Clothes dryer with its vent duct in a small laundry closet

Generic photo: Introspectivedsgn · Pexels License

Replacing a broken or slipping dryer drum belt

A broken belt leaves the motor spinning with no drum movement. Open the cabinet, put the new belt around the drum with the ribbed side against the drum, then route it through the idler and onto the motor pulley. Inspect the idler and rollers while you are in there.

Cross-checked ~50 min moderateBrands: Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Samsung, LG, GE

Before you start

Unplug the dryer.
Gas models: close the gas shutoff and do not disturb the burner or gas line.
Sharp cabinet edges: wear gloves.

Diagnostic steps

Unlock all 7 steps with expected values

Full library + AI assistant for $34.90, one time.

Get lifetime access

OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work.

More dryers guides

Guide · Dryer

Ventless dryer not drying: cleaning the filters, condenser and heat exchanger

Ventless dryers depend on clean air passages. Lint that gets past the door filter settles on the condenser or heat exchanger and drying time climbs. Clean every filter stage first, then the condenser or exchanger, then check the water path.

8 steps ~40 mineasy

Guide · Dryer

Dryer squeaks, squeals or thumps: drum rollers, idler pulley, glides and rear bearing

Drum noise usually comes from four wear parts: the drum support rollers (thump, squeak), the idler pulley (squeal or whine), the front glides or bearing slides (scraping) and, on some designs, a rear drum bearing (squeal, drum moves front to back). Take the belt off and turn the drum by hand to find which one it is. Replace rollers as a set.

9 steps ~75 minmoderate

Component test · Dryer

How to test a dryer thermal fuse

A thermal fuse is a one-time safety link that opens permanently when the exhaust gets too hot. It is a simple continuity test, but a blown fuse is a symptom: the real cause is almost always a restricted vent or a failed cycling thermostat.

5 steps ~20 mineasy