{"product_id":"xpartco-279640-dryer-idler-pulley","title":"XPARTCO 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\"\u003e\u003clink href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Inter:wght@400;600;700;900\u0026amp;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .pom { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; color: #1e293b; line-height: 1.75; }\n  .pom *, .pom *::before, .pom *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }\n  .pom h2 { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-size: 21px; font-weight: 900; color: #0f172a; margin: 0 0 12px; letter-spacing: -0.01em; }\n  .pom h3 { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-weight: 900; color: #0f172a; margin: 0 0 12px; letter-spacing: -0.01em; }\n  .pom-card { background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0; border-radius: 12px; padding: 20px 22px; margin-bottom: 16px; }\n  .pom-card-blue { background: #eff6ff; border-color: #bfdbfe; }\n  .pom-card-green { background: #f0fdf4; border-color: #bbf7d0; }\n  .pom-qa { background: #eff6ff; border-left: 4px solid #1e40af; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 16px 20px; margin-bottom: 16px; }\n  .pom-qa-label { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: 900; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #1e40af; margin: 0 0 6px; }\n  .pom ul { margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; }\n  .pom ul li { position: relative; padding-left: 20px; margin-bottom: 8px; font-size: 16px; }\n  .pom ul li::before { content: \"\"; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 9px; width: 7px; height: 7px; border-radius: 50%; background: #1e40af; }\n  .pom-list-green li::before { background: #15803d; }\n  .pom-specs-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 15px; }\n  .pom-specs-table tr { border-bottom: 1px solid #f1f5f9; }\n  .pom-specs-table tr:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .pom-specs-table td { padding: 9px 4px; }\n  .pom-specs-table td:first-child { color: #1e293b; width: 45%; font-style: italic; }\n  .pom-specs-table td:last-child { font-weight: 700; color: #0f172a; }\n  .pom-warning { background: #fffbeb; border-left: 4px solid #f59e0b; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 14px 18px; font-size: 15px; color: #92400e; line-height: 1.65; }\n  .pom-warning strong { display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-size: 11px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.08em; }\n  .pom-faq-item { margin-bottom: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid #f1f5f9; }\n  .pom-faq-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; margin-bottom: 0; padding-bottom: 0; }\n  .pom-faq-q { font-weight: 700; color: #0f172a; margin-bottom: 5px; font-size: 16px; }\n  .pom-faq-a { font-size: 15px; color: #334155; margin: 0; line-height: 1.65; }\n  .pom-badges { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 10px; margin-top: 14px; }\n  .pom-badge { background: #f0fdf4; border: 1px solid #bbf7d0; color: #15803d; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; padding: 6px 14px; border-radius: 999px; }\n  .pom p { margin: 0 0 12px; font-size: 16px; }\n  .pom p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Product Description --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eXPARTCO 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Quick Answer --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-qa\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-qa-label\"\u003eQuick Answer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eXPARTCO 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Common Problems This Part Fixes --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon Problems This Part Fixes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoud squealing or squeaking noise when dryer is running\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClunking or thumping sound during the drying cycle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDryer drum not spinning — belt slips or loses tension when pulley bearing fails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBelt repeatedly slipping off due to improper tension\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDryer drum spinning intermittently and stopping while the motor continues to run\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcessive vibration or shaking during the drying cycle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisible wear, cracking, flat spots, or a pulley wheel that no longer spins freely on its shaft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Replaces Part Numbers --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eReplaces Part Numbers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis idler pulley directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-family: monospace; font-size: 15px; color: #0f172a; font-weight: bold; line-height: 2.2;\"\u003e279640, 279640VP, 2958, 3388672, 697692, TJ279640, W10468057, AH334244, EA334244, ER279640, AWP39098, PD00002356, EAP334244, AP3094197, PS334244.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 4px; font-size: 15px; color: #475569;\"\u003eIf your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Compatibility --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card pom-card-blue\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis idler pulley is compatible with select dryers from the following brands:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"pom-list-green\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhirlpool dryers (gas and electric)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKenmore \/ Sears dryers (select Whirlpool-built models)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaytag dryers (gas and electric)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKitchenAid dryers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmana dryers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrosley dryers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInglis dryers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdmiral dryers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 12px; font-size: 15px; color: #92400e; background: #fffbeb; border-left: 4px solid #f59e0b; padding: 10px 14px; border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Key Features --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintains correct tension on the drive belt for smooth, quiet drum rotation every cycle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlastic body with metal bearing — durable construction resists wear and heat damage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1-7\/8\" L x 3\/4\" W x 1-7\/8\" H — direct replacement for the original 279640\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKit includes greased pulley wheel, washer, and tri-ring retaining clip — ready to install\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePulley comes pre-greased — no additional lubrication required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounts directly to existing idler arm on compatible Whirlpool-family models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Crosley, Inglis, and Admiral dryers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAftermarket replacement built to OEM-equivalent quality standards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOften replaced together with the drum belt (341241 or 661570V) for a complete drum drive repair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDIY-friendly repair — installs in 30–45 minutes with basic hand tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Specifications --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"pom-specs-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePart Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e279640\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePart Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDryer Idler Pulley Wheel (Belt Tension Pulley)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAftermarket Replacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApplication\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGas and Electric Dryers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-7\/8\" L x 3\/4\" W x 1-7\/8\" H\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlastic body \/ Metal bearing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLubrication\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eno additional lubrication required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncludes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePulley wheel, washer, and tri-ring retaining clip\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNote\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePulley wheel only — not the full arm assembly (see W10837240 for arm assembly)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible Brands\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Crosley, Inglis, Admiral\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOften Replaced With\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e341241 or 661570V Drum Belt\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Installation Notes --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-warning\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- FAQ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-q\"\u003eWhat is the difference between the 279640 pulley and the W10837240 idler assembly?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-a\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-q\"\u003eWhat does the idler pulley do?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-a\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-q\"\u003eShould I replace the drum belt at the same time?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-a\"\u003eYes — 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-q\"\u003eWhy is my dryer squealing?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-a\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-q\"\u003eIs this an OEM or aftermarket part?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-a\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Shop With Confidence --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card pom-card-green\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShop With Confidence\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA U.S.-based appliance parts retailer specializing in genuine OEM and high-quality replacement parts. We stock components for all major appliance brands and offer fast shipping from our U.S. warehouse. Our team is available to help verify compatibility before you purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-badges\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pom-badge\"\u003e✓ Fast US Shipping\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"pom-badge\"\u003e✓ Quality Aftermarket Parts\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"pom-badge\"\u003e✓ Compatibility Support\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"pom-badge\"\u003e✓ Secure Checkout\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"XPARTCO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48073298280618,"sku":"XP279640","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0055\/1675\/5018\/files\/279640_2.jpg?v=1773592655","url":"https:\/\/parts-o-matic.com\/products\/xpartco-279640-dryer-idler-pulley","provider":"Parts-O-Matic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}