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If your dryer drum isn’t spinning when you turn it on, or your dryer makes a sharp, banging noise while it’s running, you may need to replace the dryer belt. While disassembling your dryer to swap the belt out may seem like a tough DIY gig, you’d be surprised how straightforward this is likely to be. If you’ve got a screwdriver, putty knife, and patience, you can pull this repair off no problem. Read on to learn everything you need to know about replacing your dryer belt.
Things You Should Know
- Replace your dryer belt if your drum won’t spin or the machine makes a ton of noise when you turn the dryer on.
- Disassembling your dryer is slightly different from model to model, but look for fasteners and screws around the seams where the top and front panels of your dryer meet.
- Slide the new belt around the two pulleys at the bottom of the machine in a zigzag pattern.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionI replaced the broken belt. I have the belt around the drum, on the right side of the idler arm, and the left side of the motor. However, the dryer still will not stay on when I turn the start button. What should I do?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerTry switching the belt on the idler pulley and the motor pulley. You actually have it set up in the opposite order for most dryer models; the belt should be on the left of the idler and the right of the motor, not the other way around. Also, check to make sure your belt has the textured side facing inward against the drum. If you make those two changes and you still can't get the dryer to stay on, your motor is likely the culprit and you'll need to buy a new dryer.
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QuestionCan you go to put the dryer belt on through the back of machine and get to the pulleys?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerThe answer is maybe. On some dryer models you can 100% do this, but it's pretty rare. Unfortunately, most machines make the back panel a lot harder to remove than the front and the top. Even if the back panel would theoretically be the most convenient, most folks end up having to remove the front and top.
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QuestionDo you have to use the same exact model belt or can you use an alternative? I'm finding it difficult to acquire the exact model.This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYou should use the exact same model and purchase it directly from the same company that made your dryer. However, there are plenty of after-market belts out there that should be compatible with your drum if you can't get your hands on an original. Just read the descriptions on after-market belts to see if your specific dryer is mentioned.
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Tips
- If your dryer belt looks fine when you open the top and front panels and your machine was making noise, try spraying lubricant on the pulleys at the bottom. These pieces occasionally need to be greased after a decade or so of use. [11] X Research sourceThanks
- Use your digital camera, camcorder or cell phone camera to take a few pictures as you work, it may be helpful in remembering how to reassemble the machine.Thanks
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Warnings
- Hardwired, also known as direct-wired dryers can be dangerous to work on if you are not familiar with basic electrical work.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/common-clothes-dryer-problems-and-how-to-fix-them/
- ↑ https://dadand.com/changing-a-dryer-drumdrive-belt/
- ↑ https://dadand.com/changing-a-dryer-drumdrive-belt/
- ↑ https://dadand.com/changing-a-dryer-drumdrive-belt/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/LxooXQCin8Y?t=49
- ↑ https://youtu.be/LxooXQCin8Y?t=183
- ↑ https://youtu.be/LxooXQCin8Y?t=158
- ↑ https://youtu.be/LxooXQCin8Y?t=220
- ↑ https://ars.repair/dryer-repair/how-to-replace-a-whirlpool-dryer-belt-in-10-steps/
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Reader Success Stories
- "Love it! Thank you for the video! Nice angles and shots so I can clearly see what to do. Easy fix and saved myself $100." ..." more
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