How To Replace a Dryer Belt on Whirlpool Models

By Steve Ash

What you will need:

• 5/16th nut driver or socket
• Putty knife
• Phillips screwdriver
• Container for screws

Before beginning any appliance repair, it is extremely important to make sure the appliance you are repairing is unplugged and is completely disconnected from power.

The first step in replacing a dryer belt is to slide out the lint filter. This will reveal two screws, which need to be removed in order to get the top of the dryer off. Next, take a putty knife and slide it in to the small opening between the top of the dryer and the front of the dryer. Using the knife, you can pop the top of the dryer off. Do this on the left and the right and flip the top of the dryer out of the way. It's a good idea to prop the top against something so it doesn't strain the brackets.

Now that the inside of the dryer is exposed, you have access to the two screws holding the front in place. Using the 5/16th driver, remove the screws on the upper inside right and left corners. This will release the front of the dryer and you can pull out and up to detach it from the rest of the dryer and swing it to the side, out of the way. You may have to disconnect the lid switch if the wires aren't long enough to allow this.

With the dryer fully exposed now, you can pull off the old belt. Since the inside of a dryer can accumulate a lot of dirt, it's a good idea to vacuum it out while you have it apart. Simply pull out the drum, vacuum, and replace.

To put on the new belt, you may need another person to help you hold up the drum. It sags down over the area you need to work with and an extra hand can make the next part easier. Start by placing the belt over the entire drum. Next, you will have to go underneath the drum where the idler pulley and motor is located. The belt needs to be placed through the idler pulley and then attached to the motor. The picture shown is with the drum removed so it's easier to see how the belt is attached. If this is done properly, the idler pulley should apply tension to the belt.

After the belt has been secured, you should check the rear felt that is on the back end of the drum to make sure it has not been folded under. If it has, use a screwdriver to pop it out while.