MDG5806AWW Maytag Dryer - Pulley Replacement

[gelaro]

Model Number

MDG5806AWW

Brand

Maytag

Age

6-10 years

Is it possible to replace just the motor pulley on this? Mine broke and the motor is about 4 months out of warranty. Everything I can find says the pulley is not sold separate, that you have to buy the whole motor.

Are there any workarounds?

 

[Dan O.]

It does not look like the motor pulley is available separately from Maytag/Whirlpool however the following pulley is suppose to be a replacement for it.

LINK > Alternative Motor Pulley for Maytag/Whirlpool Dryer Motor # 40048501 and WP2200376

I have not tried it myself so you may have to take a chance. Otherwise a whole motor ($200+) might be required.


Dan O.

 

[gelaro]

Thanks. I ended up replacing the motor. I saved the old one and will try to find a pulley for it.

Second problem now: I put it back together and the dryer is very loud with a lot of resistance. The back pulleys turn freely and the tensioner pulley is fair (not as good as the back). It seems the felt is pretty worn at the front and back of the drum. Would that cause resistance and loudness?

 

[Dan O.]

Would that cause resistance and loudness?

Both the drum rollers and felt can cause added resistance. The rollers and idler pulley are common noisemakers as they're always in use.

LINK > MDG5806AWW Drum Roller

LINK > Drum Seal Felt

LINK > Belt Idler Pulley


Dan O.

 

[gelaro]

Does the ribbed side go towards the drum or away from the drum? And does it matter?

 

[Dan O.]

Sorry. I thought I posted this last night.

Does the ribbed side go towards the drum or away from the drum?

On most models including yours, the ribbed side does against the drum.

You can see the belt for your model and installation installation at this link:

LINK > MDG5806AWW Drum Belt (w/installation video)

And does it matter?

Yes.


Dan O.

 

[gelaro]

Back again ... major frustration.

It started working and worked for a few days. Last night, it got really hot and the drum wouldn't turn with the motor. Smelled like burning rubber. The belt was not broken but the motor would turn the belt a little bit (but not the drum which was perhaps the burning smell). This morning, I was getting ready to pull it apart and it starting working again with the drum turning. When I opened the door, the drum stopped immediately. Is that normal or should it spin down a bit if it is moving freely?

I am back to the idea of friction being the cause of the drum not spinning freely enough, perhaps even the little tabs that go on the front to support the drum.

Is the felt seal for the front the same as for the back? It looks like it needs high temp adhesive. Is that the kind you get any any hardware store or is there something special?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Dan O.]

When I opened the door, the drum stopped immediately. Is that normal or should it spin down a bit if it is moving freely?

I doubt it should stop absolutely immediately. There is usually a slight run down at least.

I am back to the idea of friction being the cause of the drum not spinning freely enough, perhaps even the little tabs that go on the front to support the drum.

The drum 'slides' or glides are a common wear point, yes. A problem with them will definitely affect the drum's movement.

LINK > Drum Support Glides

Is the felt seal for the front the same as for the back?

Yes.

LINK > Drum Felt Seal

It looks like it needs high temp adhesive. Is that the kind you get any any hardware store or is there something special?

I'm not certain what a common equivalent might be. Maytag (now Whirlpool) sells a product for that specific job.

LINK > Whirlpool Drum Seal Adhesive


Dan O.