WW02L00517 GE Dryer Drum Top Bearing – The direct fix for a GE dryer that makes loud squealing, scraping, grinding, or thumping noises during operation, has a drum that wobbles or doesn't spin smoothly, or leaves marks or scuffs on clothes. The drum top bearing is the wear component that supports the front edge of the dryer drum as it rotates against the stationary front bulkhead. It provides a smooth, low-friction contact surface so the heavy drum — loaded with wet clothes — can glide quietly. Over time, the bearing wears down from constant friction and the weight of the drum. Once the bearing material is worn through, the metal drum contacts the metal bulkhead directly, producing loud squealing, scraping, or grinding noises that get progressively worse. A severely worn bearing also allows the drum to drop slightly or wobble, causing thumping sounds and uneven tumbling. Common failures include: bearing surface worn through (metal-on-metal squealing or scraping), bearing cracked or broken (drum drops and thumps), bearing glazed or hardened (increased friction, drum slows or stalls), and bearing missing or dislodged (drum rubs directly on bulkhead). If your dryer has developed a noise that gets louder over time — especially a high-pitched squeal or metallic scraping that occurs throughout the entire cycle — the drum top bearing has likely worn out. This genuine OEM GE part directly replaces WE3M26. Fits GE, Hotpoint, and Kenmore gas and electric dryers. Quick 20–35 minute DIY repair.