Dryer Drum Felt (71622310) – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
What it is and why it matters: The drum felt (also called a drum seal or drum bearing felt) cushions the rotating dryer drum where it contacts the front and/or rear bulkheads. It keeps the drum centered, reduces metal-on-metal friction, prevents rubbing and squealing, and helps maintain air seal and airflow. Part number 71622310 is a drum felt seal kit used on several dryers (check your model for compatibility). Step-by-step diagnostics and repair instructions: 1) Confirm the symptom - Run the dryer empty and listen: a high-pitched squeal, scraping, or grinding that changes with drum rotation usually points to worn drum felts or worn rollers/bearings. - Press the drum inward and rotate it by hand. If the noise or rubbing increases where the drum contacts the cabinet, inspect the felt areas. 2) Inspect visually - Unplug the dryer and move it so you can access the front/rear panels. - Remove the front panel (and top if required) and visually inspect the front and rear felt seals. Look for flattened, torn, glazed, compressed or missing felt and for metal wear marks on the drum edge or bulkhead. - Also inspect drum rollers, glides/slide bearings (plastic/nylon pads), rear drum bearing, and the drum support shaft — often multiple parts wear together. 3) Decide parts to replace - If the felt is visibly worn or compressed -> replace the drum felt (71622310). - If rollers/glides are grooved or the drum wobbles -> replace those parts at the same time. 4) Tools and materials - Tools: nutdrivers/screwdrivers (Phillips and flat), socket set, needle-nose pliers, putty knife, utility knife, torx if required. - Materials: replacement drum felt kit 71622310, high-temperature appliance adhesive if kit requires glue, replacement rollers/bearing if needed, lint brush/vacuum. 5) Remove the drum - Safety first: unplug the dryer and shut off gas if a gas dryer. - Remove the dryer top (usually held by screws at the rear) if required to access the front panel. - Remove front panel: disconnect door switch harness and unscrew the front panel. Some models require removing the lint filter housing first. - Loosen or remove the drive belt from the motor/idler and lift the drum out of the cabinet. 6) Remove old felt - With the drum out, cut/remove the old felt from the drum flange and from the bulkhead. Pry off any staples or adhesive carefully and scrape the mating surfaces clean (use a putty knife). Clean lint and residue with a vacuum. 7) Install new felt (71622310) - Fit the new felt to the drum flange(s). Some kits press on the drum edge and others attach to the bulkhead—follow the kit instructions. - If adhesive is required, use a high-temperature appliance adhesive sparingly and clamp/hold the felt in place until it sets. DO NOT use ordinary household glue. - Make sure the felt lip is seated so the drum rotates freely with the felt rubbing gently against the bulkhead (not digging into metal). 8) Reassemble and check supporting parts - While the drum is out, replace worn rollers, glides, or rear bearing if needed. - Reinstall the drum, loop the belt correctly around the drum and the motor pulley, reinstall the front panel and reconnect the door switch. - Plug the dryer in (or restore gas) and run it empty. Listen for any residual noise and watch drum rotation for wobble. 9) Final adjustments - If noise persists, re-check felt seating and check rollers/bearing and idler pulley for wear. Replace any additional worn parts. Safety note: Always unplug the dryer first and, for gas dryers, shut off the gas supply. If you are uncomfortable with disassembly, or if the dryer has a complex front/rear bulkhead design, consider hiring a qualified appliance technician. Use only heat-rated adhesives and parts that match your dryer model for safe operation.
Common Symptoms
Squealing, rubbing, or grinding noise during rotation; visible wear or missing felt at drum edges; clothes with snags or scuffs; drum wobble or metal-on-metal scoring at the drum edge.
Common Causes
- Normal wear and compression of the felt over time
- Lint and debris embedding in the felt or on the drum/bulkhead causing abrasion
- Worn drum rollers, glides, or rear bearing allowing the drum to contact the felt excessively
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
Press on the drum while rotating it by hand; if the noise or scraping appears at the same spot where the felt contacts the bulkhead and you can see compressed or missing felt, the 71622310 felt kit is almost certainly the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to replace the drum felt?
For a competent DIYer with basic tools, removing the front panel and drum, replacing the felt and reassembling typically takes 60–120 minutes. Time increases if you also replace rollers or bearings or if the dryer design requires extra disassembly.
Can I keep using my dryer with worn drum felt?
You can for a short time, but it's not recommended. Worn felt leads to increased noise, metal-on-metal wear (which damages the drum and bulkhead), a reduction in drying efficiency from lost airflow sealing, and can cause clothes snagging. Replace worn felt promptly to avoid larger repairs.
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