FIXED WED4800XQ3 Whirlpool Dryer working intermittently

[jlt1919]

Model Number

WED4800XQ3

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

6-10 years

Hi, our dryer is not tumbling consistently. Started with shutting off mid cycle and wouldn't restart.
Replaced:
Belt
Both rollers and one axle (it had a worn down groove from a scratched up roller)
Completely cleaned out the vent shaft to the ground and the back of the motor.

Motor turns freely and drum finally turns w/o anything in the dryer.
Trial/Errors:
On Air/Fluff, tumbles a few slightly damp t-shirts through a 30 minute cycle
On Low heat, tumbles a few slightly damp t-shirts through a 30 minute cycle
On Low heat, tumbles a slightly larger load only about 5 minutes before kicking off and feeling overly warm inside.
On Low heat, tumbles a 95% dry towel for less than 1 minute before kicking off (this also included 3 fabric dryer balls)
ETA:
On Air/Fluff, tumbles one wet (not sopping) towel through a 30 minute cycle
On Low heat, tumbles one wet (not sopping) towel through a 30 minute cycle

I have three last things in mind at this point, but don't want to necessarily buy all three, especially since I just realized that it's nearly 10 years old (based on Serial Number).
Bearing Ring for front of tub
Seal for rear of tub
Drive Motor

Other trials I could run or suggestions as to what to look at next?

 

[Dan O.]

It looks pretty obvious it is the heat doing it. Plugged dryer venting is a major cause of that. Try running a heated cycle with the venting totally removed from the dryer.

LINK > Appliance411 FAQ: How long can my dryer vent be?

Bearing Ring for front of tub
Seal for rear of tub
Drive Motor

All those things would usually affect operation on both heated and no heat settings.

JMO

Dan O.

 

[jlt1919]

Thank you very much for this response (especially the dryer vent length, because I honestly have NO clue where mine goes, guessing through the attic to the roof b/c it's on the second floor of the house). I'm going to remove the venting shortly and see if that makes any difference and will report back.

Before I came back here, I kept experimenting and it'll now run a full cycle, with heat, on lighter loads. Only issue so far was with 4 wet towels (heavy). It would run/hum, but not turn on both heat and no heat. Worked well with only 3 towels. (I think my towels are staying too wet from the wash-but that's a different problem for a different day!).

This new "evidence" seems to not be as much heat related as weight related. Nothing is ever easy

Thank you again!

 

[Dan O.]

If the weight of the load is what is causing the issue, someone needs to inspect the drum support rollers for play on their shaft and the front drum support bearing for wear. You can see repair videos at the following links.

LINK > WED4800XQ3 Drum Rollers

LINK > Front Drum Support Bearing

Usually a problem with the drum rollers would be accompanied by a noticeable increased in noise while running but possibly not always.


Dan O.

 

[jlt1919]

Thanks Dan! I replaced the rollers a week ago and both are spinning freely. The front drum support bearing seems ok, but I think I'm just going to replace it and the rear seal (because it's got rust sediment on it anyway) and fingers crossed that gives us at least another year.

I appreciate the quick responses!!
Have a great weekend!