Introduction

Use this guide to replace the drum belt, drive belt, or dryer belt in a brown-top Kenmore dryer. The belt wraps around the drum and transfers motor power through the idler pulley so the drum can turn. Replace it if the belt is broken, the drum no longer spins, or the dryer will not start because the belt switch is no longer engaged. Some Whirlpool-built dryers use a similar layout, but panel clips, hardware, and belt routing details may vary.

What you need

Step 1 Unplug the dryer

Turn off the dryer and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
Don't work inside the dryer while it's connected to power.
Wear work gloves if you need protection from sharp sheet metal edges inside the cabinet.

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Step 2 Remove the lint filter screws

Pull the lint filter straight out of the top opening.
Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the two screws under the lint filter cover.
Keep a firm grip on the screws so they don't fall down the lint filter chute.
A dropped screw in the lint chute can be difficult to retrieve.

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Step 3 Lift the top panel

Stand behind the dryer and pull the rear edge of the top panel toward you on one side.
Repeat on the other side to release the top panel clips.
Lift the top panel to access the drum and front panel screws.

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Step 4 Check the belt condition

Look into the open dryer and inspect the belt around the drum.
A broken belt may be loose, missing from the drum, or lying in the bottom of the cabinet.
If the old belt is still intact, remove it from the drum before taking the dryer apart further.

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Step 5 Remove the front panel screws

Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the screw near the upper inside corner of the front panel.
Remove the matching screw on the other upper inside corner of the front panel.
The bottom of the front panel is still held by small hooks after the screws are removed.

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Step 6 Remove the front panel

Unplug the door switch wire connector from the front panel.
Hold one side of the cabinet down while lifting the front panel to release the lower hook.
Repeat on the other side.
Lift the front panel free and set it aside.

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Step 7 Remove the drum

Lift the drum out of the dryer cabinet.
If the old belt is broken, it won't support the drum while you remove it.
Set the drum somewhere safe where it won't roll away or get damaged.

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Step 8 Inspect and clean the cabinet

Spin the drum rollers by hand and make sure they turn freely.
Clean lint, hair, and debris from the roller shafts and surrounding cabinet area.
Use a shop vac to remove loose lint from inside the dryer cabinet.
Don't install a new belt over stuck rollers or a pulley that doesn't move properly.
A seized roller or pulley can damage or break the new belt.

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Step 9 Set the idler pulley

Line up the idler pulley in its mount at the bottom of the dryer cabinet.
Make sure the idler pulley is hooked in place and sitting straight down.
The belt won't stay routed correctly if the idler pulley is loose, tilted, or out of its slot.

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Step 10 Install the belt on the drum

Slip the new dryer belt around the drum.
Line the new belt up with the wear marks left by the old belt.
The wear marks show where the belt should ride on the drum.

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Step 11 Reinstall the drum

Use the belt as a handle while you guide the drum back into the dryer cabinet.
Push the drum in until it settles onto the rear rollers.
You may feel the drum drop into place when it seats on the rear rollers.
Let the belt hang straight down near the idler pulley.

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Step 12 Route the belt on the pulleys

Reach under the drum with your left hand and push a loop of the belt under the idler pulley.
Reach in with your right hand, grab the belt loop, and slip it over the motor pulley.
Make sure the belt runs under the idler pulley and over the motor pulley.
Check that the idler pulley is holding tension on the belt before you close the dryer.

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Step 13 Align the belt

Rotate the drum counterclockwise by hand until the belt centers on the wear mark.
Keep turning the drum until the belt tracks smoothly.
Don't skip this check, or the belt can pop off when the dryer starts.
Stop and recheck the idler pulley and motor pulley if the belt walks off the drum.

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Step 14 Reinstall the front panel

Hold the front panel close to the dryer and line up the lower hooks with the cabinet slots.
Lift the panel slowly until the hooks seat in the slots.
Press down to lock the first side onto its hook.
Repeat on the other side.
Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to reinstall the two upper front panel screws.

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Step 15 Reconnect the door switch

Reconnect the door switch wire connector to the front panel.
The dryer won't start if the door switch connector is left unplugged.
Tighten the front panel screws after the panel is fully seated and the door switch is connected.

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Step 16 Close the top panel

Lower the top panel back into place.
Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to reinstall the two screws under the lint filter cover.
Hold the screws carefully so they don't fall into the lint filter chute.
Slide the lint filter back into the opening.

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Step 17 Test the dryer

Plug the dryer back into the wall outlet.
Set the timer and start a short test cycle.
Confirm the drum turns normally and the belt stays in place.
If you hold the door switch with the door open to watch the drum, keep your hands, hair, and clothing away from the moving drum.
If the dryer doesn't run correctly, unplug it and recheck the belt route, idler pulley, motor pulley, and door switch connector.

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Conclusion

The dryer is ready to use once the drum turns smoothly and the belt stays aligned during a short test cycle. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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