Hi there. Hoping someone can help narrow down the possibilities.

I have a Kenmore Elite Oasis dryer, basically the same as a whirlpool cabriolet, I believe. It recently started squealing a moment after starting, so I ordered the maintenance kit and replaced the rollers, belt and idler pulley, and cleaned it up as best I could. The felt at the front and rear of the drum was not replaced, but looked ok to me, although I really don't know exactly how it should look.

Unfortunately that did not fix it. Same loud squealing sound. The blower fan is running as it's pushing air and the drum sounds like it's turning but the squeal starts quickly and just gets worse until I turn it off. I have not let it run more than a minute or so.

So it seems it could be the felt, the blower bearing, or the motor bearings. I'm disinclined to think it's the felt as it's a fairly high pitched squeal, and does not sound like a slow speed metal against metal.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Here are some pics of the felt and the wear on the front dryer panel at the area the felt contacts it. Does this look normal? I know the pics are not great, but I don't see anywhere on the felt where it has worn through to expose metal. It seems ok to me.

Thanks,


[IMG]http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/Kenmore Oasis Dryer by sparky005s, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/Kenmore Oasis Dryer by sparky005s, on Flickr[/IMG]


[IMG]http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/Kenmore Oasis Dryer by sparky005s, on Flickr[/IMG]

My guess is that the motor bearings are going bad and are squealing and will never get any better. The felt seal is not in very good shape but it usually does not squeal but rather makes a grinding noise. Motors for a dryer are fairly expensive and you should consider a new or newer one.