Whirlpool, Maytag & Amana Dryer Idler Pulley Assembly Parts — Models & Compatibility

If your Whirlpool, Maytag, or Amana dryer sounds like a freight train or the drum won't spin at all, you're likely dealing with a worn idler pulley assembly. This part maintains tension on the drive belt — when it fails, your dryer either makes grinding noises or stops tumbling completely. The 37001287 idler pulley assembly works across multiple brands including Admiral and Crosley models manufactured over the past two decades.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Check your dryer's model number before ordering. For Maytag dryers, you'll find it inside the door opening on the front panel. Whirlpool models typically have it on a tag just inside the door rim. Amana dryers place it on the back panel near the power cord. This assembly replaces part numbers WP37001287, AP6008789, PS11741930, and 500269 — if any of those numbers appear in your dryer's manual or on the old part, you've got a match.

About This Replacement Part

The idler pulley assembly keeps constant tension on your dryer's belt as the drum rotates. It's basically a spring-loaded arm with a pulley wheel that presses against the belt. Over time, the pulley bearing wears out from thousands of hours of friction and heat. When that happens, you'll hear squealing, thumping, or grinding sounds during the dry cycle. Eventually the pulley seizes up completely, the belt slips off, and your drum stops spinning even though the motor's still running.

This assembly fits over 100 models across the Whirlpool family. It's compatible with both electric and gas dryers in the Maytag Epic, Centennial, and Bravo series, plus Whirlpool Duet and Cabrio models. Amana's NED and NDE series also use this exact pulley. You'll see it listed for Admiral models like the ADE7005AYW and Crosley units that share the same internal platform.

Common Failure Pattern

Most failures happen between years 8-12 of ownership. The bearing inside the pulley wheel dries out and starts making noise first — that's your warning sign. If you ignore it, the bearing completely seizes and the belt either burns through or jumps off the pulley. Some DIYers try to lubricate the old pulley, but that's a temporary fix at best. The spring tension also weakens over time, which lets the belt slip even before the pulley fails.

Installation Requirements

This is a mid-level repair that takes about 45 minutes if you've worked on appliances before. You'll need to disconnect power (unplug or flip the breaker), remove the front or top panel depending on your model, and release belt tension to swap the pulley. Wear work gloves — the metal edges on dryer panels are sharp, and you'll be reaching into tight spaces. The new assembly bolts directly where the old one came off, and you'll route the belt back around the drum, motor pulley, and this idler pulley.

Compatible Model Series

This idler pulley works across several dryer platforms. Maytag's commercial-grade Centennial and Epic models use it extensively. Whirlpool Duet dryers (both front-load and top-load) share the same assembly. Amana's builder-grade models from 2005-2020 are covered. Admiral and Crosley units that were manufactured in the Whirlpool/Maytag facilities use identical parts — they're essentially rebadged versions of the same machines.

Verify Before You Order

Double-check your model number against the compatibility list below. Some European-style Whirlpool Duet models use a different pulley configuration. If your model number starts with WED or WGD (Whirlpool Electric/Gas Dryer), you're almost certainly covered. Maytag models beginning with MED, MGD, or PDE use this part. Amana's NED and NDE prefixes are good to go.