Drum Bushing (Dryer) – What It Is and How to Replace It
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
What the drum bushing is and why it matters: A drum bushing (support drum bushing) is a small plastic/nylon sleeve that the dryer drum rides on at the rear (or front on some models). It keeps the drum centered and provides a low-friction surface for the drum shaft to rotate on. When the bushing wears, the drum can wobble, rub against the bulkhead, make squealing/scraping noises, cause hot spots or friction wear on the drum, and shorten belt and motor life. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair steps: 1. Preliminary check: Unplug the dryer (or shut off gas and unplug if gas dryer). Open the dryer door and rotate the drum by hand while listening. Note location of noise (rear, front, center). If the noise is strongest near the rear bulkhead, suspect the rear drum bushing. 2. Visual inspection: Remove the dryer’s rear panel (or front panel on some models). Inspect the bushing in the bulkhead; look for scoring, flat spots, grooves, melted plastic, or a loose fit on the drum shaft. Also inspect drum felt seals and the shaft for wear. 3. Confirm with play test: With the drum exposed, press the drum inward toward the bushing. Excessive inward movement or metal-on-metal contact indicates a worn bushing. 4. Remove the drum for access: Lift the top (if needed), remove the front or rear panel screws, loosen or remove the drive belt, and slide the drum forward and out of the cabinet so you can access the bushing. 5. Remove the old bushing: Pry out the worn bushing from the bulkhead with a flat screwdriver or use pliers. If it’s pressed in, a small punch may be needed to drive it out from the inside. 6. Clean the bore: Remove debris, lint, and old plastic residue from the bushing bore. Wipe the shaft and surrounding area clean. 7. Install the new bushing (example part WP35001073): Align the bushing and press it into the bore until it’s fully seated and flush. You can press it in by hand, tap gently with a soft-face hammer, or use a socket that matches the outer diameter for even pressure. 8. Inspect the shaft and felt: If the drum shaft or felt seals are damaged, replace them too. A bad shaft can wear a new bushing quickly. 9. Reassemble the dryer: Reinstall the drum, route the belt, reattach panels, and tighten all fasteners. 10. Test run: Plug in the dryer and run an empty cycle. Listen for noise, check for smooth rotation, and verify there is no rubbing or wobble. Safety note: Always disconnect power before working on the dryer. If it’s a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply and disconnect per your local codes. Wear eye protection and keep lint cleared from the work area to reduce fire risk.
Common Symptoms
Loud squeaking/scraping from the rear of the dryer, drum wobble or rubbing, visible scoring around the drum opening, unusual heat at the rear, shortened belt or motor life.
Common Causes
- Normal wear of the plastic/nylon bushing from years of drum rotation
- Lack of replacement of worn felt seals or drum shaft damage causing uneven wear
- Lint buildup, melted plastic, or foreign objects scoring the bushing bore
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
With the drum exposed, press the drum inward and spin by hand—if you hear scraping or see the drum edge contact the bulkhead, the bushing is likely worn and needs replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to replace a drum bushing?
For a competent DIYer with basic tools, expect 45–90 minutes. Time varies by model—access can be easier on rear-access machines and longer if the front must be removed or the drum is difficult to extract.
Can I lubricate the worn bushing instead of replacing it?
No—lubricating a worn plastic bushing is only a temporary fix and can attract lint. Worn bushings should be replaced because once the bushing or the shaft is scored, lubrication won’t restore proper alignment and will allow 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.