If your condenser dryer is making a whirring sound and you can identify it as a worn or damaged tension pulley - don’t worry because we are here to help.
Below we talk you through the process to remove the old faulty pulley and replace it with a new one. Some may consider calling an engineer but that could cost more than you may be willing to spend. Therefore follow our guide and save your money by repairing yourself.
This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.
What You Will Need:
Step 1 - Safety Advice
Safety First! Please ensure that you have disconnected the appliance from the mains before starting any repair and due to the sharp edges exposed we suggest suitable Safety Gloves are worn to help prevent injury.
Step 2 - Opening Up The Dryer
To begin you will first need to remove the top of the tumble dryer - you can do this by releasing the two screws at the back. Once the screws have been taken out you can give the top a knock or two to release it.
With the top removed you can now remove the right hand side panel (as if you are looking at the machine) by undoing the screw at the top and the four which hold it in place at the back.
Step 3 - Removing the Fan Cover
With the side panel also now out of the way you will already be able to see the tension pulley and the belt which wraps around it and also the motor spindle. To release it you will first need to remove the condenser fan cover and the fan underneath.
Take a flathead screwdriver and ease the fan cover away from the clips, make sure to remove any electrical wires out of the way.
Step 4 - Now to Remove the Fan
Once you have removed the cover you can now remove the fan itself this is held in place by a spring clip in the centre. So taking a pair of pliers, you need to pinch the lugs on the spring clip and then you can just ease it off the fan spindle to take the fan of with it.
If you find the fan is a bit stiff, once again with a flathead screwdriver - place it in the back of the fan and giving it a knock or two will release it.
Step 5 - You Need to Remove the Belt
With the cover and fan out of the way you now need to remove the belt from the pulley, not as difficult as it sounds - simply rotate the belt down and to the left and it should work its way off.
Next step is to remove the two bolts which hold the tension pulley in place to the motor - using a box driver will release the bolts with minimal effort.
Step 6 - Hooking the New Pulley in Place
When fitting the new tension pulley - you should notice a hook on the back of the tension pulley, this will hook into the motor assembly. Once you have the pulley in position you can put one screw in place to secure it - making sure not to do it up too tightly, you can then secure it properly with the other screw.
Step 7 - Refitting the Belt
With the tension pulley in place you will now need to refit the belt, the easiest way to do this is to do opposite to removing it.
eSpares Top Tip: Put as much of the belt on the pulley with your fingers as possible and then you can pull the belt down which will fit the pulley and belt together.
Step 8 - Finishing Up
With the belt fitted you can now refit the fan and the spring clip which holds it in place - don’t forget the cover too.
With everything fitted and in place you can now replace the side panel and the top.
There we have it, one new tension pulley fitted to your condenser dryer. For more guides on care and maintenance for your home appliances don’t forget to check our advice centre.
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