Amana Dryer Rear Drum Seal Replacement – How to Replace the Rear Drum Felt Seal
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Understanding the Problem
The rear drum seal (also called the rear felt or bulkhead seal) cushions the drum where it rides against the rear bulkhead. When it wears out the drum can scrape the cabinet, causing squeaks, metal-on-metal grinding, increased lint, uneven drying and accelerated drum wear. 1) Brief diagnosis: a. Unplug the dryer (and shut off gas if it's a gas dryer). Rotate the drum by hand and listen for scraping/squeaking at the rear. Reach behind the drum (through the rear opening or after removing the front) and feel for a worn or missing felt ring around the bulkhead. b. Inspect for metal-on-metal contact marks on the drum edge or bulkhead, compressed or missing felt, and excess lint accumulation at the rear seal. 2) Tools and materials: a. Basic tools: nut drivers/screwdrivers (usually 1/4", 5/16", Phillips), socket set, needle-nose pliers, putty knife or small flat pry tool, soft mallet. b. Parts & supplies: OEM rear drum felt seal (match your model), high-temperature appliance adhesive (RTV rated for dryers) if required, shop rags. 3) Preparation: a. Unplug the dryer and move it away from the wall. If gas, shut off gas supply and disconnect per local code. b. Take pictures of wiring and panel fasteners as you disassemble to make reassembly easier. 4) Accessing the seal (typical Amana front-load style with rear bulkhead felt): a. Remove the lint filter and any screws under the top panel; lift or remove the top per your model. b. Depending on model, remove the front panel (release door switch harness) or remove the rear access panel and drum depending on which gives best access. Many Amana models require removing the front to pull the drum forward for full access to the rear bulkhead. c. Remove the belt from the motor pulley and idler, then lift the drum out of the cabinet and set it aside (mark the belt path if necessary). 5) Remove the old seal: a. With the drum removed, peel away the old felt seal from the rear bulkhead groove. Use needle-nose pliers or a putty knife to pull stuck adhesive and felt. b. Clean the seating surface thoroughly. Remove lint, old adhesive, rust, and debris so the new seal seats fully. 6) Install the new seal: a. Confirm you have the correct orientation (felt nap usually faces the drum). Some seals have a flat lip that fits into a groove — check your new part. b. If the new seal uses adhesive, apply a thin bead of high-temp RTV in the groove (follow manufacturer's instructions). Press the felt into the groove starting at the bottom and work around evenly so it sits flush. c. If the seal is a press-fit ring, carefully press it into place using even pressure. A soft mallet and a block of wood can help seat it without crushing the felt. d. Allow adhesive to cure if used (follow product cure times) or hold the seal in place using tape/clamps temporarily if recommended. 7) Reassemble: a. Reinstall the drum, ensuring it sits square on the rollers/bearing and the belt is routed exactly as removed. b. Reattach belt to motor pulley and idler, reinstall front/top panels and any removed components, reconnect door switch harness. c. Reconnect power (and gas) and move the dryer back into place. 8) Test run: a. Run the dryer empty for several minutes, listening for rubbing or squeaking. Observe the drum for smooth rotation and check for unusual heat buildup. b. Inspect inside the drum edge area again for proper clearance. Safety note: Always disconnect power before starting electrical appliance repairs. If you are not comfortable working around gas fittings or internal wiring, stop and call a qualified appliance technician. Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp sheet metal edges and eye protection when prying old seals.
Common Symptoms
Squeaking or scraping noises from the back of the dryer, visible metal wear at the drum edge, increased lint buildup at the rear, uneven drying or hot spots, drum wobble at the rear.
Common Causes
- Normal wear of the felt from years of drum rotation
- Lint, moisture or contamination causing felt breakdown
- Dirty or worn rollers/bearings allowing the drum to sag and rub the seal
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
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Helpful Repair Tip
To confirm the rear felt is bad: rotate the drum by hand and put your hand near the rear bulkhead. If you feel metal contact or hear scraping exactly at the rear, the felt seal is very likely worn and needs replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does replacing the rear drum seal take?
For a homeowner with basic tools, plan 60–120 minutes. Time varies by model and whether you need to remove the drum. A pro can often do it in 45–60 minutes.
Do I need to replace any other parts when changing the rear seal?
Always inspect drum rollers, the rear bearing/bushing, idler and belt. If rollers or the bearing show flat spots or play, replace them while you have the drum out to prevent repeat labor and noise issues.
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