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Inglis Dryer Belt Replacement

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

Introduction

If the drum in an Inglis dryer won’t turn, makes a thumping noise, or the dryer won’t start, a broken or slipped drive belt is a common cause. This guide shows how to replace the dryer belt on an Inglis dryer and similar Whirlpool-built models with a lint screen on the top-right of the cabinet.

What you need

  1. Edit

    • Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet, or switch the dryer breaker off.

    • WARNING: Don’t work on a dryer that’s still powered, since the motor and internal wiring can cause serious shock or injury.

    • Caution: Sheet metal edges inside the cabinet are sharp, so wear gloves if you have them.

  2. Edit

    • Pull the lint filter out of the top-right lint screen opening.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws on the blower housing inside the lint filter opening.

    • Note: A 6-in-1 screwdriver works well here, since you’ll also need a 5/16 inch nut driver later.

  3. Edit

    • Slide a putty knife under the front edge of the top panel to find a spring clip.

    • Push the clip in with the putty knife while lifting up on the top panel.

    • Repeat for the clip on the other side, then lift the top panel up.

    • Note: These clips can be finicky, so reposition the putty knife until you feel the clip depress.

  4. Edit

    • Locate the door switch harness on the right side near the top of the front panel area.

    • Use the putty knife’s flat blade or a small flathead screwdriver to press the locking tabs on both sides of the connector.

    • Pull the connector apart after both side clips are depressed.

    • Tip: If it won’t release, keep steady pressure on one tab while you depress the other, then pull the connector straight apart.

  5. Edit

    • Open the dryer door to access the screws on the inside edge of the front panel.

    • Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to remove the two screws holding the door and front panel assembly on.

    • Caution: Once the screws are out, the front panel may shift forward, so support it with your hand.

    • Pull the face of the unit out slightly, then lift it straight up to unhook it from the bulkhead arms.

    • Note: Pay attention to the hook and arm arrangement so the panel seats correctly during reassembly.

  6. Edit

    • Look under the drum and note how the belt routes around the idler pulley and motor.

    • Pull the idler pulley to relieve belt tension, then slip the belt off the motor pulley.

    • Remove the belt from around the drum.

    • Tip: This is much easier with two hands, so use one hand to hold the idler back while the other hand removes the belt.

  7. Edit

    • Leave the drum in place if you only want to replace the belt.

    • Lift up on the belt and use it as a handle to lift the drum out of the dryer cabinet.

    • Inspect the roller wheels, the idler pulley, and the motor area while the drum is out.

    • Clean built-up lint and dirt from inside the cabinet if needed.

  8. Edit

    • Set the drum back into the cabinet if you removed it, and make sure it sits on the rear bulkhead support.

    • Slide the new belt around the drum with the grooved side facing the drum.

    • Use the wear mark on the drum from the old belt as a visual guide for where the new belt should ride.

    • Note: The drum can slip off its rear support while you work, so keep an eye on its seating.

  9. Edit

    • Move the idler pulley toward the motor while threading the belt under the idler pulley.

    • Slip the belt onto the motor shaft and confirm it’s seated securely.

    • Tip: If the belt won’t thread correctly, release tension and try again until it sits properly on the motor and idler.

    • Spin the drum by hand and watch for the belt turning smoothly on the motor shaft and idler pulley.

  10. Edit

    • Set the bottom of the front panel and door assembly onto the lower hooks and align it with the bulkhead arms.

    • Make sure the drum sits correctly in the front bulkhead opening.

    • If the drum won’t align, spin the drum by hand while guiding it into place.

    • Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to install the two screws inside the door opening.

    • Reconnect the door switch harness on the right side until it clicks into place.

  11. Edit

    • Lower the top panel and press down until both top clips snap into place.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to reinstall the two screws in the lint filter opening.

    • Reinstall the lint filter.

Conclusion

Restore power and run the dryer briefly to confirm the drum turns smoothly without slipping or squealing. If the old belt failed suddenly, check and clean the venting system to help prevent future overheating and belt wear.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Ben Schlichter

Member since: 01/21/25

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