July 01, 2015

How to replace a laundry center dryer drive belt

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the dryer drive belt in a laundry center. The dryer drive belt turns the dryer drum when the drive motor pulley turns. If the dryer belt breaks, the motor runs but the drum won't move. Replace a broken dryer drive belt with the manufacturer-approved laundry center part.

This procedure shows how to replace the dryer drive belt in Kenmore, Frigidaire, Gibson, Crosley and White-Westinghouse laundry centers.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Phillips screwdriver

#2 Square-head screwdriver

Step ladder

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

60 minutes or less

Replacing a dryer drive belt on a laundry center

This video shows how to replace the dryer drive belt on a laundry center.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the power
Unplug the laundry center. If the dryer uses gas, shut off the gas supply.
Wear work gloves to protect your hands. Enlist a helper to assist you when moving the laundry center.
02.
Remove the rear access panel
With your helper, pull the laundry center away from the wall to access the rear dryer panel.
Remove the screws from the rear access panel and pull off the access panel.
PHOTO: Remove the screws from the rear access panel.
PHOTO: Remove the rear access panel.
03.
Remove the heat shield
Remove the mounting screws from the front access panel and pull off the panel.
Remove the mounting screws from the heat shield and pull the heat shield off.
PHOTO: Remove the access panel mounting screws.
PHOTO: Remove the front access panel.
PHOTO: Remove the heat shield screws.
PHOTO: Remove the heat shield.
04.
Release the control panel
Remove the mounting screws holding the control panel to the laundry center frame.
Pull the control panel down and forward to release it from the laundry center frame.
Let the control panel hang by the wires below the dryer front panel.
PHOTO: Remove the control panel mounting screws.
PHOTO: Release the control panel from the laundry center frame.
05.
Remove the front panel
Remove the 2 mounting screws at the bottom of the front panel.
Unplug the door switch wire harness.
Remove the 4 mounting screws from the top of the front panel and pull off the front panel.
PHOTO: Remove the bottom screws from the dryer front panel.
PHOTO: Unplug the dryer door switch harness.
PHOTO: Remove the top screws from the dryer front panel.
PHOTO: Remove the dryer front panel.
06.
Remove the dryer drive belt
If the belt isn’t broken, reach into the dryer through the rear access panel and release the drive belt from the motor pulley.
From the front of the dryer, raise the dryer drum slightly and pull the drive belt out of the dryer.
PHOTO: Release the dryer belt from the motor pulley.
PHOTO: Remove the belt from the dryer.
07.
Install the new dryer drive belt
From the front of the dryer, slightly raise the drum and slide the new belt over the drum.
From the back of the dryer, reach into the dryer and route the belt over the idler pulley and around the motor pulley.
PHOTO: Install the new dryer belt.
08.
Reinstall the front panel
Position the front panel on the laundry center frame and reinstall the top mounting screws.
Reconnect the door switch wire harness.
Reinstall the bottom mounting screws on the front panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the dryer front panel.
PHOTO: Reconnect the door switch wires.
09.
Reinstall the control panel
Push the control panel into the laundry center frame and reinstall the control panel mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the control panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the control panel screws.
10.
Reinstall the heat shield
Position the heat shield on the frame and reinstall the mounting screws.
Position the front access panel on the laundry center frame and reinstall the mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the heat shield.
PHOTO: Reinstall the heat shield screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the front access panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the access panel mounting screws.
11.
Reinstall the rear access panel
Push the motor access panel into the rear panel of the dryer and reinstall the mounting screws.
Move the laundry center back into place.
PHOTO: Reinstall the rear access panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the rear access panel screws.
12.
Restore power to the laundry center
Plug the laundry center into the wall outlet. If the dryer uses gas, turn on the gas supply.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.