GE Rear Drum Bearing Kit (WE25M40) — What It Fixes and How to Replace It
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Understanding the Problem
What the WE25M40 is and why you need it: The WE25M40 (also sold as AP2619300 / PS267529 on some listings) is a rear drum bearing/support kit for many GE dryers. It provides a low-friction mounting surface for the back edge of the dryer drum so the drum spins smoothly and stays centered. When this bearing wears or fails the drum can squeal, scrape, wobble or wear the drum edge. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair steps: 1) Safety first: Unplug the dryer. If it is a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply and disconnect per local code. Work in a well-lit area and have a container for screws. 2) Confirm the symptom: Manually rotate the drum with the dryer off. Listen for grinding, squealing, or rubbing and feel for rough spots or wobble. If the noise appears only when the drum is loaded, try spinning with the belt off (see step 5) to isolate motor vs. bearing noise. 3) Access the drum: Typical access method—remove lint screen, remove a couple of screws along the top/rear of the control/top panel, flip up or lift off the top. On many GE models remove the front panel (disconnect the door switch wiring) and then take out the drum. Consult your model diagram if unsure. 4) Inspect the rear bearing: With the drum removed you will see the rear bulkhead assembly and the bearing or bearing housing. Check the bearing surface (or thrust washer) for wear, glazing, scoring, metal shavings, or a disintegrated felt seal. Also inspect the drum's rear rim where it contacts the bearing for grooving. 5) Isolate the source: If you heard noise with the drum removed, spin the motor pulley and idler by hand (belt removed) to check bearings there. If noise only when drum is present and comes from the rear, the rear drum bearing is suspect. 6) Remove the old kit: Remove the rear bulkhead/rear panel if necessary to reach the bearing. Unscrew and remove the old bearing housing or thrust washer assembly. Keep track of screws and note orientation of any washers or felt seals. 7) Clean the area: Remove lint, rust, and metal shavings. Wipe mating surfaces so new parts seat flat. If the drum rim is grooved, lightly sand or consider replacing the drum if grooves are deep (grooves will wear down any new bearing quickly). 8) Install the WE25M40: Position the new bearing/thrust washer and any included spacer/retainer in the same orientation as the original. Tighten screws snugly but avoid over-torquing plastic housings. Verify the bearing sits flat and spins freely. 9) Reassemble: Reinstall the drum, re-seat the belt on the drum and idler (note belt routing), reattach the front panel, reconnect the door switch, and secure the top panel. For gas dryers reconnect the gas and check connections per code. 10) Final test: Plug the dryer back in, run an empty cycle and listen for residual noise. Spin the drum by hand to confirm smooth operation. Check for wobble or rubbing. Repair tips and what to also check: While you have the drum out inspect drum rollers, idler pulley, belt condition, and front drum felt/glides — worn rollers or glides can mimic bearing noise and accelerate bearing wear. Replace any worn rollers or glides at the same time for longest life. Safety note: Always disconnect power before working on the dryer. Gas dryers require additional safety steps — shut off the gas supply and, if you disconnect gas fittings, have a qualified technician recheck for leaks if you are not experienced with gas lines.
Common Symptoms
Loud squealing or grinding from the rear of the dryer, scraping sounds, drum wobble or misalignment, clothes catching, visible wear or grooves on the drum edge.
Common Causes
- Worn or seized rear drum bearing/thrust washer
- Loss of lubrication or contamination with lint/metal debris
- Worn drum lip or misaligned drum that accelerates bearing wear
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Helpful Repair Tip
Rotate the drum by hand with the belt removed: if you hear grinding from the rear area and feel rough spots when the drum rim passes the rear bulkhead, the rear drum bearing kit (WE25M40) is likely the culprit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to replace the WE25M40 rear drum bearing kit?
For a DIYer with basic hand tools expect 1–2 hours. Time varies by model and by whether you also replace rollers or the belt. First-timers should allow extra time to carefully label and store screws and wiring connectors.
Can I drive the dryer with the noisy bearing until I buy the part?
No. A severely worn or failing bearing can damage the drum edge or tear the drum, cause the belt to wear prematurely, or create a fire hazard from friction and lint. Stop using the dryer until the bearing is replaced.
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