Introduction
If a Whirlpool-made dryer (Whirlpool, Inglis, Amana, or Roper) with a top-right lint screen won’t start or the drum won’t tumble, a broken belt is a common cause. This guide shows how to safely open the cabinet, remove the old belt, install a new belt, and put everything back together, with tips for inspecting and cleaning inside the dryer while it’s open.
What you need
-
Step 1 Prepare for the repair
-
Unplug the dryer from the wall or turn off the breaker before starting.
-
You will need a putty knife and a 6-in-1 screwdriver with Phillips and 5/16-inch bits.
Ask FixBot
-
-
Step 2 Remove the lint filter screws
-
Pull the lint filter out of the top-right lint screen housing.
-
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws in the lint filter housing on the blower housing.
-
-
Step 3 Release and lift the top panel
-
Slide a putty knife into the seam between the top panel and the front panel to depress the retaining clips.
-
Lift the top panel after both clips release.
-
-
Step 4 Disconnect the door switch harness
-
Locate the door switch harness on the right side and disconnect it.
-
Use a putty knife or a small flathead screwdriver to depress the clips on both sides of the harness while pulling it apart.
-
-
Step 5 Remove the front panel and door assembly
-
Open the door and use a 5/16 inch nut driver to remove the two screws inside the door opening that hold the front panel and door assembly in place.
-
Pull the front panel outward slightly, then lift the assembly straight up to unhook it from the bulkhead arms.
-
-
Step 6 Release belt tension and remove the belt
-
Look under the drum and note the belt routing and the idler pulley location if the belt is still installed.
-
Pull the idler pulley to relieve tension, then slip the belt off the motor and idler pulley.
-
Remove the belt from around the drum.
-
-
Step 7 Optionally remove the drum for inspection and cleaning
-
Lift the belt and use it to lift the drum out of the dryer cabinet.
-
Inspect the roller wheels, the motor area, and the idler pulley for obvious wear or damage.
-
Clean out dust and dirt from inside the cabinet if needed.
-
-
Step 8 Reinstall the drum
-
Use the belt as a handle to lift the drum and set it onto the rear bulkhead support.
-
-
Step 9 Install the new belt on the drum
-
Slide the new belt over the drum.
-
Make sure the grooved side of the belt faces the drum.
-
Use the old belt’s wear mark on the drum to position the new belt in the same spot.
-
-
Step 10 Route the belt around the idler pulley and motor
-
Move the idler pulley toward the motor while threading the belt under the pulley and onto the motor shaft.
-
Confirm the belt is fully seated on the motor shaft and captured by the idler pulley.
-
Spin the drum by hand and watch for the belt turning on the idler pulley and motor shaft.
-
-
Step 11 Reinstall the door and reconnect the switch
-
Set the bottom of the front panel and door assembly onto the hooks at the bottom of the dryer opening.
-
Align the assembly with the bulkhead arms and make sure the drum sits correctly in the front bulkhead opening.
-
Spin the drum by hand to help it seat correctly if alignment is difficult.
-
Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to reinstall the two screws inside the door opening.
-
Reconnect the door switch harness on the right side until it clicks into place.
-
-
Step 12 Close the top panel and test the dryer
-
Lower the top panel and press it down until it snaps onto the clips.
-
Use a Phillips screwdriver to reinstall the two screws in the lint filter housing on the blower housing.
-
Reinstall the lint filter.
-
If the dryer still won’t start, recheck that the door switch harness is fully connected and that the belt is correctly routed around the idler pulley and motor shaft. If the belt failed again quickly, inspect and clean the lint screen housing and the entire venting path for restrictions. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.
