How to Replace a Belt on a GE Dryer

The belt on a dryer is one of its simplest components but also one of the most important. If the belt on your General Electric dryer stops working or is slipping so much that the dryer makes a screeching noise, you can replace it yourself. The only difficult part is getting into the dryer to restring the new belt.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver with multiple bits
• Pencil and paper

Instructions

1. Unplug the dryer and pull it out from the wall.

2. Remove the top of the dryer by opening the door and taking out the screws along the top of the opening, then lifting the top. Remove the front of the dryer by reaching down into the opening at the top and taking out the screws holding the front in place. Move the front piece out of the way just enough so you can get to the drum inside, without disconnecting the electrical wires running from the front piece to the unit.

3. Move to the back of the dryer and remove the screws holding on the small access panel at the bottom. Remove the panel. This will give access to the two pulleys holding the thin belt that runs around the drum. With your pencil and paper, draw a diagram showing exactly how the pulleys are strung. Then slip the belt off the pulleys so it's hanging loosely on the drum.

4. Return to the front of the dry and pull the belt off the drum from the front. Put the new belt on the drum from the front, laying the ribbed side against the surface of the drum.

5. Return to the back of the dryer and restring the belt through the two pulleys, using your diagram as a guide. Use your hands to manually turn the drum at least one full turn to make sure the belt is lined up.

Tips & Warnings

• Never work on any electrical appliance without first unplugging it.

References

• Taking apart a GE-style dryer.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish