Introduction
If the drum in a Roper dryer (and similar Whirlpool-built models with a top-right lint screen) won’t tumble, a broken or slipped belt is a common cause. This guide walks you through safely opening the cabinet, releasing the idler pulley tension, and installing a new belt with the correct routing and orientation.
What you need
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Step 1 Prepare for safety
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Unplug the dryer from the wall, or turn off the breaker supplying the dryer.
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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 housing.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws located on the blower housing at the lint screen 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 locate the spring clips.
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Press inward with the putty knife to depress a clip while lifting up on the top panel.
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Repeat for the other clip, and lift the top panel up.
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Step 4 Disconnect the door switch harness
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Locate the door switch harness on the right side of the front panel area.
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Use a putty knife or a small flathead screwdriver to depress the locking tabs on both sides of the harness connector.
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Pull the connector apart to uncouple the door switch harness.
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Step 5 Remove the dryer door from the bulkhead
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Open the dryer door to access the mounting screws.
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Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to remove the two screws inside the door opening that hold the door to the bulkhead.
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Pull the front face of the unit outward slightly, then lift the door straight up to remove 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 location if the belt is still installed.
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Pull the idler pulley to relieve tension, then slip the belt off the pulley and motor.
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Remove the belt from around the drum.
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Step 7 Decide whether to remove the drum for 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 to inspect or clean inside the dryer.
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Inspect the roller wheels, the idler pulley, and the motor while the drum is out.
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Step 8 Reinstall the drum and position the new belt
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Use the belt to lift the drum and set the drum onto the rear bulkhead supports if you removed it.
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Slide the new belt over the drum with the grooved side of the belt facing the drum.
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Use the old belt wear pattern on the drum as a reference for where the new belt should sit.
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Step 9 Route the belt over the idler pulley and motor
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Move the idler pulley toward the motor while threading the belt under the idler pulley and onto the motor shaft.
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Try a few times if needed until the belt seats correctly on the motor and pulley.
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Confirm the belt is secured on the motor by spinning the drum and watching the belt turn on the pulley and motor shaft.
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Step 10 Reinstall the door and reconnect the switch harness
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Set the bottom of the dryer door onto the hooks and align the door onto the bulkhead arms.
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Spin the drum by hand to help the drum seat properly on the door bulkhead if alignment is difficult.
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Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to reinstall the two screws inside the door opening.
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Reconnect the door switch harness on the right side, and make sure both side clips lock in place.
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Step 11 Close the top panel and reinstall the lint screen screws
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Lower the top panel and press down until the clips snap into place.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to reinstall the two screws at the lint screen vent opening that secure the dryer to the top of the blower housing.
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Reinstall the lint filter.
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A correctly installed belt will turn as the drum spins by hand, and the door switch harness will be fully seated and locked. If the drum rubs or feels misaligned, reseat the drum on the rear bulkhead support and realign the door bulkhead so the drum sits properly before running the dryer.
