How to Fix a Drive Belt on a Clothes Dryer
The convenience of just tossing your wet clothes into the dryer is far more appealing than waiting half a day for them to dry outside on a clothesline. When your dryer stops working, getting it up and running again is a top priority. Oftentimes, the problem can be lint trapped in the filter or exhaust hose; but if the drum has stopped turning, it is likely your dryer belt needs replacing. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Unplug the dryer's power cord from the wall. If you have been using the dryer, wait for a few minutes until it cools down.
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2
Lift the top cover of the dryer. If you have a lint trap on the top, you will have to remove a couple of screws. Use a small pry bar or putty knife to pop the top corners up. The top of a dryer is usually attached with hinges at the back.
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3
Inspect the dryer belt to see if it is worn or broken. If the belt has snapped, reach in and pull it away from the drum.
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4
Remove the lower front panel of the dryer. Insert the putty knife between the panel and each side of the dryer, then pop it open.
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5
Place wooden blocks or some other support underneath the dryer drum so it will remain in place as you work.
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6
Loosen the screws that hold the bottom front section to the sides but don't remove them completely. Remove the screws that connect the same panel to the sides at the top.
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Pull the top of the front panel away from the sides and slide the new belt over the drum. Find the location of the old belt and move the new belt into its place. You will have to double loop the belt over the drum and under the idler pulley wheel, then around the motor's drive pulley to secure the belt correctly.
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8
Reach into the drum and manually rotate the drum counterclockwise to make sure the belt is on properly. Replace all the parts you removed then your dryer is ready to use.
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References
- Photo Credit laundry dial image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com
