Fixing Your Own Broken Dryer? A Guide to Your Dryer’s Basic Functions
The type of dryer that you have will dictate the type of parts that are required to fix it. There may be slight variations in the placement of some of the elements dependent on whether your dryer is gas or electric. Here are some of the more universal parts and their basic functions so that you can determine the best method to repair your broken dryer.
Heating Element
The heating element can be visualized by the holes on the interior of your dryer. You may be able to reach it by removing a side or back panel. The function of the heating element and its associated heating duct is to produce the heat that dries your clothing. This part is generally a coil inside its associated casing. In a gas dryer, the apparatus is different. The heating element should come as a single unit that can be replaced or even fuses that may have blown.
Belts And Pulleys
The belts and pulleys of your dryer are what turns the drum so that your clothes can dry evenly. The belt is a common part that can wear out with time and cause your dryer to not spin the drum. You should also observe stabilizers underneath the drum so that your dryer doesn’t rattle around. The pulleys help to connect the moving components to the motor. Ensure that the belt is tightened to the right tension so that your dryer doesn’t experience a problem again.
Motor And Blower
The motor and blower are typically located near where your dryer vents to the outside. The motor provides the power to the internal components. Another common part that you may observe near the motor is the ac current switch. This switch is what controls the ability of your dryer to turn off when the cycle has completed. It can also control your dryer being able to turn on. Consider this piece as the power regulator for the motor and blower to function.
Circuit Board Controls
The circuit board is located behind the control panel on the top of your dryer. A blown circuit could cause your dryer to not function properly. For example, the timer may continue to go off even though the drum has stopped rotating. This is the brain of your dryer. You may need to hire a repair service if replacing and rewiring this part is too complicated to do on your own.
There are other parts that provide supporting roles in the function of your dryer. Diagnosis your problem so that you’ll know what needs to be replaced. You may also want to consult with the manual so that you aren’t flying blind.