Replace Dryer Motor | Kenmore 90 Series | Dryer Squealing, Grinding, Humming Noise, Won't Start

[@baseballmomism]

This was by far the best DIY video I have ever used!! Many thanks!! True expert at teaching, explaining, doing, editing, lighting, etc!

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment and encouraging comment. I appreciate that--truly. ;)

[@davidb2438]

That was the best DIY video that I have ever seen on KZbin. I wrote manufacturing instructions on an assembly line for a couple of decades, and I couldn’t have done any better. It was detailed, cautionary statements, and perfect camera shots. Kudos!!!!

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, David, for your thoughtful comment. It means a lot to me. ;)

[@pastorkev777]

You did a phenomenal job with this video, I'm very appreciative of how detailed and clear everything was both visually and instructionally.

[@frugaldiy1]

pastorkev777, your kind and supportive words brought tears to my eyes. I'm an old sap that cries at the drop of a hat. Your words mean a great deal to me. I deeply appreciate your comment.

[@MarioGomez-g6t]

I watched your (Frugal DIY) video on the Kenmore 90 series dryer on replacing the motor, belt and rollers. Thank you for your simple, clear and complete instructions. My wife was thrilled.

[@frugaldiy1]

That's wonderful to hear that my videos helped you and that your wife is trilled! You're certainly welcome, and thank you for the wonderful comment you left. It means a lot to me. ;)

[@speedygarage264]

Just wanted to tell you that this is a great DIY video - good pacing, well-explained, clear camera angles, no fluff. Excellent work!

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, Speedy Garage. That means a lot to me, and I appreciate that you took the time to say it. Merry Christmas!

[@utuberagain18]

This is probably this best DIY video I've ever watched. I can tell you put in to the time to plan it out beforehand and followed through with very clear and well-documented instructions. You did a fantastic job. I'm sure you helped a lot of people with this repair, and they saved money in the process. Thanks!

[@frugaldiy1]

What a nice thing to say, mcrider 18. Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment. It means a great deal to me--truly. I enjoyed doing that project, learned a lot and wanted to pass it on to other folks, like you. I'm all about saving my hard-earned money and am trying to encourage others to do the same. I'm working on rehabing a 45-year-old shower pan right now with some muriatic acid. Corporations and contractors are going to have to pry my money from my cold, dead hands. ;)

[@listcheck]

awe u did tht hun@@frugaldiy1

[@robertkacmarynski2141]

I have never left a comment on KZbin, but this video is exceptionally well done. Thanks!!

[@frugaldiy1]

Robert, that's such a kind comment to leave me. Thank you--truly. It warms my DIY heart that you felt my video deserved you leaving a comment. ;)

[@richardhartford7272]

I'm a very mechanical and adept type of guy!!! This is maybe THE BEST DIY repair video's I've seen. The skill and presentation leaves me with no apprehension that I can complete this project.. Thank you very much. Rich Hartford, Brunswick Maine

[@frugaldiy1]

That's such a nice thing to say, Richard. Thank you for your thoughtful and supportive words. I have no doubt you can change the dryer motor. ;)

[@graysonevans4496]

I seldom leave comments, but this is certainly one of the best DIY videos on KZbin. You took the time to get the camera angle correct so everything is very visible, the tools were thought out in advance, and your voice recording is very clear. The pace is also very good. Bravo. You convinced me I can do this! Gonna try it. Make more!

[@frugaldiy1]

Grayson, I can't thank you enough for the thoughtful, kind and supportive comment you left me. Your encouraging words mean a great deal to me! You CAN change the dryer motor. If you take photos as you go, or even video, it may help you. Once you've done it one time, you'll feel like a pro! ;)

[@corysturgis6660]

This is a great video. Thank you. I can tell your a very talented individual.your great.

[@ganjiuana]

The best instructional video I’ve ever seen and mine is the electric version! This should be the standard that’s expected from DIY bravo 👏

[@Spectre531]

Oh my goodness your video is giving me true hope at fixing my dryer. Thank you for being so thorough with explanations.

[@michaelturaninjr1239]

Fantastic camera work! I have that exact dryer. The motor just failed. I'm going to replace it as soon as replacement arrives. Thank you for this video! It eased my anxiety about doing it.

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, Michael. Thank you for your kind words. Yes, please don't feel anxious about replacing the motor; it's not a tough job at all. I hope you have great success. Happy DIYing!

[@petersargent3780]

Thank you so much for this - perfectly explained and very concise. Able to fix my dryer in an evening.

[@frugaldiy1]

That's great to hear, Peter. Good job! And, thank you for the nice comment.

[@glenberthel431]

What can I say other than excellent DIY video !!! Wish they were all this clear and informative.

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, Glen. You're words mean a lot to me.

[@GregStockton]

This was incredibly useful. A few notes: - It worked perfectly for my *electric* dryer. The video, steps, pieces and orientation were all identical. - I had a few screws left over. Was this an omission in the "put it back together" video, a mistake I made, or something like "the new motor came with screws"? Unknown. Everything seemed secure and where it belonged. - If you are doing this yourself, TAKE PICTURES even with the video. They saved me on a few occasions, especially the belt wrapping in an S-position, and knowing which way the belt went on the drum and reconnecting a few "obvious before I took them off" connectors. Dryer is back together, and while the replacement didn't fix my problem, it's at the same working level as it was before I started. Thanks!

[@Oak690]

Thank you for making this video. I just replaced the motor in my 90 series electric dryer and this was EXTREMELY helpful!

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, Oak1998.

[@brandonbirt4637]

Thank you , this is the most thorough video I have seen thus far . Very detailed! I feel very confident with every procedure even though I’m a newb. Thanks

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, Brandon, and thank you. I'm thrilled to hear you mustered the confidence to change the motor. It's truly not that difficult. You'll blow through it like a pro! ;)

[@DiegoRamirez-wy3yz]

One of the best videos ive seen in a long time! Thank you for the instruction!! Replaced motor, belt, pulley, and wheels.

[@frugaldiy1]

Well thank you. I appreciate that you took the time to leave me such a nice comment. I'm proud of you for replacing all of those parts and fixing your dryer. Well done!

[@Springerpop]

Soooo glad you mentioned the switch at the belt tensioner that disables the dryer when it senses a broken belt!!

[@earthsciteach]

Thanks for the video! I replace the motor in my Kenmore series 90 dryer today. Really well done video.

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, Patrick. Job well done! Thank you for the nice comment. It's always great to hear that one of my videos helped someone.

[@analytics2go177]

Fantastic video...thank you! I may even be more impressed with the camera work to show the belt and the tension pulley before you removed it! Other videos did not go into that detail. Thanks again.

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, Analytics2Go, and thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice comment.

[@GEOMYSTIC23]

Thanks from Mali this! Helped me to clean a cruddy motor and get my machine back up and running !

[@jefflin2893]

This is an amazingly clear and well-done video. I never leave comments but this is superb!

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, Jeff. I appreciate that you took the time to leave such a thoughtful comment. ;)

[@SteveN-gt2ur]

I have the same Kenmore and it looks like the motor has finally given up after 22 years of service. Thank you very much for a super video.

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, Steve. I have great affinity for my stalwart Kenmore 90 Series and will do whatever I can to keep her going.

[@anseleratorsostherope2349]

This is beautiful work. The details are great. Excellent tips. Wire marking is great move. I truly have no questions regarding the work shown in this video. I have the exact same model, and have done a little work on the front, this fills in my answers for getting beyond the front. Even has the whistling bypass!!

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you kindly for your nice comment. ;)

[@David-rx6bk]

Excellent video. I was able to replace the motor. The biggest problem I had was installing the belt. It is a tight space. Just remember to install the belt on the pully first and then on the motor shaft as you raise the spring pully shaft.

[@Johnbaum13]

Thank you! This video saved me hours of headache. Very clear and detailed 👌

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, Johnbaum13. Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice comment. ;)

[@jimgastelum6947]

I agree with Michael's comment above: Absolutely superb video. Exceptional lighting and visual clarity. Bravo! 👏 Made it to the 7:48 mark in my teardown, and then the plastic fan cracked along the square 1/2 inch mating surface before unscrewing. I'm guessing it may have melted to the threads due to age and possible overheating. If I can't find a replacement, I'll just replace that entire lint-trap section, I guess. (...and yes: I was turning said fan clockwise as directed.) [ To be continued... ] 😎👍

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, Jim, for your thoughtful and kind words. I truly appreciate that you took the time to convey them. Regarding the fan, yes, they can crack with age as they become brittle or if they are put on too tight. You can look on eBay for a replacement fan/wheel. Just type the model of your dryer into Google and get the part number. Then, head to eBay and look for a pre-owned or new one from a highly-rated seller.

[@RMDK22]

amazing angles. you made this look so simple. unfortunately i found this video after taking it apart all sorts of ways. tmrw ill give it another try

[@RMDK22]

i gave it another try (since other dryers u had to hit em from the back). disassembly/assembly 100% easier. thank you

[@nashwanmalo4832]

U did great job and easy to explain to make every one happy

[@frugaldiy1]

Well thank you, Nashwan. That's so kind of you to say. I'm glad you liked my video, and I hope it helped you.

[@PE-vo7iq]

Great video, very detailed, nothing was left out. I'm up and running, thx!! Do you have any videos on how to fix my spouse. 🤣

[@frugaldiy1]

LOL! Turn him or her in for a new model. That's what I did. ;) And, thank you from the bottom on my DIY heart for your thoughtful comment. It means a great deal to me--truly.

[@mikegruenthal3957]

Awesome video. Made the job simple. Thank you.

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, Mike, and thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. It means a lot to me.

[@marcosleiva482]

Thank you so much, you are a great instructor!

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, and thank you so much for the lovely comment you left me. Warms my DIY heart. ;)

[@miguelmunoz171]

Hello frugal DIY thank you for your awesome video very clear and well explained also great camera footage Now my question is can someone please post a link where I can get a new motor replacement mine just went down and since those dryers are so old is kinda hard to find parts I apréciate thank you 🙏🏼

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, miguel, for your thoughtful comment. It's much appreciated. OEM Replacement Motor 279787: amzn.to/35kF6XC

[@mikethompson3534]

Very clear instructions Thank you

[@ZlamDanZ]

Hi! Since the is the very best video on disassembly and assembly of this dryer Ive ever seen, I wanted to ask for your opinion. I've just replaced the motor in my 90 series for the 2nd time and I used your video this time. Im glad I did. I noticed your drum spins VERY easily complared to mine. Ive replaced and lubed all the rollers but I can barely spin the drum with two hands. Do I need new felt drum gaskets? do they make THAT much difference in the spin difficulty? What else could it be? I really appreciate any input and I look forward to your next videos! Dont stop, youre awesome!

[@nitromax5150]

dang lady you went all into it !! nice!!

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, Nitro Max. Your comment means a lot to me.

[@Singulitarian]

Excellent video.

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, Singulitarian.

[@EricCasini-ew3cy]

Well done on the video. On point

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, Eric.

[@buddylove4882]

Maam you are1000000000000% awesome! Who taught you and how long did it take to become a master tech?

[@frugaldiy1]

Buddy, that's so kind of you to say. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. It means a lot to me. I'm just a DIYer, love working on projects and learn as I go. I'm frugal and don't like to pay someone to fix something I can figure out and fix myself. ;)

[@Daniel-RunToRoyal]

Thank you!! You're the best!! Greatly appreciate it!!

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, Daniel, and thank you from the bottom of my DIY heart for your wonderful comment. It too is greatly appreciated. ;)

[@05greendmax]

Thanks it’s extremely helpful

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome. ;)

[@mannyfilmsinc]

This was an awesome video. I really appreciate you . Thank you so much

[@piotrnowak2609]

Beautiful job! Thank you!

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you. That means a lot to me. ;)

[@jimbowling8528]

Very very good video. Thanks!

[@94jimmy5]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@frugaldiy1]

You're welcome, 94jimmy5, and thank you.

[@jesusduenez9457]

Thanks alot for the detailed video! I have the same Kenmore 90 Series dryer(but electric,not gas) will the OEM replacement motor 279787 from Amazon fit my dryer? My motor bracket is exactly like yours.

[@frugaldiy1]

Hi, Jesus, and thank you. I don't know. I'd type the model number of your dryer motor in online and see what motor is recommended. Good luck on your project.

[@FruitfulEden]

Thank you so much for a very detailed video that was very clear and easy to understand. I have the same dryer except mine is electric not gas. How did you know that it was the motor that was bad? I believe my motor is bad because I turned off the heat on my dryer just to make sure it wasn't the temperature thermostat that was bad. Ran the dryer on air and after a few minutes it stopped running. It also does make a humming sound when I push the start button and I need to hold it down for the dryer to start. After it turns off I need to wait for about a half an hour before I can start it again and then the same thing happens after a few minutes.

[@frugaldiy1]

Hi Laura. You're welcome, and thank you for your lovely comment. As to the issue with my dryer motor, the issues you describe are the same issues I had with my motor. Additionally, I had intermittent heat at times. After several weeks of the dryer have wonky problems, I heard an intermittent squealing noise in the dryer and put my ear down on the lower front panel and could hear the motor was squealing. I then knew the motor had to be replaced. But, the "humming" you describe was the indicator to me that the motor was the issue. Some of the issues you describe can also be the result of one of a few of the cycling components failing or being faulty. I will be doing a video on how to troubleshoot and replace the cycling components within the next 2 weeks. Please let me know if you need more help. FYI: Let add this--if you purchase a new motor, I highly recommend that you don't get an aftermarket motor because they have issues with the motor shaft being too long which causes the blower wheel to rub and damages it. Also, there are issues with the electrical configuration. You will find the manufacturer part number in the video description.

[@FruitfulEden]

@@frugaldiy1 yes I was looking at the parts that were available to buy and if it was a cheaper part that was aftermarket seems that they tend to fail quite quickly. I'm going to check with the local appliance shop first. But maybe I should also check the cycling component? That's probably a cheaper part.

[@frugaldiy1]

Yes, cycling components are cheaper. If you buy an OEM motor, sellers on eBay have the best prices.

[@alainapotaduh]

This is a great video! Now I'm stuck because the blower wheel won't come off, and now it's stripped, the ratchet just spins inside the fan. Now I'm not sure what to do. I think I have to break the fan off in pieces and get a new one?

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you. Re the spinning fan, I'd have to see it to know exactly how I'd remove it. I'm a big fan of Vice Grips when I have something that's stripped.

[@alainapotaduh]

@@frugaldiy1 I did end up having to break it off with a hammer and chisel! It was fused to the motor shaft too and I had to chip away at it once the big pieces were off to pull the motor out through the small hole. There was no other way. It was crazy! But it was so satisfying once I turned it on and it worked again. Thank you so so much for helping me save my dryer. I love my 90 series set, and I have made many repairs on them. This was the most complicated one yet though. As long as there are parts, I will keep them forever!

[@alekmartin9999]

Detailed. Bravo

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, Alek. ;)

[@alekmartin9999]

Nice excellent 👌 PhD level details in video

[@frugaldiy1]

You're too kind, Alek. Thank you.

[@michaelmatthew550]

Excellent

[@frugaldiy1]

Thank you, michael.

[@MarkSWest]

GREAT job!

[@ThruDaLenz]

Thank you!

[@sammyt555]

How old is too old to replace a motor? Mines from '98 and wont spin, rollers and belt are fine. Should I spend ~130-150 on a motor or replace the dryer?

[@wasgonnasdontcount]

Without warning, my older Kenmore clothes dryer motor wouldn't start (motor # 690870). When the start button is pressed the motor turns about 1/4 inch and stops and hums, if I spin the drum by hand it starts going and completes its cycle, indicating that lubrication isn't the issue. The motor shaft spins freely both with and without the belt attached and as soon as I hit the power switch and spin it the motor takes off and the centrifugal switch kicks in and moves to the proper position. So the motor runs when nudged, the power switch and door switches work, it just won't start spinning without an assist although it gives a little wiggle movement when the power switch is pressed. Is there a start-up circuit in the motor that may be defective? Or?? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[@frugaldiy1]

Michael, I suspect the belt needs to be changed. Over time, the belt surface becomes cracked and worn, so it can't "grab" the drum to turn it. In your case, when you assist the drum and turn it, as the dryer/belt heats up, the belt expands and is able to grab the drum and turn it. Here's my video on replacing the dryer belt: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5vHlIF_Zsx3qK8

[@terryvega1603]

I replaced the motor and the motor is not turning. I am not able to pay a technician, any other things that can be?

[@Meat4389]

A+ video

[@jedibusiness789]

You in the market for a boyfriend?

[@frugaldiy1]

M K, thank you for asking and that's so flattering, but I'm not.