Just when you least expect it - the dryer goes out.
Honestly how many times have you expected/anticipated an appliance would break? Do you really think about your appliances that much? I hope not. C’mon wondering about Miley Cyrus's next dance craze might be more productive than pondering when your dishwasher will seize up. (actually now I'm wondering if Miley has ever operated a dishwasher)
Thus the dryer (fill in any appliance or car part) will break when you least expect it. I’m not suggesting a little preventative maintenance is a waste of time. Tires looking worn? Get them replaced before this happens to you:
But what preventative maintenance can you do for your dryer? We have cleaned the vent occasionally.
We had a bit of trouble with this not-very-old dryer before. It’s like the dryer is entering its terrible twos phase. Months ago, it didn’t want to heat. I found a thermal cut-off sensor that tested bad. I just searched my blog a bit and I guess I didn’t post about that fix. Lucky you.
The dryer would barely start running before it shut down. If you leaned close to it, you could smell a hint of burnt rubber. (a new life as a bad air freshener?)
I figured that taking it apart couldn’t hurt (actually I did cut myself on the sharp metal edges inside) so I unplugged it and opened my tool box.
During that last repair job I learned that youtube is an excellent resource for home repairs (warning Miley Cyrus is also up there). Do you know what tool to use for getting the top/lid up? If you watch this youtube clip you’ll learn to grab a putty knife for that.
The motor was making an odd clicking noise even when you turned it slowing by hand (oh I did mention that the power plug was pulled). I also had noticed a small spring lying on the bottom panel. That seemed odd. Looking inside the motor as it turned, I solved the mystery. I found the smoking gun (always liked that expression but seldom get to use it. Maybe I shouldn’t have this time either?). The small spring came from inside the motor. It had broken loose and as springs do when they get the chance, sprang for it.
I bought a replacement spring for 89 cents, secured it inside the motor. Then I started the hard part of reassembling the whole thing (much easier to take apart). It the process I cut my hand twice and then remembered a pair of work gloves I had. Tip - get the work gloves out with your tools. 89 cents and a bit of blood - not bad.
Honestly how many times have you expected/anticipated an appliance would break? Do you really think about your appliances that much? I hope not. C’mon wondering about Miley Cyrus's next dance craze might be more productive than pondering when your dishwasher will seize up. (actually now I'm wondering if Miley has ever operated a dishwasher)
Thus the dryer (fill in any appliance or car part) will break when you least expect it. I’m not suggesting a little preventative maintenance is a waste of time. Tires looking worn? Get them replaced before this happens to you:
 |
| blow-outs always come when you least expect it |
But what preventative maintenance can you do for your dryer? We have cleaned the vent occasionally.
We had a bit of trouble with this not-very-old dryer before. It’s like the dryer is entering its terrible twos phase. Months ago, it didn’t want to heat. I found a thermal cut-off sensor that tested bad. I just searched my blog a bit and I guess I didn’t post about that fix. Lucky you.
 |
| the beat of a different drum |
The dryer would barely start running before it shut down. If you leaned close to it, you could smell a hint of burnt rubber. (a new life as a bad air freshener?)
I figured that taking it apart couldn’t hurt (actually I did cut myself on the sharp metal edges inside) so I unplugged it and opened my tool box.
 |
| dryer guts |
The motor was making an odd clicking noise even when you turned it slowing by hand (oh I did mention that the power plug was pulled). I also had noticed a small spring lying on the bottom panel. That seemed odd. Looking inside the motor as it turned, I solved the mystery. I found the smoking gun (always liked that expression but seldom get to use it. Maybe I shouldn’t have this time either?). The small spring came from inside the motor. It had broken loose and as springs do when they get the chance, sprang for it.
 |
| the usual suspect - a recognizable motor |
I bought a replacement spring for 89 cents, secured it inside the motor. Then I started the hard part of reassembling the whole thing (much easier to take apart). It the process I cut my hand twice and then remembered a pair of work gloves I had. Tip - get the work gloves out with your tools. 89 cents and a bit of blood - not bad.
 |
| the guilty spring that almost escaped |
