before attaching it with the relevant fastener(s).
- Most important is looping the belt on correctly and ensuring a snug, smooth fit that allows the belt to sit comfortably in the groove, turning freely and without resistance.
Next: Troubleshooting the Pump Belt
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