Beatrice Lang
If your electric dryer is malfunctioning, the belt may need to be replaced. The dryer belt is located inside the dryer panels and goes around the drum. When overloaded with clothes, the belt can fray and snap, causing the drum to stop rotating. Replacing the belt involves disassembling the dryer cabinet, removing the old belt, and installing a new one. This process varies across models, but generally, it involves unplugging the appliance, unscrewing and removing panels, disconnecting wires, and pulling out the broken belt. Before installing the new belt, it is important to clean the drum and vacuum dust and lint. The new belt is then looped around the drum and pulleys, and the panels are reassembled and secured.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to replace a dryer belt | When the dryer drum isn't spinning or the machine makes a lot of noise |
| What to do before replacing the belt | Disconnect the dryer from the power source, unthread the screws to remove the top panel, remove the control panel, and remove the front panel |
| How to replace the belt | Remove the old belt, place the new belt around the drum, and put the dryer back together |
| Additional tips | Take pictures of the connections to remember how to reassemble the machine, check for wear on the graphite electrodes of the motor, and clean the lint from inside the dryer |
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What You'll Learn
Disconnect the power source and remove the front panel
Before attempting to replace the belt of your electric dryer, it is important to disconnect the power source to prevent shock. Unplug the appliance's power cord. If your dryer is hardwired, be aware that working on it may be dangerous if you are unfamiliar with basic electrical work.
Now that the power source has been disconnected, you can begin to remove the front panel. First, look along the seams on the inside of the machine for screws, clips, or other fasteners. Unscrew any fasteners and lift the front panel out. Brace the drum with one hand and gently try to slide the panel out. Once the panel is free, gently lower the drum and place the panel to the side.
You may need to disconnect a door switch wire before you can fully remove the front panel. Some dryer models will have a bulkhead behind the front panel, which supports the drum. If your model has a bulkhead, you will need to remove the screws that hold it in place before removing the bulkhead and setting it aside.
If your dryer does not have a front panel, the front and sides may be made of bent metal, in which case only the back will come off. If you are unsure, it may be helpful to consult a video tutorial for your specific dryer model or a similar model.
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Remove the old belt
To remove the old belt, first disconnect the dryer from its power source. Then, remove the top panel of the dryer by unscrewing the fasteners and lifting it out. If the top panel cannot be completely removed, prop it up and tie it to a rafter or fixture using wire.
With the top panel removed, you should be able to see the belt. If you don't see it, it may have broken and fallen to the bottom of the dryer. Disconnect any wire hookups by pressing the tab on top of any wire harnesses and removing them. Take photographs of the connections if the wiring is complicated or not colour-coded, so you know how to reassemble it.
Next, remove the control panel by unscrewing the screws at the back of the unit and lifting it out. Then, remove the front panel by disconnecting the door switch wire and sliding the panel out.
Now that the drum is exposed, you should be able to see the belt. If there is a bulkhead supporting the drum, remove the brackets and screws underneath to take it out. Remove the belt by releasing it from the idler pulley and motor shaft, and pulling it out. You may need to release the belt tension first.
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Position the new belt
To position the new belt, first ensure that the groove side of the belt is facing the dryer drum. Then, carefully place the belt around the drum. There should be plenty of slack in the belt, so don't worry about the excess.
Next, lift and place the drum back inside the dryer cabinet onto the drum rollers, making sure that it is flush against the rear bulkhead. Ensure that the belt is centered on the drum the whole way around.
Now, reconnect the new belt to the idler pulley and motor pulley in the same position that the old one was. Loop the belt on the idler pulley and drive pulley in a zig-zag formation. Rotate the drum by hand to help align the new belt.
Finally, reinstall the front bulkhead, making sure the drum is properly positioned on it.
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Reattach the front panel
Reattaching the front panel is a crucial step in reassembling your dryer after replacing the dryer belt. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, ensure that the new belt is attached correctly and the drum is properly positioned on the bulkhead. If your dryer model has a screw from the bulkhead into the blower housing, make sure to rethread that as well. Now, you are ready to reattach the front panel.
Before reattaching the front panel, ensure that all the wire connections are secure. Reconnect any sensor wires and replace any braces or supports to secure the bulkhead. Reconnect the lower wire harness back into the sensor and the upper wire harness back into the harness restraints. Then, connect it to the light bulb.
Now, you can reattach the front panel. Align the front panel with the rest of the dryer and clip it back into place. Make sure that it is secure by rethreading the screws. If your dryer model has a door switch wire, remember to reconnect it.
Finally, you can reinstall the top panel and control panel. With the reassembly complete, plug the power cord back in. It is important to follow the steps in the correct order to ensure the dryer functions properly and safely.
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Test the dryer
Once you've replaced the belt, it's time to test the dryer to ensure it's functioning correctly. Here's what you need to do:
Check the Belt's Position and Condition
Before turning on the dryer, inspect the new belt to ensure it's correctly positioned and not damaged. The belt should be wrapped around the drum, sitting in a groove in the middle of the drum, and connected to the idler and motor pulleys. Make sure there's plenty of slack in the belt. If the belt appears loose or free, adjust it by moving it back into position.
Reconnect and Run an Empty Cycle
After ensuring the belt is in place, reconnect everything. 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.
Now, run a cycle with the dryer drum empty. This will allow you to confirm that the drum is spinning without the weight of laundry. Run the cycle for a few seconds. If the drum spins, your new belt is functioning as intended. If the drum doesn't spin, the issue may be with the motor, and you may need to consider replacing the dryer, especially if it's not under warranty.
Address Noise Issues
If you replaced the belt due to noise issues, pay attention to any remaining noise during this test cycle. The noise should disappear if the belt was the cause. If the noise persists, there may be another issue with your dryer.
Regular Maintenance
To ensure the continued smooth operation of your dryer and to maintain the condition of the belt, perform regular maintenance:
- Clean the dryer vent regularly.
- Ensure the dryer is level when installed.
- Avoid overstuffing the dryer with laundry.
- Check laundry items for snags or loose threads that could entangle in the dryer.
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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, the belt may need to be replaced.
You will need a screwdriver and a putty knife.
Dryer drum belts vary depending on the brand and model. Make sure to purchase a specific replacement dryer drum belt that fits your model. The model number is printed on the old belt.
Disconnect your dryer from its power source. Remove the screws and then the top and front panels of your dryer.
Loop the belt around the drum, ensuring the grooved side sits against the drum. Reassemble the dryer, ensuring the belt is connected to the idler and motor pulleys.
