By Steel City Appliance Repair
Is your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer making noise — a loud or grinding sound while it runs? One of the most common culprits is a worn-out idler pulley. In the short video below I pulled this one apart and found the idler pulley in rough shape — definitely not how that part is supposed to look.
Note: This is a quick diagnostic walkthrough showing the failed part. For your specific model, follow the manufacturer’s panel-removal procedure to safely access the belt and idler pulley.
What Causes a Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Making Noise: The Idler Pulley
The idler pulley keeps tension on the dryer’s drive belt so the drum turns smoothly. Over time the pulley’s bearing wears out, and it starts making noise — squealing, grinding, or rumbling — as the drum spins. A worn idler pulley won’t look smooth and round anymore; the wear is usually obvious once you see it.
How to Confirm It
If your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer making noise has you stumped, open the dryer up and inspect the idler pulley. If it’s visibly worn, grooved, wobbling, or no longer spinning freely, that’s your noise. Replacing the idler pulley (and inspecting the belt while you’re in there) typically resolves it.
Tools & Parts You’ll Need
- Whirlpool Cabrio Idler Pulley (check your model #): Amazon link (affiliate link)
- Drive Belt (inspect/replace while you’re in there): Amazon link (affiliate link)
- Nut Driver / Socket Set: Amazon link (affiliate link)
Watch the Video
FAQ
Can I keep using the dryer with a noisy idler pulley? It’s not recommended — a failing pulley can eventually seize or throw the belt, leaving you with a drum that won’t turn at all.
Should I replace the belt too? It’s smart to inspect the belt while the dryer is open, since you’ve already done the disassembly.
Still Having Issues?
Drop your Whirlpool Cabrio model number in the comments on the video — I respond to every comment as quickly as possible. Subscribe to Steel City Appliance Repair for weekly DIY appliance repair tutorials.
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