A damaged dryer belt might be the reason your clothes dryer isn’t working right. Here’s how to deal with it.
Your clothes dryer, also known as a tumble dryer, is a crucial household machine for drying washed clothes, bedding, and fabrics.
But when your dryer starts acting up, a worn-out dryer belt might be the cause. This guide will help you figure out and fix or change a broken dryer belt, so you can get your appliance back in working order.
Step 1 – Finding the Dryer Belt
First off, to troubleshoot your dryer belt, follow these easy steps to get to it and check its condition:
- Cut the power to your dryer by unplugging it.
- Pull the dryer away from the wall or cabinet.
- Take off the top panels by finding and undoing the screws holding them.
- Remove the control panel by undoing the screws and disconnecting the wire connections.
- Open the dryer door, take out the lint filter, and unscrew the visible screws.
- Disconnect the wires from the light bulb and remove the support piece by undoing the screws.
- Find and disconnect the wire from the sensor.
- Undo the screws holding the bulkhead in place and remove it.
Step 2 – Checking the Dryer Belt
With all panels and parts removed, check the dryer belt to see if it needs fixing or replacing. Follow these steps:
- Find the dryer belt, which loops around the drum.
- Inspect the belt for any signs of wear and ensure it sits centrally on the drum, properly connecting to the idler and motor pulleys.
- If the belt has shifted, adjust its position accordingly. Reattach all panels and parts, then test the dryer to check if it works correctly. If not, think about fitting a new belt.
- If the belt is beyond repair, you’ll need to replace it. Cut away the damaged belt and delicately take it off from the drum and pulleys.
- Take out the dryer drum from the unit to put on the new belt.
Step 3 – Installing the New Dryer Belt
After getting the right replacement part, follow these steps to fit the new dryer belt:
- Take the new dryer belt out of its packaging.
- Wrap the new belt around the dryer drum, making sure the grooved side is against the drum.
- Put the drum back into the dryer, ensuring it rests on the rollers.
- Thread the belt through both the idler and motor pulleys.
- Turn the drum manually to check that the belt is working properly and isn’t snagged.
- If the dryer belt is working as it should, put the dryer back together.
- Begin by reattaching the bulkhead and securing it with the correct screws.
- Connect the sensor and light bulb to the wire harnesses.
- Put back the support piece and secure it with the appropriate screws.
- Reattach the control panel, securing it with the right screws and reconnecting the wire harness.
- Put back the front panel and secure it with the correct screws.
- Tighten the two screws under the lint filter.
- Put back the top panel by positioning it correctly and securing it with the appropriate screws.
- Plug the dryer back into the power socket.
- Switch on the dryer and make sure it’s working properly. If it still isn’t functioning correctly, think about getting a certified technician to take a look.
Wrap Up
With this straightforward three-step guide, fixing a broken dryer belt and getting your clothes dryer back in action is a breeze.
If your appliance is showing its age, perhaps it’s worth considering an upgrade. For this, we suggest checking out your local electronics shop for a great range of top-quality appliances.
Don’t allow a broken dryer belt to throw off your daily laundry routine—get it sorted today!
