How to Replace WE49X20697 Dryer Bearing Repair Kit on GE Dryer — Step-by-Step

Your GE dryer sounds like a freight train rumbling through your laundry room. That grinding, squealing noise that starts quiet and gets progressively worse? That's your drum support bearing assembly calling it quits. The WE49X20697 bearing repair kit fixes this exact problem on models like the GTDP180ED1WW, DBXR463ED2WW, and dozens of other GE, Hotpoint, and Kenmore dryers.

What You Need Before Starting

• WE49X20697 bearing repair kit
• 1/4" and 5/16" nut drivers
• Flathead screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Shop vacuum
• Work gloves (bearings get sharp when worn)
• Flashlight or headlamp

Repair Time: 60-90 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate — Requires disassembly of dryer drum

Safety First

Unplug the dryer completely before starting. Don't just turn off the circuit breaker — physically disconnect the power cord. If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply valve and disconnect the gas line. Clear a workspace around the dryer because you'll need room to maneuver when lifting out the drum. Wear gloves when handling old bearings — the metal edges can be surprisingly sharp after years of friction wear.

Step 1: Access the Drum Assembly

Pop off the lint filter and remove the two screws hidden underneath it. Slide a putty knife between the top panel and cabinet about 2 inches from each corner to release the spring clips. Lift the top and prop it against the wall. Now remove the front panel screws around the door opening — there's usually two at the top corners and several along the bottom edge. Disconnect the door switch wire harness before fully removing the panel.

Step 2: Remove the Drum

This is where it gets real. Reach underneath the front of the drum and locate the idler pulley that tensions the belt. Push it to release tension, then slip the belt off the motor pulley. Have someone help you lift the drum straight up and out — it's bulky but not terribly heavy. Set it on a clean blanket or towel. While you're in there, vacuum out all the lint that's accumulated around the blower housing. You'll be shocked how much is hiding back there.

Step 3: Replace the Rear Bearing

The rear bearing sits in the center of the back panel where the drum shaft goes through. Remove the tri-ring that holds it in place — you might need to tap it with a screwdriver to get it loose. Pull out the old felt seal and bearing sleeve. Clean the mounting area thoroughly with a dry cloth. Install the new felt seal first, then press the new bearing sleeve into position. The tri-ring clicks back into place to secure everything. Make sure the felt seal sits flat without any wrinkles or gaps.

Step 4: Install Front Bearing Slides

The kit includes front bearing slides that support the drum rim. Remove the old slides by pulling them straight out from their mounting slots on the front panel. Clean out any lint or residue from the mounting channels. Slide the new bearing pads into position — they should snap in firmly. These pads reduce friction and noise as the drum rotates, so make sure they're seated completely before reassembly.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Lower the drum back into the cabinet, feeding the shaft through the rear bearing. Reach under and loop the belt around the drum first, then around the motor pulley and idler pulley in that order. Rotate the drum by hand to make sure it spins freely without binding. Reattach the front panel, reconnect the door switch, and secure the top panel. Plug in the dryer and run a 10-minute air-dry cycle with no clothes. Listen for any unusual sounds — you should notice the difference immediately if your old bearings were worn.

Testing After Installation

Run the dryer empty on low heat for 15 minutes. The drum should rotate smoothly without grinding, squealing, or thumping sounds. Check that the drum doesn't wobble excessively — a slight movement is normal, but it shouldn't shift side to side more than a quarter inch. Open the door mid-cycle and spin the drum by hand. It should glide easily and coast to a stop gradually, not jam or catch. If you hear any metal-on-metal scraping, shut it down and double-check that the rear bearing is seated correctly and the tri-ring is fully locked in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this kit work on my Kenmore dryer model 110.68692791?

If your Kenmore dryer was manufactured by GE (the model number will have 110. followed by digits starting with 6, 7, or 8), this kit likely fits. Cross-reference your complete model number with the manufacturer's parts diagram to confirm. The WE49X20697 replaces several older part numbers including AP5806906 and PS9493092, so it covers a wide range of GE-built dryers from the last 15 years.

How do I know if my dryer needs a bearing replacement versus just belt replacement?

Bearings make grinding or squealing noises that get worse as the dryer heats up and metal expands. A worn belt typically causes a rhythmic thumping or slapping sound. If your drum feels rough when you spin it by hand with the dryer off, or if there's excessive side-to-side play in the drum, you need bearings. A slipping belt usually just won't turn the drum at all, or it turns inconsistently.

Can I replace just the rear bearing without doing the front slides?

You can, but you shouldn't. The kit includes both components because they wear at similar rates. If your rear bearing failed, those front slides are likely worn too — they just don't make as much noise. Replacing everything now prevents you from tearing the dryer apart again in six months when the front bearings start squealing. The labor is 90% of this job, so do it right the first time.