How To Replace A Whirlpool Dryer Belt Easy StepByStep Guide
Is your Whirlpool dryer making strange noises not spinning or taking forever to dry clothes? It could be a broken or wornout dryer belt The dryer belt is what turns the drum helping your clothes tumble and dry properly If it breaks your dryer wont work as it should
The good news? Replacing a Whirlpool dryer belt is easier and cheaper than calling for repairs With the right tools and steps you can fix it yourself and save money
Signs Your Dryer Belt Needs Replacing
Heres how to tell if your Whirlpool dryer belt might need replacement
- Loud noises during operation
- The drum wont turn
- Clothes take longer to dry
- The dryer wont start
- You notice a burnt rubber smell
- Visible cracks or fraying on the belt
- The drum looks misaligned
If you see these signs its time to check your dryer belt
What You Need Before Starting
Gather these tools and materials
- A replacement dryer belt check your dryer model
- Phillips screwdriver
- 516th nut driver or socket
- Flathead screwdriver or putty knife
- Pliers
- Gloves
- Vacuum cleaner
StepByStep How To Replace A Whirlpool Dryer Belt
Step 1 Unplug the Dryer
Safety first Always unplug your dryer before starting repairs Clear the area around the dryer to give yourself space
Step 2 Remove the Front Panel
- Use the nut driver to remove the screws under the lint filter. Use a putty knife or flathead screwdriver to carefully lift the top of the dryers front panel.
- Gently pull the panel off and set it aside safely
- Vacuum out any lint and debris inside the dryer before continuing
Step 3 Remove the Drum
- Disconnect the belt from the motor and idler pulley
- Carefully lift the drum out of the dryer cabinet It can be heavy so take your time
Step 4 Remove the Old Belt
- Note how the old belt is positioned before removing it so you can install the new one correctly Slide the old belt off and discard it
Step 5 Install the New Belt
- Wrap the new belt around the drum in the same position as the old one
- Loop the belt around the motor pulley and idler pulley ensuring its snug but not too tight
- Spin the drum by hand to check that it rotates smoothly
Step 6 Reinstall the Drum
- Carefully place the drum back into the cabinet ensuring it sits properly on the support rollers Reconnect any wires you disconnected earlier
Step 7 Reattach the Front Panel
- Align the front panel and press it back onto the clips until it clicks into place
- Reinstall and tighten the screws under the lint filter
Step 8 Test the Dryer
- Plug your dryer back in and run a short cycle to ensure the drum spins and everything works properly
Conclusion
Replacing a Whirlpool dryer belt is a straightforward DIY project that saves you money and keeps your dryer working efficiently By following these steps youll have your dryer back in action in no time
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth replacing a dryer belt?
Yes replacing a dryer belt is an affordable and simple repair that keeps your dryer running without expensive service calls
How much does it cost to replace a Whirlpool dryer belt?
A dryer belt typically costs between 1050 Doing it yourself saves you the 200300 service cost of a professional repair
How do I know what size dryer belt I need?
Check your Whirlpool dryers user manual or look up your dryers model number online to find the correct belt size
Can I replace a dryer belt myself?
Yes With the right tools and this guide you can replace your Whirlpool dryer belt yourself
Will a dryer work if the belt is broken?
No the drum wont spin if the belt is broken meaning your clothes wont dry properly Replace the belt as soon as possible to keep your dryer working
