If your dryer won’t spin or you hear unfamiliar and excessive noises while it’s running, you’re likely dealing with a torn or damaged belt. The dryer belt, also known as a drive belt or drum belt, plays an important role in the performance of your dryer. It grips the outside of the dryer drum, to enable it to spin/rotate smoothly and circulate hot air to dry your clothes properly. Refer to the image below for reference on how the belt is positioned inside your dryer. 
Over time the belt may fray, lose tension, or fall off leading to a host of dryer issues. This guide is designed to help you learn what causes a belt to fail prematurely, what warning signs to look out for, and how to replace it quickly and easily. The function of the belt and the process for replacing it are the same whether you own a gas or electric dryer. So, let's dive in and get your dryer running like new again!
What Causes the Dryer Belt to Fail?
Over the life of your dryer, it is normal for the belt to wear down and lose tension due to aging or usage. However, there are several issues that can cause the belt to tear or fall off prematurely.
Overloading the Dryer
If you load more clothes in your dryer than it is designed to carry, the belt will be placed under excessive strain as it must work harder to support the added weight and keep the drum spinning. A heavy load will also result in high friction along the length of the belt which will cause the material to wear down and eventually tear. Overloaded dryers are more likely to overheat, and excessive heat can also cause the belt to become brittle and lose tension. To keep your dryer in optimal condition, ensure that you follow the loading instructions for your model type.
Loading Soaking Wet Clothes in the Dryer
You should never place excessively wet clothes in your dryer. Wet clothes are much heavier than damp clothes, therefore, if you load your dryer with wet clothes, it will have the same challenges as when it is overloaded. Additionally, wet clothes reduce the dryer’s ability to circulate air through the drum efficiently. This may cause the dryer to run for longer thereby increasing your energy consumption, and keeping the belt under strain for longer as well. Regularly placing wet clothes in the dryer can eventually result in moisture damage to the dryer belt and other components of the dryer.
Installing the Wrong Belt
It is important to install the belt that is designed for your specific dryer model, as these belts will be the correct size, material, and design. Belts from other brands may be too tight and place excessive strain on the belt and drum, or too loose and cause the belt to slip, and potentially damage other parts of the dryer. The wrong belt will also be unable to grip the drum properly, and may lead to further damage to your dryer. To ensure you find the right belt for your dryer, take advantage of our model search feature.
Signs That the Dryer Belt Needs to Be Replaced
- Visible Belt Damage: You can view the belt by removing the top panel of the dryer (first disconnect the dryer from the power outlet before doing so). Check to see if the belt is hanging loosely or showing signs of wear such as fraying or cracks. You can also open the front door of the dryer and manually spin the drum with your hands. If it spins very easily with little resistance, then the belt has likely lost tension. All of this indicates that the belt is either near or at the end of its life and will need to be replaced.
- Unusual Noises: A faulty belt will usually result in unusual and excessive banging and tapping noises from your dryer during use. If the belt is loosed it may tap or slap against the interior of the dryer. On the other hand, if the belt has snapped, it will no longer be able to support the drum, causing the drum to bang around inside the dryer as it rotates.
- Drum Doesn’t Turn: If you start a cycle and you can hear the motor running, but the drum doesn't turn, it's a strong indication that the belt has snapped. It is important to note that for certain models of dryers, a faulty dryer belt may trigger a belt switch which prevents the motor from running as well.
- Damp Clothes: If you have noticed that your dryer is running for longer than usual and the clothes are still damp at the end of a cycle, then you likely have a faulty belt. As mentioned above, a faulty belt will be unable to support the drum, thus hindering the drum's ability to spin and circulate hot air adequately.
How To Remove a Faulty Dryer Belt
- Always begin your repairs by disconnecting the appliance from the electrical outlet for your safety.
- Remove the front and top panels of the dryer to access the dryer drum.
- Locate the belt, which is fitted around the dryer drum and over the motor and idler pulleys. Take note (or a picture) of how the belt is oriented around these parts for the installation of the new belt later.
- Release the tension on the belt by pressing the idler pulley down. Hold the idler pulley in this position and slip the belt off the motor pulley.
- Carefully pull the old belt off the drum entirely and discard it.
How to Install a New Dryer Belt
- Grab your new belt and place it on the drum with the grooved (ribbed) side lying flat against the drum.
- Loop the belt over the motor pulley (grooved side facing down) and under the idler pulley (grooved side facing up). Refer to your notes from earlier to ensure you have positioned the belt correctly.
- Check that the belt doesn’t have any kinks or twists and manually rotate the drum to ensure it is properly seated and aligned.
- Reinstall the top and front panels of your dryer.
- Plug the dryer back in and run a short cycle without clothes to confirm that the drum is turning smoothly once again.
While wear and tear are inevitable over time, being attentive to the early signs of a failing belt can save you from potential damage to your dryer and extended downtime. If you are looking to replace your dryer belt, you can browse our selection of Whirlpool Dryer Belts, Samsung Dryer Belts, Frigidaire Dryer Belts, Kenmore Dryer Belts, and more to find the right one for your dryer! Armed with the knowledge of how to identify problems and the steps to replace a worn-out belt, we hope that you now feel ready to tackle that dryer drama! Remember, regular maintenance will allow you to preserve the life and performance of your appliances for years to come.
