Dryer is making an extremely loud squealing noise. Was told I needed to replace the idler pulley. What do I have to take apart on the dryer to do this?

The loud, constant squeak/squeal from your Frigidaire dryer, combined with a burning smell, indicates a serious problem that needs to be addressed. While replacing the drum bearing kit was a good step, it appears that there may be other issues at play.
One possible cause of the squeaking could be a worn or damaged drive belt or idler pulley. If the idler pulley spring came off, it is possible that the belt is not properly tensioned and may be slipping or rubbing against the drum, causing the squeaking noise. Additionally, a slipping belt can generate a burning smell as it heats up from the friction.
Another possible cause of the burning smell could be a malfunctioning heating element, which may be overheating the dryer and causing the burning odor.
It is recommended that you stop using the dryer immediately and unplug it from the power source. It is not safe to continue using a dryer that is producing a burning smell.

https://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/How-To-Fix-A-Dryer/10-4--/Maytag-Dryer-makes-noise

Hi and welcome to FixYa, I am Kelly.

A loud squeal is usually caused by either an idler pulley bearing. a drum roller bearing or a loose belt.

Since you did not include a model number I have to respond with generic across the board information. Idler pulleys, drum rollers and belts for Maytags can be found on this link:
(Just past half way down the page) http://www.apwapplianceparts.com/Laundry+Appliance+Parts/Dryer+Appliance+Parts+/Dryer+Drive+Belts+Idler+Pulleys+and+Support+Rollers/default.aspx

You can enter your model number on this page and find your parts: (Choose model number)
http://www.appliancepartspros.com

If you do repair it yourself.... do yourself a HUGE favor and either take a picture of the belt routing or draw a belt routing diagram BEFORE dis-assembly.

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

hi yes there is a belt. may the idler pulley making that noise jim

ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR DRYER BEFORE STARTING ANY REPAIRS
Your problem sounds like drum rollers have flat spots on them or in need of lubrication, or maybe your belt has slipped off of the idler arm pulley.
If you have a front loading machine, Remove the electrical console that holds the timer switch, start switch, etc. from the top of the dryer. Be REAL CAREFUL not to knock any of the wires off of the timer switch. Then remove the top of the dryer. Remove the front of the dryer. This will expose the drum and belt. Remove the drum and belt and this will expose the drum rollers, idler arm pulley and motor. Now is a good time to check the belt to see if it has slipped off of the idler arm pulley and also to check the belt condition for wear. Be sure to note the route of the belt, this will come in handy when you go to reinstall the belt. Check your drum rollers for flat spots or wear, if they have flat spots or wear on them replace them. If the drum rollers don't have flat spots or wear on them then they probably only need lubrication. Lubricate the shaft of the rollers with a good grade of machine oil such as 3 in One oil. Reassemble the dryer, plug back in. This should solve your noise problem. I will include these two websites for parts and further help: http://www.partselect.com/ http://www.appliancepartspros.com/index.aspx Both also have chat assistance 24/7. Good Luck, I hope this helps Please rate me, Thank You

This dryer needs to be taken apart to lubricate any and all moving parts. Idler pulley and rollers, if they are worn out in any way, replace them.
Also, consider a new belt.

Your description sounds like one or both of the rear drum supports (rollers) is bad. A quiet thumping is almost always present as the weld in the drum comes in contact with the drum supports. A binding support will squeal, and the thumping could be worse at that time. After running the dryer until the noises are present, once disassembled, you can tell if a support is bunding or rolling normally by spinning it by hand. The same goes for the idler pulley. Make sure power is disconnected from the unit befor attempting any repairs.

While the unit is disassembled for repair, make sure your your old cat is not inside.

Check the motor coil..

replace the idler pulley / larry

take the dryer apart and oil the drum support rollers and the idler pulley. If this does not fix it. Replace the support rollers and the idler pulley. To acces the rollers, take the 2 screws out under the lint filter and then raise the top of the dryer. then remove the 2 screws holding on the front. Take the front off and remove the drum and theres the rollers and the idler pulley. (taking apart the dryer applies to a whirlpool, kenmore, roper, kitchenaid, estate.) If you have another brand let me know i will tell you how to take it apart. (if oiling doesnt fix it your local parts store should have all the parts needed in stock.)