Molly Ayala
If your electric dryer is not working, the drum belt may need to be replaced. The drum belt is located inside the dryer panels and goes around the drum, allowing the drum to rotate and distribute heat. Over time, the belt can fray and eventually break, causing the drum to stop rotating. Replacing the drum belt requires disassembling the dryer cabinet, removing the old belt, and installing a new one. This process can vary depending on the dryer model, but several general steps can be followed to fix an electric dryer belt.
Characteristics and Values Table for Fixing an Electric Dryer Belt
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to Fix | When the dryer drum isn't spinning or the dryer makes a sharp, banging noise while running |
| Possible Causes | Overloading the dryer with clothes, excessive pressure on components, normal wear and tear, or excessive strain from a heavy load |
| First Step | Disconnect the dryer from its power source |
| Tools | Screwdriver, camera (optional), lubricant (optional) |
| Steps | Remove the top and front panels, take note of belt orientation, release tension on the belt, remove the old belt, place the new belt around the drum, reattach the bulkhead, rethread screws, reconnect wire harnesses, and test |
| Notes | Ensure the grooved side of the belt sits against the dryer drum, and the belt is centered on the drum. If noise persists, switch the belt on the idler and motor pulleys |
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What You'll Learn
Disconnect the dryer from its power source
Disconnecting your dryer from its power source is a simple but important step to take before attempting to fix your electric dryer belt. This step is crucial for your safety and will prevent accidents or injuries.
First, check inside your dryer and remove any clothes that may be inside. This will eliminate extra weight and prevent your clothes from being damaged or forgotten during the repair process. It is also a good idea to clean out the lint trap before proceeding, as this will make the process less messy.
Once everything is clear, make sure that your dryer is turned off. If you have an electric dryer, the next step is to unplug the appliance's power cord from the outlet. Pull the plug out straight and use duct tape to attach the cord to the back of the dryer if you need to move it, keeping the cord out of the way.
If you have a gas dryer, you will need to take additional steps. Turn off the gas supply to the dryer using the valve that supplies the dryer, or shut off the main gas valve to cut off the gas supply to all of your appliances. This process can be dangerous, so take precautions to avoid igniting any escaping gas. Get rid of any open flames in your home, such as those from fireplaces or candles, and shut off pilot lights on other gas appliances to reduce the risk of fire or explosion. Once the gas supply is turned off, unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet.
Now that your dryer is disconnected from its power source, you can safely proceed with fixing your electric dryer belt.
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Remove the old belt
Before you remove the old belt, make sure to disconnect your dryer from its power source. You can then pull your dryer out from its cabinet so that you will be able to work on it.
Unscrew and remove the top panel of the dryer. You may need to pull the panel out a bit before you can slide it up. If the panel can’t be completely removed, prop the panel up and tie it to a rafter or fixture using wire. Once the top panel is removed, you should be able to see the belt.
Remove the control panel. Remove the screws that go through the plastic tabs on the back of the control panel unit and then lift the control panel up and out. Now you can remove the bulkhead by unscrewing and taking out the braces and screws. With the bulkhead removed, you can now have full access to the old drum belt.
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Install the new belt
To install the new belt, carefully place the belt around the drum, ensuring that the groove side of the belt is against the dryer drum. The belt should be on the left of the idler and the right of the motor. Lift and place the drum back inside the dryer cabinet onto the drum rollers, making sure it is flush against the rear bulkhead. Ensure that the belt is centred on the drum the whole way around.
Reconnect the new belt to the idler pulley and motor pulley in the same position as the old belt. You can test that the drum belt is on correctly by turning the drum slowly. When you turn it, the blower should also turn, and if so, the belt is connected correctly. Once the new drum belt is attached, put the dryer back together. Reattach the front bulkhead by rethreading the screws, and if your model has a screw from the bulkhead into the blower housing, rethread that too. Reconnect the lower wire harness to the sensor and the upper wire harness to the harness restraints, connecting it to the light bulb. Reattach the support piece by aligning it into the right slots and rethreading the screws.
Now, reconnect everything and test your work. Slide the dryer back towards the duct, outlet, and gas line. Reconnect the duct and tighten the gas line with a wrench or channel locks. Plug the dryer back in and run a cycle with an empty drum to confirm that it is spinning.
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Reassemble the dryer
Now that you've installed the new belt, it's time to reassemble the dryer. First, reattach the front bulkhead by screwing it back into place. If your model has a screw from the bulkhead into the blower housing, make sure to secure that as well.
Next, reconnect the wire harnesses. Reconnect the lower wire harness to the sensor, and the upper wire harness to the harness restraints, connecting it to the light bulb.
Reattach the support piece by aligning it into the correct slots and screwing it in place.
Now, you can reinstall the top and control panels. Slide the top panel into place, clipping it to the front panel. Reinstall the screws inside the lint filter to secure the top panel.
Once the panels are secure, reconnect everything and slide the dryer back into position. Reconnect the duct and tighten the gas line with a wrench or channel locks.
Finally, plug the dryer back in and run a test cycle with an empty drum to ensure the new belt is working correctly.
If you took photos during disassembly, refer to them to ensure everything is connected correctly.
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Test the dryer
Once you have finished replacing the dryer belt, it is important to test the dryer to ensure it is working correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide to testing your dryer:
Firstly, reattach any loose parts and reconnect any electrical harnesses you may have disconnected during the belt replacement process. Reinstall any fasteners you removed to secure the front panel, and then reinstall the top panel in the same way you removed it. Slide the clips at the front of the top panel into the openings on the front panel. Reinstall the screws inside the lint filter last to lock the top panel in place.
Now, give the front and top panels a gentle shake with your hands to ensure they are secure. If you feel any wiggling, reinspect all of the seams to find loose connections. Once the panels are secure, reconnect everything and test your work. Slide the dryer back towards the duct, outlet, and gas line. Reconnect the duct and tighten the gas line using a wrench or channel locks.
Finally, plug the dryer back in and run a cycle with an empty drum for a few seconds to confirm that the drum is spinning. If the drum spins, your dryer is now fixed and ready to use! If the drum does not spin, your motor is probably shot, and you will need to buy a new dryer unless it is brand new and still under warranty.
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Frequently asked questions
If your dryer drum isn't spinning when turned on, or your dryer makes a sharp, banging noise while running, you may need to replace the dryer belt.
Always begin your repairs by disconnecting the appliance from its power source for your safety.
Try spraying lubricant on the pulleys at the bottom. These pieces occasionally need to be greased after a decade or so of use.
Reinstall the top panel and control panel as required. With the reassembly complete, plug the power cord back in and test your work.
Turn the drum around slowly. When you turn it around, the blower should turn as well as the drum. If this is the case, then it is connected correctly.
