Can I keep running the equipment with this fault active?

Generally no. Faults on Appliance units are emitted when a sensor, safety, or control circuit is outside its operating envelope. Running through an active fault risks compressor, heater, or control-board damage. Diagnose and clear the fault first.

What part is most commonly replaced for Whirlpool Dryer Drum Glides/Slides Replacement - Signs & How-To?

The most frequently replaced parts for Whirlpool Dryer Drum Glides/Slides Replacement - Signs & How-To are listed in the Parts Reference section of this guide with OEM part numbers and typical price ranges. Check the table for direct replacements.

Is Whirlpool Dryer Drum Glides/Slides Replacement - Signs & How-To a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Sensor swaps, fan motor replacements, and condenser cleaning are typical DIY-level repairs. Anything involving refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage (>240V) work requires a licensed technician for both safety and code-compliance reasons.

Whirlpool Dryer Drum Glides/Slides Replacement - Signs & How-To

Q: What does Whirlpool Dryer Drum Glides/Slides Replacement - Signs & How-To mean?

Squealing, scraping, or binding drum? Worn drum glides let the drum drag on the bulkhead. Replacing the glides and felt pad restores smooth rotation.

Q: How do I fix Whirlpool Dryer Drum Glides/Slides Replacement - Signs & How-To?

Follow the step-by-step diagnosis below. The most likely fix is identified by checking power, sensor resistance, and control-board signals in order — using a multimeter and the part numbers documented in the parts reference table.

Whirlpool Dryer Drum Glides/Slides Replacement — What This Part Does

Drum glides (also called drum slides or front glides) are plastic or composite support surfaces mounted on the front bulkhead that the drum lip rides on as it rotates. They work together with a felt pad or cushion to keep the drum centered and quiet during tumbling. Over time, normal friction wears down the glide material, and the drum begins to drag or scrape against the front bulkhead.

When the glide surface wears through or breaks, the drum can contact metal or plastic parts directly, causing squealing, rubbing marks, and uneven rotation. This is a purely mechanical wear failure, not an electrical fault code. Replacing the worn glides and any damaged felt pad restores the original smooth drum support and stops the noise.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

Squealing or scraping during tumble cycle The drum makes a loud squeal or scrape as it rotates, especially when loaded, because the worn glide lets the drum drag on the front bulkhead.
Drum binds or catches intermittently The drum hesitates or catches at certain points in its rotation instead of spinning freely, indicating the drum lip is riding on a worn or missing glide section.
Visible wear marks or gouges on the drum edge Inspecting the front drum lip reveals shiny rubbing marks, discoloration, or gouges where the drum has been contacting the bulkhead without proper glide cushioning.
Broken, cracked, or missing glide pieces Looking at the front bulkhead area shows the glide material is cracked, chipped, or completely worn away in spots.
Torn or displaced front felt pad The felt cushion that backs up the glide area is torn, folded over, or missing, allowing metal-to-plastic contact.
Drum sits lower at the front or tilts Without proper glide support, the front of the drum sags or tilts noticeably when you open the door and look at the drum position.

How to Replace It

Unplug the dryer at the wall outlet or shut off power at the circuit breaker before starting any disassembly.
Lift the top panel by releasing the spring clips near the front corners with a putty knife, then prop it open or remove it completely depending on your model access path.
Remove the front panel by taking out the screws securing it to the cabinet sides and lifting it away, exposing the drum and front bulkhead area.
Support the drum or lift it slightly and unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley, then carefully roll the drum forward and out of the cabinet to gain full access to the front bulkhead glides and felt pad.
Inspect the old drum glides on the front bulkhead for wear, cracks, or missing sections, and check the drum lip for rubbing marks or damage.
Remove the worn glides by prying them out of their mounting brackets or releasing any retaining tabs, and peel off the old felt pad if it is torn or compressed.
Install the new drum glides by pressing or snapping them into the correct position on the front bulkhead brackets, making sure the orientation matches the original and the glide surface faces the drum path.
Apply the new felt pad or cushion kit to the bulkhead if your model uses one, positioning it so it sits flat and does not fold over the glide area.
Reinstall the drum by setting it back onto the rear rollers, routing the drive belt around the drum, motor pulley, and idler pulley in the correct path, then rotate the drum by hand to confirm smooth, quiet motion before reassembling the cabinet panels and restoring power for a test cycle.

The Part You Need

Part	Notes
Drum glide kit (front glide)	Amazon \| Part number varies by model (examples: 37001298, WP31001470, 306508, 1166078, WP37001036). Check the model and serial number plate inside the door opening or on the rear panel to find your exact replacement glide kit.
Front felt pad or cushion kit	Amazon \| Often included with the glide kit or sold separately. Replace if torn, compressed, or showing wear marks from drum contact.

If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:

When to Call a Pro

If you are uncomfortable with cabinet disassembly, drum removal, or belt routing, call a qualified appliance technician. Also reach out to a pro if you discover additional wear on the rear drum rollers, idler pulley, or motor mount during your inspection, since those parts may need replacement at the same time to prevent a repeat failure. If the drum itself is damaged or warped, professional assessment is recommended before ordering parts.