How to Replace a Dryer Belt in 5 Steps

Dryers are pretty simple appliances that rarely break down or need fixing, so it’s especially frustrating if yours isn’t working properly. Although dryers usually have a long lifespan, some issues can occur, particularly with high levels of use.

The dryer belt is one part of your dryer that’s susceptible to wear and tear. With time, the belt can become worn, stretched, or frayed, which prevents the dryer drum from turning properly. If this is happening to your dryer, don’t start looking at possible replacement dryers right away! Replacing the belt is a relatively simple task. With just a little work, you could ensure your dryer has many functional years left. 

Signs Your Dryer Belt Is Wearing Out

Before you start pulling apart your dryer and installing a replacement belt, you need to make completely sure that the belt is the problem. There are a few telltale signs that there’s an issue with your dryer belt, including:

• Squeaking or scraping noises as the dryer drum rotates.
• Thumping noises caused by a loose or stretched belt.
• A dryer drum that doesn’t rotate at all but still produces heat and air. 

If your dryer is displaying any of these symptoms, a visual inspection of the belt can confirm the problem. A belt that needs to be replaced may appear:

• Cracked and dry
• Frayed and thin
• Loose around the drum
• Snapped entirely. 

Any of these symptoms mean you need to replace the entire belt in order to get your dryer functioning again. 

If your dryer is still functioning with a damaged belt but making strange noises, you must stop using it immediately. Using a dryer with a loose belt can lead to more damage down the line from excessive friction and wear and tear. It’s just not worth it. 

Sourcing a Replacement Belt

Once you’ve established that the dryer belt needs to be replaced, it’s time to purchase a new one. You’ll need to figure out the exact make and model of your dryer to ensure you get the right replacement belt as size and thickness can vary between models. You can look online at appliance part retailers or you can source one directly from your dryer’s manufacturer. Make sure you purchase a high-quality replacement, not a cheap knockoff part as these can be prone to breaking. If you prefer, you can contact an appliance repair technician who can source a belt and install it for you. 

Steps for Replacing the Belt

Step 1: Unplug your dryer 

First things first, you need to disconnect your dryer from its power source. You’ll be taking your dryer apart to complete this repair. And even though you won’t be dealing directly with the electronics of your dryer, it can still be dangerous. 

You can disconnect the dryer by simply unplugging it from the wall socket or you can flip the circuit breaker for your dryer to turn off the power. If you have a gas-powered dryer, make sure the gas supply is turned off. 

Step 2: Remove the necessary panels

Access to the dryer belt will differ depending on your dryer’s make and model, so make sure you consult your manual before you begin. If you don’t still have a physical copy of your manual, you can find it online by Googling the make and model of your dryer followed by the word ‘manual’. In most makes and models, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Loosen the top panel. You may need to remove screws or clips to loosen it. In some models, you’ll need to remove the lint filter and undo the screws that are located in the filter housing. 
• Pry the top panel off and lift it away. Make sure you keep the screws in a safe location to use later. 
• Remove the front panel. Again, you may need to remove screws or clips. Lift the front panel away; you should now be able to see the drum and belt. 

Step 3: Remove the old belt

Once you have access to the drum, take a picture of how the old belt is threaded through the motor pulley and idler pulley. This will help you when you’re installing the new belt. To remove the old one:

• Loosen the belt by moving the idler pulley to the side. 
• Carefully slide the old belt off the drum/the motor pulley, and discard it.

Step 4: Install the new belt

Once the old belt is gone, it’s time to install the new belt. 

• Remove the new belt from its packaging.
• Put the belt around the drum, ensuring it’s properly seated into the groove on the drum. 
• Referring to the picture you took, if necessary, thread the belt around the motor pulley and idler pulley. 
• Adjust the idler pulley so that the belt is properly tensioned. 
• Try turning the drum by hand to ensure it rotates smoothly and silently. 

Step 5: Put your dryer back together

Once the new belt is in place, it’s time to put everything back together. 

• Put the front panel back into place, screwing it firmly into position if applicable. 
• Replace the top panel, again ensuring it is tightly in place. 
• If you removed the lint filter, ensure it is replaced. 
• Once the dryer is back together, make sure it’s back in place and restore power to the appliance. 
• Run a short test cycle, listening for unusual sounds. The drum should rotate smoothly without any squeaking, scraping, or banging sounds. If you hear any unusual noises, you may need to repeat the process to check that the belt is properly installed.