Whirlpool LER4634JQ1 makes high pitched buzz

[rookieatwork]

I just changed my dryer from a 4 prong tail to a 3 prong tail and now I'm getting this high pitched buzzing sound right when I turn on the dryer. It sounds like the buzzer at the end of a load, but my dryere doesn't have that feature. The thin dryer belt is rapped around the center of the drum and looks to be in place and nothing seems to bind when I spin the drum all the way around. What could it be and how would I get at it?

[HayZee518]

first question is why did you change the pigtail? the whine could be something hitting the fan as most dryers don't use a magnetic starter for the motor.

[rookieatwork]

I changed the pug because I am in a rental and the plug is a 3 prong. I tried to change the plug but it kept blowing the circuit breaker. Could it be that something happened to the motor when the breaker flipped, although everything seems to work. The problem is the noise.

[HayZee518]

the difference between a four and a three prong plug (pigtail) is that the center wire of a three wire pigtail is used as a neutral AND equipment ground. On the dryer terminal strip, the center terminal has a copper strip that's connected there AND to the metal chassis of the dryer. A four wire has its "equipment ground" isolated, not connected to the center terminal but removed and the green of the four wire attached to the metal chassis.

[Dan O.]

Origin of the sound?

I'm getting this high pitched buzzing sound right when I turn on the dryer.

From what component or specific area on the machine?

Could it be that something happened to the motor when the breaker flipped

If the power cord was connected incorrectly it could have sent 240 volts to the motor instead of 120, damaging it.

You can see the difference between a 3-wire and 4-wire cord connection at the following link (although the terminal block may not be exactly the same as used on your model).

LINK > Changing a Dryer Cord

JFYI

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[rookieatwork]

I have pulled everything out but the motor and the fan wheel. I'm 99% sure the sound is fro0m damaging the motor when I installed the four plug unit into the wall and blew the circuit breaker. The motor is about $90. I think I'm looking at a new dryer rather then disassembling and reassembling the motor.

Thanks

[Dan O.]

The motor is about $90.

It can be had a bit cheaper from the company at the following link:

LINK > Whirlpool LER4634JQ1 Dryer Motor

I think I'm looking at a new dryer rather then disassembling and reassembling the motor.

If you change your mind there are some repair tips for that job at the following web site:

LINK > Sears and Whirlpool Electric Dryer

JFYI

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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