dryerrepair
Here is a site with exploded diagrams of the unit. If I need to oil the main bearing on the on the drum or one of the roller guide wheels of the drum, do I need to undo the back assembly, or can I access it from the front somehow?
I am worried about any disassembly involving undoing the seals (as I don't want to disturb them if they are still working), but if it would be possible to go through the front it might be simpler.
I think your earlier info about main bearing or roller guide wheels sounds good. Let me recommend RepairClinic.com, they have a section there on repair help, common problems, and specifically noisy dryer. They typically recommend replacing guide wheels, etc, for noise issues. Let me recommend AGAINST soaping the belt. That sounds like a bad idea. If the belt is what transfers motor power to the drum, to spin the drum, soaping it (which would reduce the friction) sounds very bad indeed. Hope this helps.
If anyone else has this problem, don't try to take the dryer apart!
I found it's much easier - stick your head in the dryer, and get a good look at the Outlet Grill (Bulkhead Part #32). (If the hyperlink breaks, the Outlet Grill is the part that holds the lint filter). Lint covers up recessed screws on the grill that you need to remove.
Once you get the Outlet Grill off, you have plenty of space to get into the lint duct and clear it out.
Best Answer
Despite the hassle of pulling the unit out, I would say back, bottom, or top access is better. Front access is possible, but the whole shell (outer box) of the dryer is built around the front, side and top panels connecting together, and in the end taking the front panel completely off is going to be more hassle than it is worth. Usually a smaller bottom portion of the front panel comes off, and if that gives you the access you need then that is an easy place to start. Otherwise, again, go from the back, or bottom, or even from the top. On my dryer, the top swings up on a hing at the back, swinging up the whole top section and control panel. Look to see if yours similarly has a hinge at the back, about 6 inches down from the top back edge of the control panel. If so, that tells you the top does swing up. The trick is there are no screws holding it, it is held by metal clips. You use a metal putty knife or screwdriver inserted in the crack between the top and the front, at the right and left corners on the front. Push the putty knife in until it stops, then bump it in further with the heel of your hand to depress a clip mechanism that will free that corner. Do likewise on the other corner, and then the top should swing up on the back hinge. Hope this helps.