How to Replace an Amana Dryer Belt

Amana dryers are known for their affordability while still offering useful features such as automatic dryness control, wrinkle prevention, and a large capacity.

If the drive belt has broken on your Amana dryer, it will no longer spin, rendering the machine almost useless. Fortunately, replacing the belt is a task many people can do themselves, and at little cost.

This article will show you step-by-step instructions on how to replace the belt on an Amana dryer.

How to replace the belt on an Amana dryer

Follow these 7 steps to replace the drum belt.

Step 1: Order a replacement belt

You can buy a replacement belt for your Amana dryer from various outlets, but the easiest option likely is to order it online from an appliance parts website or a platform like Amazon or eBay.

Alternatively, you may be able to purchase one from a local appliance store or repair shop. Replacement Amana dryer belts are generally inexpensive.

Remember to always verify that the belt is compatible with your dryer’s model number before purchasing to avoid accidentally purchasing the wrong one.

Step 2: Unplug the dryer

This simple step ensures you don’t accidentally electrocute yourself when disassembling the dryer and changing the belt. If you have a gas model dryer, it’s also recommended to shut off the gas supply before replacing the belt.

Step 3: Lift the top panel

Lifting the top panel will allow you to inspect the belt, and then remove the front panel, which is necessary for changing the belt.

To lift the top panel, first remove the lint screen and the two screws located beneath it in the housing. Then, use a flathead screwdriver or putty knife to gently pry the top panel up from the front until it releases from the clips securing it.

Once released, lift the top panel all the way up and prop it against the wall behind the appliance. You don’t need to remove the top panel completely.

Step 4: Remove the front panel

Before removing the front panel, locate the door switch wiring connector at the top right inside the panel and disconnect it.

On the inside top of the panel, you’ll find two screws, one in each corner. Remove these with a screwdriver.

With the screws removed and the wire disconnected, lift the front panel straight up to release it from the base clips, then set it aside.

Step 5: Install the new belt

Before installing the new belt, locate and remove the old, broken belt. It may be lying on the base of the appliance or still partially wrapped around the drum.

Remove the new belt from its packaging and slide it over the drum, ensuring the black grooved side is facing the drum. Position the belt where the old belt marks are visible on the drum.

Finally, locate the idler pulley and motor pulley at the bottom of the dryer. Thread the belt through the pulleys, guiding it around the idler pulley first and then wrapping it around the motor pulley.

Once fitted, check that no parts of the belt are twisted, and then rotate the drum one full turn manually with your hand to ensure proper alignment.

Step 6: Reassemble your dryer

Now that the belt is fitted properly, you can reassemble the dryer. However, before doing so, it’s a good idea to clean the dryer while you have access to its interior.

Remove any large pieces of debris or foreign objects, such as coins, with your hands or a dustpan and brush, and then use a vacuum cleaner to remove any lint that has accumulated on the base and other areas.

To reassemble the dryer, start by positioning the front panel from the bottom so it slides into the base clips on the side walls. Then secure the front panel with the two screws you removed earlier. Then reconnect the door switch wiring harness.

Lower the top panel carefully, and then press down firmly on both sides until the spring clips engage. Replace the two screws near the lint screen housing and reinsert the lint screen.

Step 7: Test the dryer

It’s now safe to plug the dryer back in and/or turn on the gas supply. Test the dryer by running a cycle to see if it’s now spinning correctly. If there are any issues, the belt may not have been installed properly, and you will need to check it again.

If you’re still having issues with your Amana dryer after you verify that the belt has been correctly installed, you could consider hiring a professional appliance technician to inspect and fix your machine.

Tips to reduce the chances of the belt breaking again

You can expect a newly fitted drive belt to last for several years; however, there are some tips to follow to ensure it doesn’t break prematurely, such as:

• Avoid overloading the dryer as this can put additional strain on the belt and motor, which can lead to premature wear or breakage.
• When fitting the new belt, check that the idler pulley, motor, and drum—where the belt wraps around—are clean to avoid excess friction.
• Clean the lint filter after every load to avoid the dryer overheating, which can stress the belt.
• Allow the dryer to cool down between loads to avoid stressing the belt through overheating.

Summary

Replacing the drive belt on an Amana dryer is straightforward for anyone with basic DIY skills and tools, and the belt is quite inexpensive. Just follow the seven steps outlined above and your dryer should be up and running again in no time. Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable doing the repair yourself, you can have a professional complete the job for you.