How to Replace 131560100 Drive Motor with Pulley on Frigidaire Dryer — Step-by-Step

Your Frigidaire dryer started making a grinding noise last week. Now it won't spin at all — the drum just sits there while the motor hums. You can smell that burnt electrical odor coming from the back panel. That's the classic signature of a failed drive motor, and if you've got an Electrolux AEQ6000CES1 or any compatible model, part 131560100 is what you need.

The drive motor does all the heavy lifting in your dryer. It spins the drum through the belt system and powers the blower wheel that moves hot air through your clothes. When it fails, you'll hear grinding, humming without drum rotation, or complete silence. This replacement works across Frigidaire, Electrolux, Gibson, and Kenmore models — it's the same motor that replaces AP2107144, 134156500, and PS418132.

What You Need Before Starting

• 1/4-inch nut driver or socket set
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Work gloves (metal edges are sharp)
• Shop vacuum for lint cleanup
• Flashlight or work light

Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

Safety First

Unplug the dryer completely before you start. Don't just turn off the circuit breaker — physically disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet. If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply valve behind the unit and disconnect the gas line. The motor compartment accumulates years of lint, which is extremely flammable. Keep your work area well-ventilated and have a fire extinguisher nearby. Wear gloves — the metal cabinet edges and blower wheel fins are razor-sharp.

Step 1: Access the Drive Motor Compartment

Pull the dryer away from the wall so you can work behind it. You'll need at least three feet of clearance. Remove the back panel by taking out all perimeter screws — typically 8-10 screws around the edges. Some Electrolux models like the AGQ7000CES0 have additional screws along the center brace. Set the panel aside. You're now looking at the blower housing, motor, and belt system. Take a photo with your phone — you'll thank yourself during reassembly.

Step 2: Remove the Drum Belt

The belt wraps around the motor pulley and creates tension. Reach in and locate the idler pulley — it's spring-loaded and maintains belt tension. Push the idler pulley toward the motor to release tension, then slip the belt off the motor pulley. The belt will go slack around the drum. Don't remove it from the drum yet — just get it off the motor shaft. The spring tension is strong, so keep your fingers clear when you release the idler.

Step 3: Disconnect Motor Wiring and Mounting

Locate the wire harness connected to the motor — it's usually a white plastic connector with 4-6 wires. Press the locking tab and pull straight out. Don't yank on the wires themselves. The motor is mounted with two bolts that go through slotted holes, allowing you to slide the motor for belt adjustment. Remove both mounting bolts completely. On some Kenmore models, there's a ground wire under one bolt — don't lose it.

Step 4: Remove the Blower Wheel

Here's where it gets tricky. The blower wheel is pressed onto the motor shaft and held by a spring clamp. You'll see the clamp on the shaft between the motor and blower. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the spring clamp off — it'll pop off with some force, so wear safety glasses. Once the clamp is off, grip the blower wheel firmly and pull straight off the motor shaft. It might be stuck from years of lint buildup. Wiggle it gently while pulling. The motor should now lift free from the housing.

Step 5: Install the New 131560100 Motor

Your new motor comes with the pulley already attached. Before installation, clean the blower wheel thoroughly — use a shop vacuum and wipe the fins with a damp cloth. Slide the blower wheel onto the new motor shaft. It should go on smoothly but fit snugly. Install the spring clamp back onto the shaft groove. Position the motor in the mounting bracket and loosely thread both bolts. Reconnect the wire harness — you'll hear it click when it's seated properly. Don't tighten the bolts yet.

Step 6: Reinstall the Belt and Adjust Tension

Loop the belt around the motor pulley. Push the idler pulley toward the motor again and make sure the belt is seated in all three positions: around the drum, around the idler, and around the motor pulley. Release the idler — the belt should be tight with about 1/2 inch of deflection when you press on it. Now tighten the motor mounting bolts. Manually rotate the drum several times to verify smooth operation. The belt shouldn't slip or make noise.

Testing After Installation

Replace the back panel with all screws. Push the dryer back into position and reconnect power (and gas if applicable). Run a 5-minute air-fluff cycle with no clothes. Listen for unusual noises — you should hear smooth, consistent motor operation. The drum should rotate freely in both directions. Check that hot air is flowing from the exhaust. If you smell burning during the first cycle, that's normal — it's manufacturing oils burning off the new motor. If the smell persists after 10 minutes, shut down and recheck your connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the 131560100 motor work on my Kenmore dryer?

Yes, this motor is compatible with many Kenmore models that originally came with Frigidaire or Electrolux motors. Check your model number against the compatibility list on the product page. The motor replaces several part numbers including AP2107144 and 134156500, which were used across multiple brands. If your existing motor has a white plastic connector and mounts with two bolts, this is likely your replacement.

Why does my motor hum but the drum won't turn?

That's usually a seized drum bearing or a broken belt, not the motor itself. The motor is trying to turn but can't overcome the resistance. Before replacing the motor, manually rotate the drum with your hand. If it doesn't turn freely, you've got a mechanical problem elsewhere — check the drum rollers and rear bearing. If the drum spins easily but the motor still just hums without turning, then the motor's internal start capacitor or windings have failed.

Do I need to replace the blower wheel when installing a new motor?

Not usually, unless the blower wheel is physically damaged or the fins are broken. The 131560100 motor works with your existing blower wheel. However, this is the perfect time to clean it thoroughly — years of lint buildup reduce airflow and make your dryer work harder. Use a stiff brush and vacuum to clean between every fin. If you see cracks or missing pieces, replace the blower wheel at the same time to avoid another teardown later.