Is your Kenmore electric dryer not functioning as it should? The issue might be a worn or broken drive belt. This guide walks you through identifying and replacing the belt to restore your dryer to working order—all without the need for costly repairs.
Signs Your Dryer’s Drive Belt May Be Faulty
Recognizing the symptoms of a bad drive belt can help you diagnose the issue quickly:
- Drum Not Spinning: If the drum does not turn when the dryer is on, the belt may be broken or loose.
- Unusual Noises: A loose or damaged belt can produce thumping or squealing sounds.
- Burnt Smell: A slipping belt may create friction, leading to a burning odor.
- Difficulty Turning the Drum by Hand: If the drum resists manual movement, the belt might be obstructed or damaged.
Benefits of Replacing the Drive Belt Yourself
Taking on this repair yourself offers several advantages beyond just saving money:
- Cost Savings: Avoid expensive repair bills and service fees.
- Quick Fix: Replacing the belt can often be done in under an hour with the right tools and preparation.
- Skill Building: Completing the repair increases your confidence and troubleshooting skills for future DIY projects.
- Avoid Downtime: Immediate action gets your dryer back in working order faster than scheduling a professional repair.
What You’ll Need
- 1/4-inch nut driver
- Putty knife
- #20 Torx bit
- Small flat-head screwdriver
Safety Precautions
Before starting any appliance repair, prioritize safety to avoid injury or damage. Follow these essential tips:
- Unplug the dryer or switch off the circuit breaker to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
- If the dryer has been recently used, let it cool completely before starting any maintenance.
- Avoid rushing. A steady, careful approach helps prevent accidents and mistakes.
- Work in a well-lit area to have clear visibility of components and connections.
- Keep the area clean and free from obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the repair area.
- Never work on the appliance with wet hands or in a damp area.
- Refer to the user manual for any specific safety or installation instructions related to your dryer model.
- Avoid using excessive force, which could damage the appliance or lead to injuries.
- Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp parts or debris.
- Refrain from touching exposed wires or terminals. Use non-conductive tools or insulated gloves if you must handle them.
- Before disconnecting any wires or components, take photos or notes to make reassembly easier.
Read more: A Guide to Test and Replace the Belt Tension Roller on Your Kenmore Dryer
How to Replace a Kenmore Electric Dryer’s Drive Belt
Follow these steps to test and replace the drive belt in your Kenmore electric dryer.
Access the Drive Belt
- Use a putty knife to press in on the two clips at the corners of the console, then push the console up and back.
- Remove the three ¼-inch screws securing the dryer’s top panel.
- Slide the top panel toward the front and lift it off.
- Disconnect the door switch from its connector.
- Press in on the clips holding the front panel in place with a putty knife.
- Remove the two door springs.
- Open the dryer door and take out the lint screen.
- Use a ¼-inch nut driver to remove the three screws securing the blower housing, then detach it.
- Disconnect the yellow wire at the bottom of the front panel.
- Remove the two ¼-inch screws at the bottom of the front panel.
- Remove the two Torx 20 screws at the top of the front bulkhead.
- Lift the front panel off.
Remove the Drum and Inspect the Belt
- Reach under the drum and release the belt from the tension roller.
- Use the belt to lift the drum out of the cabinet.
- Inspect the belt for cracks, missing parts, or signs of wear. Replace it if damaged or stretched.
Reinstall the Drum and Belt
- Place the drum back into the cabinet.
- Loop the belt around the drum and the tension roller.
- Slowly turn the drum counterclockwise to check the alignment of the belt.
Reassemble the Dryer
- Reattach the front bulkhead using the two Torx head screws at the top and the two ¼-inch screws at the bottom.
- Reinstall the blower housing with its three screws.
- Reconnect the yellow sensor wire.
- Reattach the two-door springs.
- Reconnect the door switch.
- Reinstall the top cover and secure it with the screws.
- Snap the console back into place.
- Open the dryer door and reinstall the lint screen.
- Plug the dryer back in or turn the breaker back on.
Tips for Maintaining Your Dryer’s Drive Belt
Keeping the drive belt in good condition helps extend the life of your dryer:
- Avoid Overloading: Overloading puts strain on the belt and other components. Follow the manufacturer’s load size recommendations.
- Clean Regularly: Lint buildup can cause friction and damage to the belt. Clean the lint trap and vents frequently.
- Inspect Annually: Check the belt and other moving parts for wear and tear to catch issues early.
- Use the Dryer Properly: Avoid slamming the drum door or abruptly starting/stopping the dryer to prevent unnecessary stress on the belt.
Read more: Tips for Preventing Wrinkles in the Dryer: Goodbye Ironing!
Next Steps
When the belt breaks, your dryer can’t spin, leaving your laundry pile growing. Instead of stressing, grab a few tools and take charge of the repair yourself.
It doesn’t take long—just some careful effort and a few adjustments—and you’ll have your dryer back in action. Plus, there’s something rewarding about solving the problem on your own. Next time your dryer acts up, don’t panic. You might just need to roll up your sleeves and swap out a simple part.