Introduction
If an Amana dryer with a top-right lint screen won’t start or the drum won’t tumble, a broken or slipped drive belt is a common cause. This guide shows how to open the cabinet, remove the front door panel, replace the belt, and check the idler pulley and drum rollers while you’re inside.
What you need
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Step 1 Prepare for safety
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Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet, or switch off the dryer breaker.
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Step 2 Remove the lint filter and blower housing screws
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Pull the lint filter out of the top-right lint screen opening.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws located on the blower housing in the lint filter opening.
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Step 3 Release the top panel clips
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Slide a putty knife under the front edge of the top panel to press in the spring clips.
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Lift the top panel as you depress each clip to pop it free.
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Step 4 Disconnect the door switch harness
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Lift the top panel enough to access the door switch wiring on the right side.
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Use the flat edge of a putty knife or a small flathead screwdriver to release the door switch harness.
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Depress the clips on both sides of the connector before pulling it apart.
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Step 5 Remove the dryer door assembly
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Open the dryer door to access the mounting screws inside the doorway.
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Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to remove the two screws that hold the entire door assembly to the cabinet.
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Pull the front face of the cabinet out slightly, then lift the door assembly straight up to unhook it from the bulkhead arms.
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Step 6 Release belt tension and remove the old belt
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Look under the drum and note the belt routing and the idler pulley position before removing anything.
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Pull the idler pulley to relieve tension, and slip the belt off the motor pulley to remove it.
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Step 7 Optionally remove the drum for inspection and cleaning
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Leave the drum in place if you only want to replace the belt.
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Lift up on the belt and use it as a handle to lift the drum out of the cabinet if you want extra room for cleaning or inspection.
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Check the drum roller wheels, the idler pulley, and the motor area while the drum is out.
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Clean out built-up lint and dirt inside the cabinet if needed.
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If you removed the drum, set it back onto the rear bulkhead support before installing the new belt.
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Step 8 Install the new belt on the drum
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Slide the old belt off the drum and slide the new belt onto the drum.
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Install the belt with the grooved side facing the dryer drum.
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Use the wear pattern on the drum from the old belt as a guide for where the new belt should sit.
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Step 9 Route the belt onto the motor and idler pulley
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Move the idler pulley toward the motor while threading the belt under the idler pulley and onto the motor pulley.
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Confirm the belt is secure on the motor pulley.
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Spin the drum by hand and watch for the belt to move on the idler pulley and motor shaft.
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Step 10 Reinstall the front panel and reconnect the door switch harness
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Set the bottom of the door assembly onto the hooks at the bottom of the cabinet opening.
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Align the assembly with the bulkhead arms, and make sure the drum sits correctly on the front bulkhead.
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Spin the drum by hand to help it seat correctly if alignment is difficult.
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Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to reinstall the two screws inside the doorway.
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Reconnect the door switch harness on the right side.
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Step 11 Close the top and reinstall the lint filter
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Lower the top panel and press down until it snaps onto the clips.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to reinstall the two screws in the lint filter opening that secure the top to the blower housing.
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Slide the lint filter back into place.
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Step 12 Test the dryer
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Restore power and run the dryer briefly while listening for abnormal rubbing or squealing.
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Stop the dryer and recheck the belt routing if the drum doesn’t tumble or if the belt walks off its track.
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Inspect and clean a restricted vent system if drying performance is poor, because heavy lint buildup can contribute to dryer problems.
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If the drum spins freely by hand, the belt stays aligned on the drum’s wear track, and the door switch harness is fully latched, the dryer should tumble normally. Reopen the cabinet if you hear new noises, and recheck the idler pulley, drum rollers, and belt routing. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.
