How To Replace a Dryer Blower Wheel?

To replace the blower wheel from the dryer, you will have to locate its mounting spot first, which is usually near the motor shaft. Once you have located the blower wheel, you will need to unthread it and replace it with the new blower wheel.

The troubleshooting steps may vary to locate the blower wheel; hence, refer to the user manual of your dryer.

What is a dryer blower wheel?

A dryer blower wheel helps circulate air through your dryer and is usually attached to the motor.

When the dryer is set to function, the blower wheel spins as the motor runs.

Over time, the blower wheel can become worn out or damaged, which can cause your dryer to stop working properly.

If you notice that your dryer isn’t drying clothes as efficiently as it used to, or if it’s making strange noises, it’s possible that the blower wheel needs to be replaced.

Where is the blower wheel located in a dryer?

You can locate a blower wheel at the back of the dryer near the main motor that rotates the drum.

It is usually mounted on a metal shaft, i.e., the motor shaft or the blower housing.

To locate the blower wheel, you can simply look for the motor shaft by referring to the user manual of your dryer.

What is a dryer’s blower wheel made of?

The blower wheel of a dryer is composed of tough and durable plastic that can resist high temperatures.

However, some dryers may have blower wheels made of metal.

The materials used to make a blower wheel can withstand high temperatures and survive the continual spinning action.

These wheels are usually mounted on a metal shaft and help to move air through the dryer. In other words, the series of blades on the wheel helps to evenly force air through the dryer.

How to tell if the dryer blower wheel is bad?

One of the typical symptoms of a worn-out or damaged dryer wheel is weak airflow.

So, to narrow down the issue, take out the dryer vent and check how well the air is flowing.

Weak airflow is a good indication that the blower wheel is either worn out or damaged, or that there may be some obstructions.

If you are unable to assess the extent of damage by observing the airflow, you can access the blower wheel by detaching the outer panels.

Once you have gained access, try rotating the blower by hand and see if it rotates evenly or wobbles.

A worn-out or damaged wheel will wobble or rotate unevenly. In such a case, it will need to be replaced with a new one.

Other symptoms of a damaged dryer wheel include strange noises from the dryer, longer drying times, and high energy bills.

How do the dryer blower wheels get damaged?

A blower wheel in the dryer is amongst the most active components.

It does the constant job of spinning, which further blows the hot air.

While the average lifespan of a blower wheel is anywhere between 8 and 16 years, there are a few things that can shorten its life.

Here are some common factors that can damage or shorten the lifespan of a blower wheel.

Prolonged usage or aging 

The average lifespan of a blower wheel is about 8 to 16 years in most cases, but it may vary depending on the frequency of its usage. Over time, the wheel will start showing signs of wear on its edges, or it can simply be due to aging.

If you are a frequent dryer user, there is a good chance of it wearing out prematurely.

Likewise, if you operate the dryer on a few occasions, the blower wheel will last longer.

Excessive heat due to overuse

The dryer’s blower wheel can become damaged from being overused.

Overusing or operating the dryer for longer than usual causes overheating.

The excess heat can cause the wheel to warp or melt prematurely.

Additionally, improper wired connections can also cause overheating and melting, which will damage the blower wheel.

Improper Maintenance

The most common reason for premature failure is a lack of maintenance of a dryer machine.

Over time, debris gets caught in the wheel, which further causes damage to the series of wheel blades.

Moreover, the accumulation of debris can also cause it to become unbalanced or even break.

Be sure to regularly clean lint from both the inside of the dryer and the exhaust ducts to ensure proper airflow. 

Power Supply

Another common cause of early failure is using the wrong type of power supply.

Always use the correct voltage and amperage when replacing a blown fuse or circuit breaker.

By taking care of your dryer and making sure it has adequate ventilation, you can help extend the life of the blower wheel.

Moreover, it will maintain the dryer’s efficiency in the long run.

What happens if the blower wheel wears out?

A damaged or worn-out blower wheel can cause a lot of trouble for the core function of the dryer.

Yes, your dryer will struggle to dry your damp garments as before.

It will interfere with the air circulation through the drum.

Furthermore, a reduction in the airflow will lead to longer drying times or insufficient drying. 

In some cases, a damaged blower wheel can also cause noisy operation.

Lastly, it is common for a dryer to overheat or not work properly if the blower is damaged.

How to replace a dryer blower wheel?

If your clothes dryer isn’t working the way it should, one of the issues could be a faulty blower wheel.

Replacing a dryer blower wheel is a fairly easy repair that you can do yourself.

Tools you’ll need

• The user manual of your dryer’s model.
• Phillips head screwdriver.
• A Flathead screwdriver or a nut driver.
• Socket wrench.
• Replacement blower wheel.

Here’s how you can replace the blower wheel in eight easy steps:

Step 1: Unplug the Machine

Start by unplugging your dryer from the power outlet and making sure the dryer drum is empty.

Then, detach other supplies, if any, such as a gas supply or the exhaust vent connection.

Step 2: Detach the outer panels

Following the user manual, start unscrewing the top panels.

You may have to separate the control panel frame first.

In order to separate the control panel frame, you will have to unclip several wires from the designated switches.

There could be several switches such as a timer switch, lid switch, selector, temperature switch, etc.

Tip: Make a note of the wires’ connectivity or simply click a picture before unclipping them. This will be quite helpful while reversing the steps to reassemble your dryer.

Unscrew and remove the detergent drawer and the drain pump cover if they come your way or as required.

Now, carefully lift and place the control panel frame and the cabinet panels aside.

Step 3: Locate the Blower wheel

Ideally, you should know the location of the blower wheel even before you start the replacement process.

In most cases, the blower wheel is located on the back of the dryer. It will be attached to the motor shaft.

Once you have located the wheel, you will need to unbolt it to remove the dryer’s drum.

While doing so, make sure to loosen the drive belt to shift the drum away from the cabinet.

Step 4: Remove and Replace the blower wheel 

Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to loosen and remove the retaining nut that holds the blower wheel in place.

Carefully remove the old blower wheel from the housing and then install the new one in its place.

Make sure to tighten the retaining nut securely so that it doesn’t come loose while in use.

Step 5: Reassemble the dryer

Finally, reverse the steps to reassemble the dryer.

Lastly, plug your dryer back in and turn it on to test it out.

Final Thoughts

Replacing the dryer blower wheel is fairly simple once you have located it. The only challenging part of the entire process is locating it.

It’s highly recommended to mark the wires properly while detaching them so that you can put them back in their rightful place while reassembling.

If you are a beginner and you’re not comfortable with the process, it’s always better to call a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions