WD-40 question (dryer lubricant)

Factual Questions
1

My Samsung electric front loading dryer is making a squeeking sound.

I believe it is one of the 4 rollers that supports the drum as it spins. There are two in the back, and two in the front.

Can I use WD-40 to lube the wheels? I know WD-40 (and other spray lubricants) are flammable, so I know you can’t spray near an open flame.

However, if I spray it on a wheel and let it sit for a bit so any fumes are gone, is it safe to use WD-40 on a wheel that is going to get some heat from a dryer?

If the answer is no, what lubricant can I use in a heated environemnt like a dryer?

Thanks!

2

I’d use Tri-flow, and not run the dryer until the carrier had evaporated.

3

WD-40 is a lousy lubricant.
The good news is it’s thin so it does get into small gaps.
The bad news is that it’s thin so it doesn’t last.
You can try WD-40 but I suspect the final fix will be new rollers.

4

WD40 will leave a film on the rollers that will break down any lubricant that is applied afterwards.

Probably WD40 will solve the problem in the short run but will not be as good in the long run.

Without knowing any other details - I would say Tri-flow would probably be a better option.

5

There’s little fire danger but WD-40 tends to evaporate(?) and the squeak comes back. Left on a surface it forms a sticky film. For all the effort to get to your dryer rollers use a proper lubricant and it’s a good idea to identify a source for new rollers before you tear it apart. Rollers are pretty cheap

6

Thanks all,

This is good advice. Anyone who has a squeaking dryer and wants to fix it themselves should look at their dryer’s parts diagram and find the rollers and/or idler pulley and either pick up the kit beforehand or have the ability to pick one up quickly if it’s needed.

Actually, I found the bad roller. I pulled the dryer apart, and sure enough, the right rear drum roller is not spinning freely.

I thought the best thing to do would be to replace them all at the same time, but they are about $20/roller. I was a bit surprised at the cost.

The part seems to come pre-lubed and sealed, so my guess is it cracked over time (there was a bunch of hair wrapped around it, and it was a bit sticky when I removed it, so I figure whatever lubricant that came in the roller just dribbled out over time).

I don’t think lubing it will be a long term solution, but I guess it will work in the short term.

I was hoping to find a kit, which would include all rollers and the idler pulley, and maybe a belt and just change out everything at once, but I haven’t located one yet. But the night is young.

The good news is the idler pulley spins freely, as do the other 3 rollers. So I could get away with swapping one out if I can’t find a kit.

I did not use WD-40, and I’m glad I didn’t. I wasn’t sure of the fire risk, but it wasn’t worth rolling the dice.

I will replace the roller with a new one, and I’ll pick up some Tri-flo also, just to have.