How to Replace 8536974 Dryer Drum Support Roller on Whirlpool Maytag Kenmore — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool dryer sounds like it's auditioning for a heavy metal band. That rhythmic thumping or squealing noise gets louder every cycle, and now you're noticing dark marks on your clothes where the drum's rubbing against something it shouldn't. The culprit? Worn drum support rollers. When the 8536974 drum support roller fails on models like the WED5000DW0 or MEDB835DW4, the drum loses its smooth rotation and starts making contact with the cabinet or rear bulkhead.

This repair looks intimidating because you'll need to partially disassemble the dryer cabinet, but it's actually one of the more straightforward fixes once you understand the process. Most technicians can do this in under an hour, and you're looking at saving $150-250 in service call fees.

What You Need Before Starting

• 1/4-inch nut driver or socket set
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (for cabinet clips)
• Putty knife or panel tool
• Replacement 8536974 drum support roller (comes as a set, replace both even if only one is bad)
• Shop vacuum (for lint cleanup while you're in there)

Repair Time: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty: MODERATE

Safety First

Unplug the dryer completely before starting — don't just turn off the circuit breaker. If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply valve and disconnect the gas line (you'll need two wrenches for this). The drum is surprisingly heavy without its support rollers in place, so have a helper nearby or use a strap to hold it up while you work underneath. Wear safety glasses because lint and debris will fall when you open the cabinet.

Step 1: Remove the Dryer Cabinet Top and Front Panel

Slide a putty knife between the top panel and cabinet about 2 inches from each corner to release the spring clips. Push firmly but don't pry aggressively or you'll scratch the finish. Lift the top up and prop it against the wall. Now remove the lint screen housing — there are two screws inside the lint trap opening. Remove the screws holding the front panel (typically two at the top corners), then lift the panel up slightly and pull it toward you to unhook the bottom clips.

Step 2: Access the Drum Support Rollers

With the front panel off, you'll see the drum, belt, and idler pulley assembly. Take a photo of how the belt routes around the idler pulley and motor shaft — you'll thank yourself later. Release belt tension by pushing the idler pulley toward the motor, then slip the belt off. Now lift the front of the drum slightly and have your helper support it, or wedge something underneath temporarily. The drum support rollers are on a shaft at the rear of the cabinet, underneath the drum.

Step 3: Remove the Old Drum Support Rollers

Look at the back panel from underneath the drum — you'll see the support roller shaft mounted on two brackets. The shaft typically has a tri-ring or clip on each end holding it in place. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry these retaining rings off (they'll probably fly across the room, so work slowly). Slide the shaft out along with the old rollers. Inspect the shaft itself — if it's worn or has grooves, order a new one separately because reusing a damaged shaft will destroy your new rollers in weeks.

Step 4: Install the New 8536974 Drum Support Rollers

Slide one new roller onto the shaft, position the shaft through both mounting brackets, then add the second roller. The rollers should spin freely with just slight resistance. Reinstall the retaining rings on both ends — push them on firmly with needle-nose pliers until they seat in the groove. Give each roller a spin to make sure they rotate smoothly. While you're here, inspect the drum glides at the front of the cabinet where the drum rides — if they're worn or cracked, replace them now since you've already got everything apart.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Lower the drum back onto the new support rollers. Route the belt around the drum, under the idler pulley, and around the motor shaft exactly as shown in your reference photo. The ribbed side of the belt goes against the drum. Reattach the front panel by hooking the bottom clips first, then securing the top screws. Replace the lint screen housing screws, lower the top panel until the clips snap, and plug the dryer back in. Run an empty cycle and listen — you should hear smooth, quiet operation. Those marks on your clothes? Gone. The metal band concert noise? Also gone.

Testing After Installation

Run the dryer empty on air-dry or low heat for 10 minutes. Listen for any thumping, squealing, or grinding — there shouldn't be any. Open the door mid-cycle and manually spin the drum backwards — it should rotate smoothly without binding. Check that the drum sits level and doesn't sag at the back. If you hear clicking or notice uneven rotation, double-check that both retaining rings are fully seated and the belt is routed correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I replace both drum support rollers even if only one is bad?

Yes, absolutely. The 8536974 comes as a set for a reason. If one roller has worn out, the other is right behind it in terms of lifespan. Replacing just one means you'll be tearing the dryer apart again in a few months when the second one fails. Plus, uneven wear between old and new rollers causes the drum to run off-balance, which accelerates belt wear and stresses the motor.

How do I know if it's the drum rollers or the drum glides causing the noise?

Drum rollers typically make a rumbling or thumping noise that gets worse as the drum rotates. Worn drum glides create more of a squealing or rubbing sound, and you'll often see shiny wear marks on the front rim of the drum where it's rubbing metal-on-metal. Most dryers between 8-12 years old need both replaced together. If your WED4815EW1 or MGD8000AW0 is in this age range and making noise, plan on replacing both the rollers and glides while you've got it open.

Why are there black marks on my clothes after the rollers started failing?

When the drum support rollers wear out, the drum sags and makes contact with the rear bulkhead or cabinet sides. This metal-on-metal rubbing creates black residue that transfers onto your clothes. The marks look like grease or soot streaks. Once you replace the 8536974 rollers, the drum will ride at the correct height again and those marks will stop appearing. Wash the inside of the drum with a damp cloth before running your first load after the repair to remove any residual black residue.