Is your dryer drum not turning? A broken belt is likely the culprit. While fixing this issue requires some disassembly, it’s a straightforward repair. In this guide, we’ll show you how to replace the drum belt on your Samsung dryer. Keep reading for detailed instructions, and be sure to watch our video for a step-by-step walkthrough of the process!
Do I Need to Replace My Dryer Belt?
If the drum of your dryer isn’t spinning, a broken belt is often the cause. Diagnosing this is simple. If you’re unsure, remove the top panel of your dryer and inspect the inside:
- The belt should run along the middle of the drum, ribbed side down, and fit snugly.
- If the belt is missing from the drum’s top section, it has likely snapped.
- If the belt is loose, it might have stretched or slipped off the pulleys.
- Check for any signs of wear, such as tears, cracks, or thinning. If you spot any damage, it’s time to replace the belt.
Why Dryer Belts Fail
Dryer belts can break or become worn out due to several reasons. Here’s why it happens:
- Constant friction, heat, and stress from normal dryer operation can weaken the belt material over time.
- Overloading the dryer with heavy or unbalanced items increases strain on the belt, causing it to stretch, slip, or snap.
- Regular maintenance and proper usage can help extend the life of your dryer belt and keep the appliance running smoothly for longer.
Finding the Right Replacement Part
To find a compatible replacement belt, you’ll need your dryer’s model number. While your appliance manual includes part of the model number, the full number can be found on a sticker somewhere on the dryer’s body. Not sure where to look? Start by checking inside the dryer door, along the bottom. You can also find it on the back or sides of the appliance.
How to Replace the Drum Belt in a Samsung Dryer
Preparation
- Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker.
- Prepare a Phillips screwdriver, work gloves, and a compatible dryer drum belt.
Disassembly
- Unscrew the screws along the back of the dryer.
- Slide the top panel back slightly, lift it off, and set it aside.
- Lift the control panel to release the locking tabs.
- Disconnect the wire harness attached to the panel.
- Set the control panel aside.
- Open the dryer door and remove the two screws at the bottom of the front panel.
- Close the dryer door.
- Unscrew the four screws at the top of the front panel where the control panel was removed.
- Pull the front panel away from the dryer, lifting slightly if it resists.
- Disconnect the dryer door switch wire harness.
- Lift the front panel off the bottom mounting brackets and set it aside.
- Unscrew the three screws on each side of the bracket.
- Disconnect any wire harnesses attached to the bracket.
- Remove the bracket and set it aside.
- Drape the wire bundle over the side of the appliance.
- Unscrew all screws securing the bulkhead, including one on the blower assembly.
- Disconnect the moisture sensor’s wire harness.
- Remove the bulkhead.
Replacing the Belt
- Sit in front of the dryer and reach under the drum with both hands.
- Pull the idler pulley toward the outside of the dryer to release tension.
- Remove the old belt from the pulleys and lift it out.
- Slide the new belt around the drum without twisting it.
- Align the belt in the groove with ribs facing inward.
- Lift the drum slightly to position the belt.
- Route the belt around the motor pulley while pulling up on the idler pulley for slack.
- Confirm the belt is seated properly on the idler pulley before releasing.
Reassembly
- Seat the bulkhead tabs on one side and lift the drum to align it on the rollers.
- Seat the other side’s tabs and secure the bulkhead with screws.
- Reconnect the moisture sensor wire harness.
- Reattach the upper wire bundle to the bulkhead clips and reconnect the light harness.
- Route the wire harness through the clips on the bracket.
- Press the bracket’s locking tabs into place and secure it with screws.
- Set the front panel onto the bottom mounting brackets.
- Reconnect the dryer door switch wire harness.
- Push the panel into place, locking all tabs.
- Reinstall the screws along the top and inside the door.
- Reconnect the wire harness for the control panel.
- Align the panel with the locking tabs and press it into place.
- Set the top panel slightly back on the dryer frame.
- Slide it forward to engage the brackets.
- Secure the panel with screws at the back.
Final Steps
- Plug the dryer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on. Test the dryer to confirm proper operation.
So, there you have it—a simple fix that can save you time and money! Replacing the dryer belt on your Samsung dryer isn’t as complicated as it sounds. With a little patience and the right tools, you’ll have your dryer back up and running in no time. Don’t let a broken belt keep you from getting your laundry done—take the plunge and tackle the repair yourself. You’ll be amazed at how easy it can be!