3 Simple Steps to Repair a Broken Dryer Belt

If your dryer has stopped working correctly, you might have a faulty dryer belt. Your dryer has a belt that helps the drum rotate when you turn your appliance on. Sometimes the dryer belt can move out of position, which will prevent your dryer from working correctly. If this happens, the belt can be repositioned. However, in some cases, the dryer belt will need to be replaced.

To find out if the dryer belt needs to be repaired or replaced, simply follow our three-step guide. Hopefully, you’ll be able to fix your dryer belt quickly so you can start using your appliance again.

Step 1 – Locate the dryer belt

The first step is to locate the dryer belt so you can gain access to it. Once you’ve followed the instructions below, you’ll be able to access and, if necessary, remove the dryer drum so you can inspect the belt.

Here’s how to locate the dryer belt:

• Before going any further, turn off the power to your dryer by unplugging it. 
• Pull the dryer out from the wall or cabinet.
• You now need to remove the panels from the dryer so you can access the dryer belt.

• Start by removing the top panels. This can be done by locating the screws that hold it in place and then unthreading them with the appropriate type of screwdriver. Once the screws are unthreaded, the panel can be removed.
• You should now be able to remove the control panel. This can be done by unthreading the screws that hold the panel in place and by disconnecting the wire harnesses.
• Once the control panel is removed, open the dryer door and remove the lint filter. You should now be able to see a couple of screws that you need to remove. 
• Next, remove the front panel. This can be done by unthreading the screws that connect the front panel to the support piece. Once the screws are unthreaded, gently remove the front panel by disconnecting the wire harness that connects the panel to the door switch.
• Locate the light bulb and disconnect the wire harnesses from it. You can then unthread the screws that hold the support piece in position. This will allow you to take the support piece out of the dryer.
• Locate the sensor and disconnect the wire harness.
• Locate the bulkhead and remove the screws that hold it in place. You should now be able to take the bulkhead out.

Step 2 – Inspect the dryer belt

Once you’ve removed all of the panels and other components from your dryer, you should be able to locate the dryer belt. You can now inspect it to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Here’s how to inspect the dryer belt:

• Locate the dryer belt. (It’s wrapped around the drum.) 
• Check the belt for damage and ensure it’s positioned in the center of the drum. You also need to ensure it’s connected properly to the idler and motor pulleys.
• If the belt has moved out of position, adjust it. You can then reattach all of the panels and components to your dryer and test if it now works correctly. If the dryer still doesn’t work correctly, you need to consider replacing the belt.
• If the belt is damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to replace it. Before you can replace it, you need to remove the damaged belt. This can be done by cutting it and then carefully removing it from the drum and the pulleys.
• Remove the dryer drum from the dryer so you can install the new belt.

Step 3 – Replace the dryer belt

If you need to install a new dryer belt, simply follow the instructions below. Before replacing the belt, you need to purchase the correct replacement part.

• Remove the new dryer belt from the packaging.
• Place the new belt around the dryer drum (The groove side of the dryer belt needs to be against the drum).
• Place the dryer drum into your dryer. Make sure the drum is sitting on the rollers.
• Next, thread the belt through both pulleys.
• Once correctly positioned, manually rotate the drum to ensure the belt is working correctly and nothing is obstructing it.
• If the dryer belt is working correctly, you can put your dryer back together.
• Start by reinstalling the bulkhead and securing it in place with the correct screws.
• Reconnect the sensor and light bulb to the wire harnesses you disconnected earlier.
• Reattach the support piece and secure it with the correct screws.
• Reattach the control panel and reconnect the wire harness to it. Secure it with the correct screws.
• Reattach the front panel and secure it with the correct screws.
• Rethread the two screws under the lint filter.
• Reattach the top panel by placing it into position and then securing it with the correct screws.
• Plug your dryer back into the power socket.
• Turn the dryer on and check if it works correctly. If your dryer still doesn’t work, you need to get a technician to come and inspect it.