How-to Replace the Dryer Belt on your Whirlpool Dryer

Like many inventions, dryers are very useful but often taken for granted. When it comes to drying clothes most people don’t think twice about the luxury of owning a perfectly working dryer.

A noisy dryer is not as bad as a completely broken dryer, but it might limit your use of this wonder machine just the same. So, we  have put together this laundry-day-saving guide on how-to replace the dryer belt on your dryer. If your dryer is making ear deafening squealing, squeaking, screeching, whining, or otherwise noisy sounds when it is tumbling then this is the how-to guide for you.

Although all dryer models look relatively similar, this guide is for Whirlpool dryers specifically as other models might come apart a little bit differently.

The tools you are going to need are:

1. 5/16th nut driver or socket
2. Phillips screwdriver
3. Putty knife
4. Container for screws

IMPORTANT! Before beginning any appliance repair, it is extremely important to make sure the appliance you are repairing is unplugged and is completely disconnected from power.

To begin this repair the first thing you will need to do is raise the top of the dryer. There are 2 spring clips, each about 3 inches from the outside edge. Use the putty knife to slide into the small opening between the front of the dryer and the top, depress the right and left springs and lift the top up. Lean the top against the side of the wall or get someone to hold it while you continue with the repair. Supporting the top is an extra safety precaution and it also will laminate strain on the brackets.

Next remove the front panel.  Now that the inside of the dryer is exposed, you have access to the two screws holding the front in place. There are two 5/16^th screws, on the upper inside right and left corners, that secure the front panel to the cabinet. The wires on the door switch and drum light might also need to be removed. Take a picture or write down the location of the wires before you remove them to make sure you can replace them properly with ease.

When you get the screws out, gently lift up on the front panel and unhook the two taps on the bottom. Set it aside.

Next remove the front bulk head. Need to remove the four 5/16^th screws that secure it to the cabinet.

Pull the drum back from the bulk head, lift up gently on it, and pull forward. Set it aside.

Now with the bulk head removed you are ready to lift the drum forward and down to release some of the tension on the belt and the idler pulley. Reach in under the drum to locate the idler pulley. Try to feel how the belt is attached to make putting the new one on easier. With the belt loosened gently pull it off.

To install the new belt place the grove side of the belt against the drum, and the flat side of the belt will be wrapped around the idler pulley. Start by placing the belt over the entire drum. Go underneath the drum to the idler pulley. The belt needs to be placed through the idler pulley and then attached to the motor. The picture shown is with the drum removed so it’s easier to see how the belt is attached. If this is done properly, the idler pulley should apply tension to the belt.

After the belt has been secured, you should check the rear felt that is on the back end of the drum to make sure it has not been folded under. If it has, use a screwdriver to pop it out while spinning the dryer drum. Finish by re-connecting any wires if necessary and replacing the front and top of the dryer.

Finally add your laundry and enjoy the treat of a peaceful dry cycle, and the satisfaction that you fixed it yourself!

This article was brought to you by PartSelect.com, an online, do-it-yourself appliance repair resource. Our Virtual Repairman™, free repair guides, videos, insulation instructions and diagrams are tools to help you at every stage of your repair from diagnosing the problem to installing the part.

Image Credit: PartSelect.com