An electric dryer repair that most every do-it-yourselfer can attempt is the repair of an idle pulley or more precisely, the idler pulley. The idler pulley assembly is located at the bottom of an electric dryer, near the drum roller. Its purpose is to operate the belt that turns the roller. This action is what causes the clothes to dry in a dry tumble electric dryer.
Repairing the idler pulley assembly requires you to open the dryer up and determine whether the pulley is loose or if the tension spring has become dislodged. If the idler pulley itself looks worn or is not properly working, you may need to remove it completely and replace it with a new one. This article will discuss the how-to steps for fixing or replacing the idler pulley assembly in your electric dryer.

Tools and Materials Needed
Electric Dryer
Screwdriver
Wrench
Flashlight or Shop Light
Replacement Idler Pulley
Replacement Tension Spring
Step 1: Disconnect the Electric Dryer
Disconnect the electric dryer by unplugging it from the outlet. You want to make sure that no electricity is flowing through the dryer while you are working on it to make sure that you do not cause any damage such as accidentally shorting the electric dryer or electrocuting yourself.
Pull the dryer back and in position that will allow you access to the back panel in order to fix or replace the idler pulley.
Step 2: Remove the Back Panel
Remove the back panel from the electric dryer using a screwdriver. This will expose the drum roller and the idler pulley. With most electric dryer models, the idler pulley is located at the bottom near the right side of the roller. You will need a shop light or flashlight in order to see inside the electric dryer and locate the idler pulley.
Step 3: Remove the Roller Drum
In order to access the idler pulley you will need to remove the roller drum. Loosen all of the bolts or screws that holds the drum roller in place. Use a screwdriver or wrench to accomplish this. Once the drum roller has been loosened, pull the looks belt away from the drum. Try to move it out of the way to give yourself some clearance as you pul the drum out of the electric dryer.
Step 4: Test the Idler Pulley
With the drum roller cleared, you should be able to see the idler pulley and determine what the problem may be. If you push on the idler pulley, in the case where it may be working on a tension spring, it should move up and spring back into position. If not, you will need to replace the tension spring in order to restore it to its working order.
Look at the condition of the idler pulley to determine if it is worn and may be in need of replacement. If this is the case, remove the idler pulley and replace it. Place the drum roller into position and belt and close the back panel.