Rear Drum Felt Seal W10612022 — What It Is and How to Replace It
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Understanding the Problem
What this part is: W10612022 is the rear drum felt seal (rear drum seal) used on many Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore and similar dryers. It cushions and centers the drum at the rear bulkhead, keeps the drum from rubbing on metal, and helps direct airflow. When the felt wears, the drum can rub the metal bulkhead, produce squeals/scraping, snag clothing, allow air leaks that reduce drying performance, and eventually score the drum. Step-by-step diagnosis and repair: 1) Confirm the symptom: spin the drum by hand with the dryer off. If you hear scraping, squealing, or feel roughness where the drum passes the rear opening — the rear felt is likely worn. Also inspect the rear of the drum through the back panel or by removing the drum: look for a compressed, torn, missing or glazed felt ring and metal scoring on the drum edge or bulkhead. 2) Unplug the dryer. If it's a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply and, if you plan to unhook the gas line for access, shut the gas at the appliance valve and cap the line; if unsure, leave gas connections alone and get a tech. Safety first. 3) Remove access panels: depending on model remove the dryer top and/or front or back panel to access the drum. Many Whirlpool-style dryers require removing the top (two screws at back), then the front panel (two spring clips or screws), or removing the rear panel on some models. Keep fasteners organized. 4) Remove the belt and drum: note belt routing or take a phone photo. Release the idler tensioner, remove belt from motor pulley, then lift out the drum. This gives clear access to the rear bulkhead felt. 5) Inspect and clean: remove the old rear felt seal. Clean lint and residue from the bulkhead and drum edge with a vacuum and rag. Inspect the drum edge for grooves or scoring — severe scoring may require drum replacement or resurfacing. 6) Install W10612022: seat the felt into the groove around the rear bulkhead. Some seals have a tapered lip that must be tucked into the channel; others may include adhesive backing. If the fit is loose, use a small amount of high-temperature appliance RTV or appliance-specific adhesive sparingly — do not block the drum opening. Make sure the felt sits flush and forms a consistent gap to the drum. 7) Reinstall the drum and belt: route the belt back over the drum, around the idler and motor pulley, re-tension the idler and ensure the belt is aligned. Spin the drum by hand to verify smooth rotation and even clearance to the seal. 8) Reassemble panels and restore power/gas. Run the dryer empty for several minutes and listen for rubbing or squeal. Confirm proper drying performance and that clothing no longer snags. 9) If noise or rubbing persists: check drum rollers, axle bearing, glide pads/slide shoes and idler pulley for wear — excessive drum play can wear new felt quickly and needs to be addressed. Safety note: always unplug the appliance before you work on it. For gas dryers, if you must disconnect gas fittings, shut off supply and follow local codes — if you are not experienced with gas work, call a licensed technician.
Common Symptoms
Squealing or scraping noises, clothes catching or snagging on the drum edge, visible torn/compressed felt at the rear drum opening, reduced drying efficiency from air leaks.
Common Causes
- Normal wear and compression of the felt over years of use
- Excessive drum end play from worn rollers/bearings causing the drum to rub the bulkhead
- Lint, heat and contamination degrading the felt or adhesive
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Helpful Repair Tip
Check for metal scoring on the drum edge where it meets the felt — if the drum is scored deeply, replace or resurface the drum too; otherwise the new felt will wear out quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to replace the rear drum felt seal?
For a homeowner with basic tools it typically takes 45–90 minutes. Time depends on model access (some require removing top/front, others need the rear off) and whether drum or other parts also need replacement.
Can I glue the new felt in place or does it just press in?
Most W10612022 seals are designed to seat into a channel and stay in place by fit. If the fit is loose you can use a small amount of high-temperature appliance adhesive or RTV specifically rated for dryers. Use sparingly and avoid blocking the airflow path. If you’re unsure, press-fit first and only use adhesive if needed.
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