How to Replace or Fix Dryer Belts

Replacing the dryer belt is a project that can be done in less than an hour. The dryer belt will occasionally need to be changed because of wear or breakage, due to the heat generated within the dryer as well as the constant movement of the belt. Many dryer manufacturers use the same mechanical designs and parts in models within their lines. You can replace the dryer belt yourself and save the time and expense of calling a repairman to fix the dryer for you.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Wood blocks

Instructions

Accessing the Dryer Belt

1. Unplug the electrical cord of the dryer from the electrical outlet before attempting to change the drive belt.

2. Remove the lint filter from the lint filter sleeve at the top of the dryer and unfasten the screws under the lint filter cover with a screwdriver.

3. Slide a putty knife under the top lid in the front between top and the dryer base on both sides, lifting up to detach the top from the plastic clips that hold the top in place.

4. Flip the top lid back so it is resting on the rear hinges and slide the putty knife on both sides of the lower front panel, pulling outward to detach the lower panel from the dryer cabinet.

5. Move the lower front panel out of the way and locate the screws on the top of the upper front panel inside the cabinet, removing the screws with a screwdriver.

6. Tip the upper front panel away, from the cabinet and detach the door switch connector from the back of the front panel, removing the switch connector from the metal prong by hand.

7. Place wood blocks underneath the front lip of the drum to hold it in place and locate the idler arm and motor at the base of the dryer cabinet.

Replacing the Belt

1. Push the idler arm forward to release any tension on the old belt and remove the belt from the idler arm and motor pulleys as well as from around the drum, lifting up slightly on the front of the drum to move the belt past the wood blocks.

2. Lift the front of the drum up and slip the new belt over the drum, setting the drum back down on the blocks and placing the new belt in the V-groove in the center of the drum.

3. Loop the new belt underneath the idler arm pulley and move the idler arm forward to give you enough room to place the end of the belt around the motor pulley, letting the idler arm move back to apply tension to the belt.

4. Check the belt to verify that there are no twists in the belt and that it is lined up in the V-groove on the drum.

Assembling the Dryer Cabinet

1. Position the upper front panel in place and attach the panel with the screws at the top, plugging the door switch connector into the prong on the back of the panel by hand.

2. Attach the lower front panel against the dryer cabinet and snap the panel onto the plastic clips to hold it in place.

3. Lower the top lid back down over the dryer cabinet and push down to attach the top to the plastic clips.

4. Fasten the screws underneath the lint filter cover and slide the lint filter into the lint filter sleeve.

5. Plug the electrical cord of the dryer into the electrical outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Unplug the electrical cord of the dryer from the power source before attempting to replace the drive belt.

References

• The Virtual Repairman: How to Install a Dryer Belt

Resources

• RepairClinic.com: Dryer Belt Diagrams