How to Replace a GE Dryer Drive Belt

Founded in 1890 by the legendary Thomas Edison, General Electric has been manufacturing home electronics and appliances for well over 100 years. GE dryers are known for their reliability, but even the best dryers can break down over time. All GE dryers use a belt attached to a motor to rotate the drum and tumble your clothes. This rubber belt can wear down with age and crack or break. Once that happens, you must replace the belt for your dryer to operate properly.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips, flat head and hex nut screwdrivers
• Replacement drum belt

Instructions

1. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet.

2. Open the dryer door and remove the screws along the bottom edge of the dryer's top panel. Lift the top panel up and rotate it toward the back of the dryer.

3. Remove the screws along the inside edge of the dryer's front panel. Lift the front panel up to disengage the lower retaining clips. Slide the front panel off to the side of the dryer. Don't slide it too far, as the door switch wires are still attached to the panel.

4. Move around to the back of the dryer. Remove the screws holding the access panel in the lower corner of the dryer in place and remove the panel. Reach through the hole and unhook the drum belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley. Return to the front of the dryer. Slide the belt off of the dryer's drum.

5. Slide a new belt over the drum. Move to the back of the dryer. Loop the belt around the motor pulley and run it over the idler pulley. Refer to the Resource below for an image of how the belt should look when strung through the pulleys.

6. Replace the dryer's front panel and lower the top panel and replace the screws. Plug the dryer back into the electrical outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Never attempt to replace the belt while your dryer is still plugged in.

References

• Appliance Aid: How to Take Apart a GE Dryer

Resources

• Appliance Aid: GE Drum Belt Configuration