Drum Baffles (Right Assembly) – What Part Fixes This Problem?
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
What this part is and why it matters: The drum baffle (also called a drum lifter or paddle) is a molded plastic or metal vane fastened to the inside of the dryer drum. Baffles lift and tumble clothes so they dry evenly and prevent items from bunching, snagging, or chafing the drum. A damaged or missing baffle causes noise, poor drying, fabric damage and uneven tumbling. Step-by-step diagnostics and repair (practical how-to): 1. Safety first: Unplug the dryer and shut off gas (if gas dryer) before you start. Lock out power. 2. Identify the symptom: Note where the noise or snagging occurs and whether it happens only with heavy loads. Visually inspect the drum from the door for cracked, loose or missing lifters. 3. Remove access panels to inspect baffles: Depending on model you may remove the front panel, the top panel, or the rear panel. Consult your model’s repair manual if unsure. Many front-loaders require opening the door, removing lint screen and unscrewing the front panel screws. 4. Rotate the drum by hand and watch each baffle: Look for cracked bases, missing screws/clips, or a baffle that has broken away and is scraping the cabinet or heater. If the drum wobbles noticeably, check rollers/bearings too — but focus on the baffle mounting points for this repair. 5. Confirm the failed part: Pry up or remove the suspected baffle (if possible) and inspect the mounting posts and fasteners. If the baffle is cracked, torn, or the mounting boss is stripped, it needs replacement. 6. Order the correct replacement: Drum baffles are model-specific. Pull the dryer model tag (usually on the door frame or rear panel) and order the right right-side baffle or a full set of baffles/lifters. Many kits include screws/clips. 7. Tools and prep: Common tools — Phillips/flat screwdriver, nut driver or socket set, putty knife (to release clips), work gloves, flashlight. Place removed screws in a small container. 8. Remove the drum (if required): On many models you can replace a baffle with the drum in place by tipping or removing the front panel and sliding the drum forward slightly. On others you must remove the drum entirely — release the belt, remove the front/rear panel and lift the drum out. 9. Remove the old baffle: Unscrew or unclip the damaged baffle from the drum. If the mounting studs have melted or sheared, clean the area before installing the new part. 10. Install the new right-side baffle: Position the new baffle aligning holes with drum studs. Fasten using the original screws or new hardware included. Tighten snugly but don’t overtighten plastic bosses — strip risk. If the baffle uses rivets, replace with the supplied rivets or screws per kit instructions. 11. Reassemble the dryer: Reinstall the drum, reattach the belt (note routing), reinstall any removed panels, reconnect motor wiring if disconnected, and reinstall the lint screen. 12. Test run: Restore power, run the dryer empty on a short cycle and listen for rubbing/noise and ensure even tumbling. Check that the new baffle stays secure. Safety note: Always disconnect electrical power and gas before servicing. If you are not comfortable disassembling panels or removing the drum, or if the dryer has gas connections, consider hiring a qualified technician.
Common Symptoms
Loud thumping or scraping on each drum rotation, clothes bunching or snagging, uneven drying, visible cracks or missing paddles on the drum interior.
Common Causes
- Plastic baffle brittle with age or heat exposure and cracked or broken
- Mounting screws or clips corroded, sheared, or missing allowing baffle to come loose
- Overloading or heavy single-item loads putting extra stress on lifters
- Foreign object or jam struck the lifter, breaking the mounting boss
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Visually inspect the drum from the door while you rotate it by hand—missing or cracked baffles are easy to spot. A loud thump every drum rotation usually indicates a broken or loose baffle mounting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a drum baffle?
Parts alone are inexpensive: $10–$50 for a single OEM baffle or $15–$80 for a full set or aftermarket kit depending on brand. Labor (if a technician is hired) typically adds $75–$200 depending on access difficulty and local rates.
Can I run my dryer with a missing or broken baffle?
You can physically run it, but it’s not recommended. A missing or broken baffle causes uneven drying, increased wear on the drum and belt, fabric damage, and can produce loud banging. Replace the baffle promptly to avoid further damage.
Related How-To Videos
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.