Lifetime Warranty

[Lifetime Warranty] 279640 Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement - Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryers - Replaces 3388672 697692 AP3094197 W10468057

Save 13%
0.00 Regular price
$14.00
Regular price $16.10 Sale price
$14.00
In stock
Fast delivery

Secure and trusted checkout with

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • PayPal
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
Contact for wholesale

🛠️
CONFIRM THE FIT FOR YOUR MODEL
Enter your model number

279640 Dryer Idler Pulley

Key Features

  • Maintains correct tension on the drive belt to rotate the dryer drum.
  • Includes the idler pulley wheel and integrated bearing.
  • Constructed from durable materials for longevity and reliable operation.
  • Also known as a dryer belt tension pulley wheel.

Replaces / Cross-Reference Part Numbers

  • AP3094197
  • PS334244
  • 279640VP
  • 3388672
  • 697692
  • W10468057
  • AH334244
  • EA334244
  • ER279640
  • TJ279640

Compatibility & Fitment

  • Designed for use in clothes dryers from multiple brands.
  • Fits specific models from Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid.
  • Also compatible with certain models from Roper, Amana, Inglis, Estate, and Magic Chef.

When to Replace

  • Dryer produces squeaking, thumping, or grinding noises during operation.
  • The dryer drum fails to turn even though the motor is running.
  • Visible signs of wear, damage, or seizure on the existing pulley wheel.

Installation Tips

  • Disconnect the dryer from its electrical power source before starting the repair.
  • Note the routing of the old belt around the motor shaft and idler pulley before removal.
  • Access to the pulley is typically through the lower front service panel.
  • For a complete repair, consider also replacing the idler pulley bracket (part W10547290) and idler spring (part W10446781) if they show signs of wear or fatigue.
Brand Model Number
Replaces 2958, 3388672, 697692, AH334244, AP3094197, DE9640, EA334244, EAP334244, ER279640, PD00002356, PS334244, TJ279640, W10468057, WP279640VP, 279640VP
Amana NGD7300WW0, NGD7300WW1, YNED7300WW1, YNED7500XW0
Kenmore 1109773701, 10687884100, 10687884300, 10687884600, 11060052990, 11060052991, 11060056990, 11060056991, 11060072990, 11060072991, 11060092990, 11060092991, 11060094990, 11060094991, 11060096990, 11060096991, 11060097990
Maytag MED3500FW0, MED5630HW0, MED6230HW3, MED6630HW1, MED8630HW0, MEDB725BW0, MEDB765FW0, MEDB835DW3, MEDB835DW4, MEDB855DC4, MEDE300VW1, MGDE400XW, MGDZ600TW
Whirlpool GEW9250PW1, GGW9250PW3, WED5500XW0, WED5600XW0, WED7500GC0, WED7500GW0, WED8000DW4, WED8300SW0, WED8300SW2, WED9200SQ0, WGD8300SW2

FAQ

This idler pulley is used on many dryer models built under the Whirlpool platform, including Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Crosley, Inglis, Admiral, Roper, and Estate. The safest way to confirm fit is to match your original part number and verify it against your dryer's model number.
This replacement fits part number 279640 and replaces 3388672, 697692, AP3094197, and W10468057.
The idler pulley keeps tension on the dryer drive belt as the belt wraps around the drum and motor pulley. Proper belt tension is what helps the drum turn smoothly during the drying cycle.
A worn idler pulley often causes squealing, chirping, scraping, or thumping noises while the dryer is running. In more severe cases, the pulley can seize or wobble, which may cause the belt to slip, fray, come off, or leave the drum unable to turn even though the motor is running.
For most Whirlpool-built dryers, this is a moderate repair. It usually requires unplugging the dryer, removing the lower front or front panel, releasing belt tension, and swapping the pulley on its bracket. Common tools are a nut driver, putty knife or flat blade for panel clips, and work gloves. Typical repair time is about 30 to 60 minutes depending on dryer design and access.
Yes. Since the dryer is already opened up, check the drive belt for cracks, glazing, stretching, or frayed edges. It's also smart to inspect the drum support rollers and shafts for flat spots, wobble, or noise. If the old pulley failed because it seized or ran rough, the belt may already have extra wear.
Most idler pulleys wear out from age, heat, lint buildup, and normal bearing or sleeve wear. A pulley can also fail faster if the dryer has been run with a misaligned or worn belt, or if lint and debris have built up around the moving parts and caused extra drag.