FIXED GFDS170EH0WW GE Dryer cleaning

[divepro99]

Model Number

GFDS170EH0WW

Brand

GE

Age

6-10 years

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

The drying times on my 6 year old GE dryer (model GFDS170EH0WW) have slowly been creeping up. So as usual, I cleaned the 4 foot exhaust line, and washed the filter with soapy filter in case the dryer sheets have coated it with something reducing the effective free flow area.

How the heck do I remove the front panel to clean inside the machine? In 6 years, its never been cleaned inside. Found the attached pic on the inner web, and mine probably looks a bit better, I hope. Any videos show how to disassemble the unit?

Found two screws at the bottom, a few screws under the door and I think that there are a few under the control panel (?). Thank you!

 

[Robert4]

According the the schematics, you don't have a bottom access door like the one in your attached picture. The schematics will show you the locations of the screws, and use this video as a guide for removing the top, then the control panel, and finally you'll be able to remove the front panel:

 

[divepro99]

The front panel schematic indicates that screws 235 hold the front panel assembly on. The screws must be hidden beneath the control panel. However, I am unable to figure out how to remove the control panel. The cabinet and top panel schematic appears to show two screws through the top holding the control panel on, but there are no exterior screws visible.

 

[Robert4]

Yes, key #235 screws are hidden under the control panel.

Go to the Controls & backsplash diagram. You'll see that there is a hidden screw (key #3403) behind the dial. You'll need to remove the dial in order to remove the screw holding the control panel. (I didn't see that screw before.)

This video might help you see the location of that screw:

Hope this helps!

 

[divepro99]

Thank you! I got it open... now I have something fun to do while it rains tomorrow.

 

[Robert4]

You're welcome! Good luck!

 

[divepro99]

Hello,

Hope that all is well.

Thanks again for the cleaning advice. Very little lint in the cabinet. However the same GE front load dryer (model GFDS170EH0WW, serial number LD834789C) has begun to squeak a bit. The squeaking seems occur when it is first started and during the cool down cycle.

The machine is level. Dryer fires are always a bit of concern after a colleagues house burned to ground from a faulty dryer years ago. So is this thing same to use while troubleshooting this thing?

Thank you!

 

[Jake]

Welcome back!

@Robert4 you want to chime in here? Since you've assisted him in cleaning it?

Here's your parts diagram: Parts for GE GFDS170EH0WW: Blower & Motor Parts
#213 and #216 are your belt and idler pulley, those can make it squeak are they begin to wear out from normal use.

 

[Robert4]

I was also thinking the glider bearings (#315 and #316 on the Front Panel Diagram) could squeak.

 

[Jake]

Yes Robert, that is also true, here's the Front Panel Diagram

 

[Robert4]

Is there a way to tell which part is making the squeaking sound?

 

[Jake]

If the idler pulley does not turn freely, or the belt looks worn and has frayed spots in it, if the front glide pads look worn.

 

[divepro99]

Hello!

is there a release on the double connector in the attached photo that I am missing? how do I remove/disconnect the connector?
Thank you!

 

[Jake]

It just pulls up, if it seems hard to pull up, pry it up with a screwdriver.

 

[divepro99]

Hello,

Hope that all is well.

I believe that I identified the source of the noise. Three of the four glides (parts 315 and 316) were worn completely away. Worn to the point that the drum was eating into the plastic housing (part 313). It appears that the felt pieces (port 317) are nearly gone as well.

Does part 313 come with the glides and felt pieces?

Thank you!

 

[Jake]

Does part 313 come with the glides and felt pieces?

Yes, it does.

Here it is for your model: Top Bearing Asm WE03X25097

Let us know how it goes. Unplug your dryer before replacing it.

 

[divepro99]

Thank you!

I order the part from the recommended source and it should be here tomorrow.

Any installation advice? Thanks again!

 

[Jake]

Ok, sounds good.

I couldn't locate a video or the service manual that shows how to replace it.

But it should be held in place by screws or clips.

 

[divepro99]

So I removed part 313 (the top bearing assembly) after cutting the two holding “tangs” that hold the plastic assembly into the top of the front panel….what a pain.

I did not remove or loosen part 325 ( the lower plastic assembly). Unfortunately I cannot seem to install the new 313 …. It’s close, but it won’t slip over the lip on the door panel the entire way around. Do I need to loosen or remove 325 to make 313 fit? Is 325 held in place be the door hinge screws and the door strike plate screws?

thank you!

 

[divepro99]

I watched this video again and again…

but I cannot get mine installed so easily.