How to Replace 6-3700340 Dryer Idler Pulley on Maytag & Whirlpool Dryers — Step-by-Step

Your Maytag dryer sounds like a freight train rolling through your laundry room, or worse — the drum won't spin at all even though the motor's running. Nine times out of ten, that's your idler pulley screaming for replacement. The 6-3700340 idler pulley wheel and bearing assembly keeps tension on your dryer belt, and when it fails, you'll hear grinding, squealing, or complete silence as your clothes just sit there wet.

This repair works for dozens of Maytag, Whirlpool, and Crosley dryer models including the MDE5500AYW, MDE6000AYW, MDE7658AYW, MDE4000AYQ, and MDE9706AYW series. The pulley itself costs $19.99 and takes about 30-45 minutes to swap out once you know what you're doing.

What You Need Before Starting

• ¼-inch nut driver or socket wrench
• Putty knife or flat-head screwdriver
• Work gloves (the cabinet edges are sharp)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Replacement 6-3700340 idler pulley assembly

Repair Time: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate — You'll need to access the dryer's internal components, but no soldering or complex electrical work involved.

Safety First

Unplug your dryer completely from the wall outlet before you touch anything. If you've got a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply valve too. Even though this repair doesn't involve heating elements, you'll be working near the motor and belt system. Give the dryer 10 minutes to cool down if you just ran it — the drum and internal components hold heat longer than you'd think.

Step 1: Remove the Dryer's Front Panel

Open the dryer door and locate the two screws inside the door opening — one on each side near the top. Remove these with your ¼-inch nut driver. Next, slide a putty knife between the top panel and front panel about 2 inches in from each corner to release the spring clips. Lift the top panel up and prop it against the wall. Now you can lift the entire front panel up and off the cabinet. It's heavier than it looks, so get a good grip.

Step 2: Locate the Failed Idler Pulley

Look at the bottom right of the drum — you'll see the idler pulley mounted on a bracket with the belt running around it. The pulley creates tension between the motor pulley and the drum. If yours has failed, you'll probably see black rubber dust, a wobbly wheel, or obvious bearing damage. Take a photo with your phone before you disconnect anything so you remember the belt routing.

Step 3: Release Belt Tension and Remove the Pulley

Push the idler pulley toward the motor to create slack in the belt, then slip the belt off the motor pulley. Let the tension release slowly — the spring-loaded arm will pull back. Remove the single bolt or clip holding the pulley to the bracket (varies by model, but usually a ¼-inch hex bolt). The old pulley assembly slides right off once the fastener's removed.

Step 4: Install the New 6-3700340 Pulley

Slide the new pulley wheel onto the bracket shaft and secure it with the bolt you just removed. Don't overtighten — the pulley needs to spin freely. The bearing in the new assembly should rotate smoothly without grinding. Loop the belt around the new pulley wheel, then stretch it back onto the motor pulley while pulling the idler arm toward the motor. The belt should sit in the grooves of both pulleys, not riding on the edges.

Step 5: Verify Belt Routing and Reassemble

Manually rotate the drum a few times to make sure the belt tracks properly and the new pulley spins without wobbling. Check that photo you took earlier — the belt should wrap around the drum, under the idler pulley, then around the motor pulley in a Z-pattern. Reattach the front panel by hooking the bottom tabs first, then pushing in at the top until the clips snap. Replace the two door-opening screws, lower the top panel, and plug the dryer back in.

Testing After Installation

Run the dryer empty on air fluff for 5 minutes. Listen for any squealing, grinding, or thumping — you should hear nothing but the quiet hum of the motor and smooth drum rotation. If you still hear noise, double-check that the belt isn't twisted and the pulley bolt is secure. Open the door mid-cycle and check that the drum stops spinning immediately, which confirms proper belt tension.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my idler pulley has failed or if it's the belt?

Spin the pulley by hand when you've got the panel off. If it feels rough, grinds, or doesn't spin freely, the bearing is shot and you need a new pulley. If the pulley spins smoothly but you see cracks, fraying, or glazing on the belt itself, replace the belt too. Often both wear out together after 8-10 years of use.

Can I use WP6-3700340 or 33001783 instead of the exact part number?

Yes — those are alternate part numbers for the same idler pulley assembly. The 6-3700340 replaces WP6-3700340, AP6009859, 33001783, and 1472812. They're all manufactured to the same specifications and will fit your Maytag, Whirlpool, or Crosley dryer identically.

Why does my dryer make noise only when it first starts?

That's classic idler pulley bearing failure. The bearing needs a few rotations to warm up and expand slightly, which temporarily reduces the noise. As the bearing wears further, the noise becomes constant. Replace the pulley now before it seizes completely and burns out your drive belt or motor.