How to Install a Kenmore Dryer Belt

Even if you don't know what a dryer belt is, odds are you will know when it is broken. Kenmore dryer belts tend to break with a bang -- literally -- and the drum of the dryer (the canister that holds the clothes) will thud to a sudden halt with your sodden clothes inside. Fortunately, you do not have to spend any extra time or money waiting on a repairman. Even if you are not particularly handy, you can install your own Kenmore dryer belt quickly and easily by yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Philips head screwdriver Kenmore dryer belt Putty knife

Instructions

1. Disconnect the power to your dryer before you begin replacing your dryer belt. Disconnect your dryer from the wall outlet if possible. If you cannot unplug your dryer for some reason, disconnect the dryer from the fuse box by removing the correct fuse or by flipping the breaker in your circuit breaker box. There should be a list inside your circuit breaker box with a label of what fuse and breaker controls which appliances. If you disconnect your dryer using the fuse box, you may have to work by battery-powered lantern since you will probably also turn the lights off in the washroom.

2. Access the dryer belt by removing the lint screen. Lift the lint screen cover which is on top of the dryer, remove the lint screen and then unscrew the screws that hold the lint screen housing to the dryer. Remove these screws by using a Philips head screwdriver. Put the screws in a safe place so they don't get misplaced.

3. Loosen the dryer top by sliding a putty knife between the front panel and a corner. Lift up the corner of the dryer and then run the putty knife on the other side and corner of the dryer. This should loosen the dryer top so that it can be lifted up.

4. Loosen screws from the bottom of the front panel. Do not remove the screws completely. From the inside of the dryer cabinet, remove the screws that secure the front panel to the dryer sides from the top part of the dryer.

5. Remove the broken dryer belt from the drum. It should slide away easily because it is broken.

6. Place the new dryer belt over the drum. You will need to lean the front panel away from the sides of the dryer to reach the drum. Then, you can simply slide the belt over the drum.

7. Reattach the front panel of the dryer. Check to be sure the lip on the back of the drum adjusts properly against the seal on the rear buckhead of the dryer. You are almost done, but not quite, so do not put the top back on the dryer or re-tighten the screws.

8. Slip new belt into place. There will be a marked place where the belt goes. The grooved side of the belt goes down. Push the idler pulley toward the motor and double loop the belt around the pulley. Slip belt around the motor pulley. An idler assembly is held in place by tension so when the belt breaks the idler assembly will more than likely be found in the bottom of the unit. The idler assembly is a looped back strap of spring steel with a plastic wheel on one end. Push the idler wheel end upwards and towards the right to be able to fit the drive belt. The pressure or tension keeps the assembly in place.

9. Return everything to its original position. Replace the lint screen and replace the screws in the lint screen cover. Reconnect the dryer in the same way you disconnected the dryer when you started the work.

Tips & Warnings

• Sidler pulley

• Be careful of shock hazard while unplugging and plugging in the appliance.