How To Replace A Dryer Drive Belt | Repair Guide - Sears Parts Direct

This DIY dryer repair guide has step-by-step instructions for replacing a broken dryer belt. The dryer drive belt turns the dryer drum when the drive motor turns. If the drive belt breaks, the motor runs, but the drum won't move. You can easily check whether the drive belt is broken by lifting the top and inspecting the belt. Replace a damaged or broken drive belt with the manufacturer-approved dryer part.

The video below shows how to replace a broken drive belt in a gas dryer, but the repair steps are the same for electric dryers. This repair procedure covers Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Crosley and Estate dryers with a lint screen housing located in the top dryer panel.

Replacing a drive belt on a dryer

Instructions

1. Shut off the power

Unplug the dryer. If it's a gas dryer, shut off the gas.

Wear work gloves to protect your hands.

2. Raise the top panel

Pull the lint screen out of the housing in the top panel of the dryer.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 2 screws that secure the lint screen housing to the top panel. To release the clips that lock the top of the dryer in place, push a putty knife under the lid near the left and right edges of the front of the dryer.

Lift the top and prop it securely against the wall behind the dryer.

3. Remove the front panel

Use a slot screwdriver to release the locking tab on the wire harness plug for the door switch. Disconnect the wire harness.

Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the front panel mounting screws from the inside of the dryer.

Pull the front panel forward slightly, and then lift and unhook it from the 2 bottom hangers.

Pull the front panel off of the dryer and set it aside.

4. Remove the drive belt

Pull the broken belt out of the dryer.

5. Install the new drive belt

Position the new drive belt on the dryer drum. Lift the front of the drum to access the drive motor and idler pulley.

Thread the drive belt through the idler pulley.

Push the idler pulley to the right and loop the drive belt over the motor pulley.

Tip: While the dryer is open, vacuum the dust and lint from inside the dryer.6. Reinstall the front panel

Position the front panel on the hangers at the bottom of the dryer.

Line up the mounting holes and reinstall the screws in the top of the front panel to secure it to the dryer.

Plug the wire harness back into the plug on the door switch. Make sure the locking tab engages properly.

7. Reassemble the top panel

Lower the top panel and snap it into place.

Reinstall the screws in the lint duct housing and reinstall the lint screen.

8. Restore power to the dryer

Plug the dryer into the wall outlet. If it's a gas dryer, turn on the gas supply to the dryer.