If your dryer is making a loud thumping noise or the drum isn’t turning, the belt is probably the culprit. Replacing a dryer belt is one of the most common fixes you can do yourself, and it saves you the call‑out fee of a technician. In this guide we’ll show you how to spot a bad belt, what tools you’ll need, and the exact steps to get it swapped out quickly.
Before you pull the dryer apart, check a few easy signs. A broken or stretched belt will cause the drum to stop rotating while the dryer still heats up. You might also hear a squeaking sound as the motor tries to turn a jammed drum. If you open the dryer’s front panel and see the belt cracked, frayed, or missing teeth on the pulleys, it’s time for a replacement.
Another tip: run the dryer for a minute with the door open (if it’s safe to do so). If the drum spins freely, the belt is likely intact. If it stalls or feels loose, the belt is the problem.
Gather these tools: a screwdriver set (Phillips and flat‑head), a nut driver or socket wrench, a pair of needle‑nose pliers, and the correct replacement belt for your dryer model. Most belts are inexpensive and can be ordered online using your dryer’s make and model number.
1. Unplug the dryer. Safety first – disconnect the power cord from the outlet. 2. Remove the lint filter and front panel. Usually a few screws hold the panel in place; set them aside. 3. Take off the drum. Loosen the drum screws, then gently lift the drum out of the dryer cabinet. You’ll see the old belt looped around the drum, tensioner pulley, and motor pulley. 4. Release the tension. Most dryers have a spring‑loaded tensioner. Push the tensioner arm to release the belt, then slide the belt off the pulleys. 5. Fit the new belt. Loop the new belt around the motor pulley first, then the drum, and finally over the tensioner. Pull the tensioner arm back into place so the belt tightens. 6. Reassemble. Slip the drum back into the cabinet, re‑insert the screws, replace the front panel, and put the lint filter back. 7. Test the dryer. Plug it back in and run a short cycle. The drum should spin smoothly and the noise should be gone.
If any step feels too tricky—especially if your dryer has a sealed front panel or you can’t locate the tensioner—don’t hesitate to call a local repair service. They can replace the belt in under an hour, and the cost is usually comparable to the price of the belt plus a small labor fee.
Regular maintenance helps avoid belt failures. Clean the lint screen after every load, and vacuum the dryer vent and back of the drum monthly. A clean dryer runs cooler, which reduces belt wear and extends the life of other components.
In most cases, a dryer belt replacement takes under two hours from start to finish. With the right tools and a little patience, you can fix the problem yourself and get your laundry back on track without waiting for a technician.
Discover why your tumble dryer won't spin, learn the top causes, step‑by‑step diagnostics, DIY fixes, maintenance tips, and when to call a professional.
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