XPARTCO 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley
The XPARTCO 279640 is an aftermarket replacement dryer idler pulley (also called a belt tension pulley wheel) compatible with a wide range of Whirlpool-family dryers including Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Crosley, Inglis, and Admiral. The idler pulley is spring-tensioned against the drive belt to maintain correct tension as the belt wraps around the drum — allowing the drum to rotate smoothly and quietly. When the idler pulley bearing wears out, the belt loses proper tension and the dryer begins making squealing, squeaking, or clunking noises, and the drum may eventually stop spinning.
This pulley is constructed from sturdy plastic with a metal bearing and measures 1-7/8" L x 3/4" W x 1-7/8" H. The kit includes the greased pulley wheel, washer, and tri-ring retaining clip — everything needed for a complete replacement. It mounts directly to the existing idler arm on compatible models. Note: this is the pulley wheel only, not the full idler arm assembly. On some newer Whirlpool models, the complete W10837240 idler pulley arm assembly may be required instead.
Quick Answer
The XPARTCO 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley fixes Whirlpool-family dryers that are squealing, squeaking, clunking, or have a drum that won't spin due to improper belt tension. Plastic body with metal bearing. 1-7/8" L x 3/4" W x 1-7/8" H. Kit includes pulley, washer, and tri-ring clip. Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Crosley, Inglis, and Admiral dryers. Pulley only — not the full arm assembly.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
Loud squealing or squeaking noise when dryer is running
Clunking or thumping sound during the drying cycle
Dryer drum not spinning — belt slips or loses tension when pulley bearing fails
Belt repeatedly slipping off due to improper tension
Dryer drum spinning intermittently and stopping while the motor continues to run
Excessive vibration or shaking during the drying cycle
Visible wear, cracking, flat spots, or a pulley wheel that no longer spins freely on its shaft
Replaces Part Numbers
This idler pulley directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
279640, 279640VP, 2958, 3388672, 697692, TJ279640, W10468057, AH334244, EA334244, ER279640, AWP39098, PD00002356, EAP334244, AP3094197, PS334244.
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This idler pulley is compatible with select dryers from the following brands:
Whirlpool dryers (gas and electric)
Kenmore / Sears dryers (select Whirlpool-built models)
Maytag dryers (gas and electric)
KitchenAid dryers
Amana dryers
Crosley dryers
Inglis dryers
Admiral dryers
Important: The 279640 is a pulley wheel only — it mounts to the existing idler arm on compatible models. Some newer Whirlpool-family dryers (particularly models with the lint screen inside the door) require the complete W10837240 idler pulley arm and bracket assembly instead. If your model calls for W10837240, order that part rather than the 279640 pulley alone.
Key Features
Maintains correct tension on the drive belt for smooth, quiet drum rotation every cycle
Plastic body with metal bearing — durable construction resists wear and heat damage
Dimensions: 1-7/8" L x 3/4" W x 1-7/8" H — direct replacement for the original 279640
Kit includes greased pulley wheel, washer, and tri-ring retaining clip — ready to install
Pulley comes pre-greased — no additional lubrication required
Mounts directly to existing idler arm on compatible Whirlpool-family models
Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Crosley, Inglis, and Admiral dryers
Aftermarket replacement built to OEM-equivalent quality standards
Often replaced together with the drum belt (341241 or 661570V) for a complete drum drive repair
DIY-friendly repair — installs in 30–45 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
Part Number
279640
Part Type
Dryer Idler Pulley Wheel (Belt Tension Pulley)
Condition
Aftermarket Replacement
Application
Gas and Electric Dryers
Dimensions
1-7/8" L x 3/4" W x 1-7/8" H
Material
Plastic body / Metal bearing
Color
White
Lubrication
no additional lubrication required
Includes
Pulley wheel, washer, and tri-ring retaining clip
Note
Pulley wheel only — not the full arm assembly (see W10837240 for arm assembly)
Compatible Brands
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Crosley, Inglis, Admiral
Often Replaced With
341241 or 661570V Drum Belt
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting Unplug the dryer from the power outlet (and shut off the gas supply for gas dryers) before beginning any repair. Remove the lint screen and unscrew the Phillips screws inside the lint screen housing. Use a putty knife to release the top panel clips and lift the top panel. Remove the front panel to access the drum and drive components. Release belt tension from the idler pulley, then lift the drum and slide the belt off. Remove the tri-ring retaining clip from the idler arm shaft using needle-nose pliers, then slide the old pulley wheel off the shaft. Slide the new 279640 pulley wheel onto the idler arm shaft, reinstall the washer, and press the new tri-ring clip onto the shaft to secure the pulley. Re-route the drum belt around the new pulley and motor pulley, reinstall the drum, and reassemble the dryer. Run a test cycle to verify quiet operation. Tip: While the dryer is open, inspect the drum belt for wear and replace if needed. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" nut driver, putty knife, small flat-head screwdriver, needle-nose pliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 279640 pulley and the W10837240 idler assembly?
The 279640 is just the pulley wheel — it replaces only the wheel on the existing idler arm and is used on older Whirlpool-family dryer models. The W10837240 is a complete idler arm and bracket assembly used on newer Whirlpool-family models (particularly those with the lint screen inside the door). If your dryer originally used the 279640, order this part. If your parts diagram calls for W10837240, order that assembly instead — the 279640 pulley alone will not fit the newer arm design.
What does the idler pulley do?
The idler pulley is a spring-tensioned wheel mounted on the idler arm inside the dryer. It presses against the drive belt to keep the correct amount of tension on the belt as it wraps around the drum. Without proper tension, the belt slips, the drum spins unevenly, or the drum stops spinning entirely. A worn pulley bearing also causes squealing, squeaking, or clunking noises during operation.
Should I replace the drum belt at the same time?
Yes — since the dryer is already disassembled, this is the ideal time to inspect and replace the drum belt (341241 or 661570V depending on your model). The belt and idler pulley wear at similar rates, and a worn belt on a new pulley significantly shortens the life of the new part. Replacing both together in a single repair also saves you from having to disassemble the dryer again shortly after.
Why is my dryer squealing?
A high-pitched squeal when the dryer starts or runs is one of the most common signs of a worn idler pulley bearing. As the bearing wears, it creates friction and noise against the shaft. The squeal typically gets louder over time and may eventually turn into a grinding or clunking sound as the bearing fails further. Replacing the idler pulley is usually the fix in these cases, and is much less expensive than a service call.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is an aftermarket replacement part built to OEM-equivalent quality standards. It is not a genuine Whirlpool OEM part, but is manufactured from durable plastic with a metal bearing to match the dimensions and performance of the original 279640 idler pulley.
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