Kenmore 110868101 OEM Dryer Drum Drive Motor – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
What this part is and what it does: The Kenmore 110868101 is the OEM drum drive motor used to rotate the dryer drum. It provides the mechanical torque to turn the drum and usually includes the motor shaft, bearings, and centrifugal start mechanism or start winding. When it fails the drum will not spin properly or the motor may hum, squeal, overheat, or trip the breaker. Diagnostic & repair steps (numbered): 1. Verify the symptom: Run a cycle and observe—does the drum not turn, does the motor hum, make grinding/squealing noises, or does the dryer stop mid-cycle? Note whether the motor runs but drum doesn't (belt/idler problem) or motor doesn't run at all. 2. Check basic power and door switch: Confirm the dryer has power and the door switch is functioning. If lights/controls work but motor won't start, proceed. 3. Manually spin the drum: With dryer off and unplugged, spin the drum by hand. If it turns freely and with little noise the drum/bearings are OK; resistance or grinding points to seized bearings or rollers. If the drum is stiff, the problem might be rollers/axles or front/rear drum seal rather than the motor. 4. Inspect belt, idler, and pulleys: With the access panel off, check the drive belt for breakage and the idler pulley for free rotation. A snapped or slipped belt can make it look like a bad motor. 5. Listen for motor behavior: Reconnect power and run a short cycle (keep hands clear). If the motor hums but does not start, or starts intermittently and then stops, suspect motor electrical failure (winding, centrifugal switch) or a faulty centrifugal start switch. A loud bearing squeal indicates worn motor bearings. 6. Check thermal cutouts & fuses: Many dryers have a thermal fuse or motor thermal cutoff in series with the motor. Test thermal fuse and thermostat for continuity with a multimeter; a blown thermal fuse will prevent motor operation. 7. Test the motor electrically: Unplug dryer, disconnect motor wiring, and measure continuity across motor windings (follow manufacturer diagram if available). Open or infinite resistance indicates a burned winding. Also check for continuity to ground—a short to ground means motor is bad. 8. Confirm motor is the issue: If the drum spins freely, belt and idler are good, thermal fuse and door switch are good, and the motor shows no proper continuity or hums without starting, the motor (110868101) is likely faulty. 9. Replace the motor (how to fix): a. Unplug dryer and turn off gas if gas model. b. Remove the dryer front or rear access panel per your model (consult model-specific guide). c. Note and photograph wiring locations; disconnect motor wires and any connectors. d. Release or remove the drive belt from drum and pulley. e. Remove motor mounting screws/brackets and any clips holding motor assembly. f. Remove the old motor assembly and transfer any brackets or pulleys to the new motor if required. g. Install the replacement Kenmore 110868101 motor, secure all mountings, reconnect wiring exactly as removed, route the belt correctly over drum and motor pulley and through idler. h. Reassemble panels, restore power/gas and run a test cycle to confirm drum spins smoothly and noise is gone. 10. Final checks: After replacement, inspect for abnormal vibration, verify proper belt tension and alignment, and ensure dryer heats and dries properly. Safety note: Always unplug the dryer (and shut off gas for gas dryers) before opening panels. Use a multimeter only if you know how—if unsure, hire a qualified technician. Avoid working on the appliance while powered to prevent electric shock or injury.
Common Symptoms
Drum won't turn, motor hums but doesn't start, loud squealing/grinding noises from motor area, dryer intermittently stops, burning smell, or dryer trips the breaker.
Common Causes
- Worn motor bearings or seized motor shaft causing mechanical failure
- Burned or open motor windings / faulty centrifugal start switch preventing motor start
- External load or obstruction (broken belt, seized rollers/idler) straining the motor and causing overheating
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
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Helpful Repair Tip
If the motor hums but the drum will spin freely when pushed, measure continuity of the motor windings with a multimeter—open or shorted windings confirm replacement. Also temporarily remove the belt and try to spin the motor pulley by hand; excessive resistance indicates bad bearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the motor (110868101) is really bad and needs replacement?
Start by checking for basic issues: a broken belt, seized idler, or blown thermal fuse. If those are OK and the motor hums but will not start, emits grinding/squealing, has open windings (no continuity), or shows a short to ground, the motor is defective and should be replaced. Manually spinning the drum and testing motor windings with a multimeter are the most reliable home diagnostics.
Can I replace the Kenmore 110868101 motor myself, and how long does it take?
Yes — a competent DIYer with basic tools can replace it. Typical time is 45–90 minutes depending on model access and experience. Always unplug the dryer (and shut off gas for gas dryers), document wiring locations before disconnecting, and follow the step-by-step removal and installation process. If you’re uncomfortable with electrical testing or heavy lifting, hire a pro.
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