How to Replace a Drive Belt on a Kenmore Washing Machine

Replacing the drive belt on a Kenmore washing machine is a fairly simple process that can be completed in less than an hour. Kenmore washers are part of the Sears line of appliances and share many of the same mechanical features and systems, including the drive belt design. Occasionally, since the belt is constantly moving while the washer is working, the drive belt will wear out or break, requiring a replacement. You can change the belt yourself and save the time and expense of calling a professional to do the work.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench

Instructions

1. Unplug the electrical cord of the Kenmore washing machine from the electrical outlet before you replace the drive belt.

2. Push in and pull back to remove the end caps from the control console and locate the screws on the bottom of the console face.

3. Unfasten the screws on the front of the control console with a screwdriver and flip the console back so that it rests on the rear hinges.

4. Unplug the lid switch on the top of the washer near the back by hand and pry up the metal clips in the rear of the top lid with a screwdriver.

5. Slide the top lid forward and remove it from the washer base, setting the top aside. Locate the motor and bracket at the bottom of the cabinet.

6. Unfasten the nuts on the bottom of the motor bracket with a socket wrench and move the motor on the bracket to loosen the tension on the belt.

7. Take the belt off the motor and transmission pulleys and replace it with a new belt, running it around the transmission pulley first and then around the motor pulley.

8. Slide the motor back on the bracket so the new belt is tight and reattach the nuts to the motor bracket with a socket wrench.

9. Place the top lid back over the washer cabinet and secure it by fastening the metal clips down over the top.

10. Plug the lid switch into the top of the washer lid by hand and flip the control console back down over the top, securing it with screws on the front.

11. Fasten the end caps over the control console, snapping them into place by hand and plug the electrical cord of the Kenmore washing machine into the electrical outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Always unplug the electrical cord of the Kenmore washing machine from the power source before attempting to replace the drive belt.

References

• Appliance Aid, replacing a Kenmore washer drive belt

Resources

• PC appliance repair, Kenmore washer drive belts and parts