The Dryer Drum Does Not Turn

The dryer drum runs on a belt attached to a motor.

Your typical clothes dryer runs on electricity or gas which powers the internal components that move the dryer drum. The drum moves your clothes inside the dryer while hot air blows through, quickly drying the clothes. The drum is turned by a belt that runs along an idler pulley and spring. The idler pulley is turned by the motor of the machine. If the dryer has power and sounds like it is running, but the drum is not turning, you may have a broken belt. A broken belt will squeal and make making a burning smell.

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the dryer by turning off the fuse at the fuse box.

2. Remove the lower front panel of the dryer if you do not know where the motor is located by removing the screws. Lift up on the panel and pull out if there are no screws.

3. Inspect the drum belt for breaks, blockage or damage that may prevent the belt from moving properly. A loose belt that is broken in half or has cracks on it should be replaced.

4. Remove the damaged belt and look for the model number on the belt. Use the model number to order a new belt from your manufacturer. Check the owner's manual for the customer service contact number for the dryer. If the belt looks OK, check the idler pulley (instructions are in section 2).

5. Wrap the new belt around the drum of the machine. Bring the drum belt around the inside of the idler pulley and the outside of the motor wheel. The belt should look like a backward 'S' when place properly around the pulley and the motor wheel.

6. Replace the front panel, turn on the power and test the machine.

Further troubleshooting

1. Inspect the dryer to make sure it is receiving power from the outlet. Plug in an appliance known to work to test the outlet.

2. Turn off the power at the fuse.

3. Lift off the front plate of the machine by pulling it up to release the catches, or by unscrewing the screws.

4. Inspect the idler pulley by reaching up into the dryer and pulling on the belt. The idler pulley moves the belt and keeps it from slipping. The belt should go under the idler pulley and over the motor pulley. Lift the idler pulley to relieve pressure on the belt. Make sure the arm moves properly. Turn the idler wheel to make sure it moves smoothly. Have the idler serviced by a professional if the idler pulley is not moving properly.

5. Call a service professional if these methods fail, or consider buying a new machine.

References

• Acme How-To: Learn How-to Fix a Dryer
• Home Tips: Clothes Dryer Troubleshooting and Repair