Replace A Dryer Belt In 4 Steps

A dryer belt is one of the main components of a dryer which is attached to one side of the dryer motor. It is easy to know when the dryer belt is damaged. When the dryer belt snaps, you will hear a loud bang and a stationary drum. However, the dryer belt need not always be completely damaged and may simply need a replacement. Replacing the belt is fairly simple and you will just need to follow a few basic steps.

Step 1
This involves preparing the dryer for replacing the belt. Unplug the dryer from the mains socket and remove the lint screen cover, if it is not installed on the inside of the door. Remove the two screws under the cover and using a thin blade putty knife, unlatch the dryer top. Press down on the knife to release the locking clip, lifting the corner and then releasing the clip on the other side. Now, you can swing the top up and lean it against the wall.

Step 2
Now, we need to work on the lower toe panel. Once again, use the putty knife in between the lower panel and door panel on one side to twist and release the clip. Next, release the opposite clip and lift up the panel away from the hinge springs. Place a scrap wood in front of the dryer to support the dryer drum. At the bottom of the front panel, loosen the two screws and remove the screws located on the inside of the front panel. Now, you have access to the old belt, which you can slide off the drum.

Step 3
This step involves installing the belt. Let the drum rest on the scrap wood. Now, drop the new belt between the front panel and the drum, looping it over the drum. Now, you need to life the drum slightly while pushing the front panel back into position. Now that the work on the drum is completed, replace the screws from the top inside of the front panel and tighten the lower panel screws. Ensure that the rear drum seal fits as intended over the lip on the rear bulkhead. Position the new belt where the old belt was with the grooved side of the belt facing down.

Step 4
You have almost reached the end of the installation. Pull out the old belt and route the new belt over the idler and drive pulley. While routing, pass the entire belt, doubled up, under the idler pulley. Next, push the idler belt towards the motor, slipping the belt around the motor pulley such that the tension on the idler pulley is released. Finally, open the dryer door and rotate the drum counterclockwise to confirm that the belt is seated correctly. Engage the clips by lowering the top and pressing down at each corner. Replace the two screws under the lint screen cover and reinstall the lint screen. Now, you are ready to test run the dryer before using it like before.