I couldn't see a way to limit my search to this forum: if one exists I would appreciate a pointer toward it.

I've a 10-20 year old Montgomery Ward front loading dryer. It started 'rattling' when I would begin a cycle a year ago. Just a little. It has now progressed to where it shudders and rattles when starting and a bit when ending the run/opening the door. I also hear occasional noises but they are hard to describe while it's running.

I took the unit apart today ( first time I've tried to do so: if I kill it I rationalize I would have had to buy another anyway :] ) ... removed the belt, the front panel and the drum to take a look. The belt looks ok to me: no frays or cracks. The pully with the spring loading and the pulley nearby that is stationery SEEM ok: no undue rattles when the pulleys were spun. I did notice two round ... station keepers (???) that appear to help keep the rotating drum on it's tracks at the rear wall of the dryer. Hard to tell if they were 'ok' or not.

Might there be a common cause to shudder/rattles upon startup and ending of a drying run? Oh yes: also noted the drum is either stopped or almost stopped when I open the door mid cycle. Used to go another half turn at the least thus tossing something out the door if you opened it all the way.

Thanks for any advice.

Paul