Drum Felt Model 71622310 – What Part Fixes This Problem?

Understanding the Problem

Brief explanation: Drum felt (model 71622310) is a felt seal/bumper that sits between the rotating drum (inner tub) and the outer tub or housing in front-load washers. Its jobs are to cushion the drum, reduce friction and noise, keep the drum centered, and protect the tub and clothes from scraping. When the felt wears out, the drum can rub against the housing or metal parts, causing noise, fabric damage, vibration, and sometimes leaks. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair steps: 1) Confirm symptoms: Run an empty spin or wash cycle and listen for scraping, grinding, or loud rubbing noises; watch for abnormal vibration or wobble of the drum; inspect the tub opening for visible worn or compressed felt. 2) Safety first: Unplug the washer and shut off water supply. If you have a gas dryer nearby or other appliances, turn them off or isolate power to the appliance's circuit at the breaker for full safety. 3) Tools & materials: Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, socket set (usually 8–10 mm), needle-nose pliers, putty knife, replacement drum felt 71622310, 3M adhesive or manufacturer-specified adhesive (if required), cleaning rag, isopropyl alcohol, protective gloves. 4) Access the drum felt: Typical access steps (may vary by model): a. Remove the top panel (usually two screws at the rear). b. Remove the detergent drawer and front control panel screws if needed. c. Open the door, remove the door boot clamp and pull the front boot out of the outer lip to expose the inner tub face (or remove the entire front panel depending on model). d. In many washers you must remove the retaining ring or screws that hold the felt or retainer in place. 5) Inspect the felt: Look for thinning, missing padding, pulled fibers, tears, or grease/contamination that compresses the felt. Also check for scoring on the drum rim and for excessive play in the drum (which could indicate bad bearings). 6) Remove the old felt: Pry out the old felt carefully with a putty knife. If there's a retaining ring, unclip it and remove debris. Clean the mating surfaces with isopropyl alcohol and a rag to remove old adhesive and grease. 7) Check related parts: Inspect the drum bearings, shaft, and seal area. If the bearings are noisy or the drum has side-to-side play, replace bearings and shaft seal at the same time — otherwise new felt will wear prematurely. 8) Install the new felt (71622310): Position the new felt evenly around the drum lip. If the felt is adhesive-backed, press firmly and hold per adhesive instructions. If it uses a retaining ring, fit the felt in the groove and re-secure the ring/clamp. 9) Reassemble: Reattach boot, front panel, control panel, and top. Reconnect water and power. Run a short cycle to verify quiet operation and correct drum movement. 10) Final check: After a test run, re-inspect for rubbing noises, leaking, or wobble. Safety note: Always disconnect electrical power before working on the washer. If you are not comfortable separating the cabinet or handling bearing replacement, consider professional service — replacing bearings requires a press and correct tolerance parts. Wear gloves and eye protection when working with metal parts and cleaning solvents.

Common Symptoms

Loud scraping or rubbing noises during spin, increased vibration or wobble, visible worn/compressed felt at the drum edge, occasional cloth snags or fraying near the door opening.

Common Causes

• Normal wear and compression of the felt over years of use
• Drum misalignment or worn bearings allowing metal contact that abrades the felt
• Foreign objects or debris trapped between drum and housing causing accelerated wear

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.

Frequently Asked Questions