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How to replace the drive belt in your dryer

Introduction

If the drum in your dryer no longer turns but the motor still hums, the drive belt has likely stretched, cracked, or snapped. Replacing the belt restores proper drum rotation and will keep your laundry cycles running correctly. This guide walks you through the full belt replacement on a condenser-type dryer, including the disassembly needed to create working space and the precise routing over the motor pulley and tensioner.

What you need

  1. Edit

    • Unplug the dryer from the mains supply before beginning any work.

  2. Edit

    • Pull the condensate container straight out of its slot.

    • Remove the two coarse-thread screws located behind the container.

  3. Edit

    • Unscrew all rear screws that secure the service side cover to the cabinet.

    • Lift the cover slightly and slide it downward to release it.

    • Remove the corner screw and four additional screws along the edge.

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    • Remove the four screws along the lower edge of the side panel from underneath the dryer.

    • Tilt the panel outward then lift it away to expose the internal components.

  5. Edit

    • Check the thermal fuse near the motor to ensure it has not tripped.

    • It is normal to find a small puddle here; wipe it dry before proceeding.

  6. Edit

    • Use an angled Phillips screwdriver to remove the two deeply recessed screws holding the condenser cooling fan.

    • The screws sit off-centre, so a right-angle driver simplifies access.

  7. Edit

    • Press the plastic locking tabs on both sides of the fan housing and pull the assembly outward.

    • Disconnect the keyed motor connector to free the wiring harness.

    • Photographs are unnecessary because the plug cannot be mis-connected.

  8. Edit

    • From beneath the dryer, remove the four Torx 25 screws securing the motor bracket.

    • Note the original motor position because it can slide about one centimetre for belt tension adjustment.

  9. Edit

    • Twist and pull the freed motor out of the cabinet through the opened space.

    • Remove the felt seal from the motor housing and set it aside for refitting later.

  10. Edit

    • Unscrew and remove the long spacer rod running along the cabinet side.

    • Remove the two screws securing the condensate container bracket on the rear panel.

    • Loosen the four side-panel screws so the panel can flex outward slightly.

  11. Edit

    • Remove the drum hub bolt but leave it inserted to maintain grounding.

    • Loosen and remove the large axle nut anchoring the drum to the rear panel.

    • Pull the rear panel rearwards to create a gap big enough to pass the belt.

  12. Edit

    • Remove screws and cable ties on the opposite side to allow the front panel to move.

    • Unscrew the two small screws holding the front brace rod.

    • Remove five screws securing the lower plastic condensate chamber.

    • Gently flex the assemblies apart until the belt can slip through the opening.

  13. Edit

    • Slide the old belt off the drum and discard it.

    • Feed the new belt over the drum shaft and around the drum through the created gap.

    • Wear gloves and keep fingers away from sharp edges while threading the belt.

    • Rotate the drum by hand to seat the belt evenly all around.

  14. Edit

    • Lift the drum slightly and guide the front felt ring and rear bearing into place.

    • Check alignment through inspection holes while centring the drum.

    • Listen for the click that confirms the drum has dropped into its front bearing seat.

    • Reinstall and tighten the drum hub bolt while supporting the drum weight.

  15. Edit

    • Align the thread properly before tightening to avoid cross-threading the bearing bolt.

    • Refit the side-panel screws and secure the condensate support bracket with its two screws.

  16. Edit

    • Spin the drum manually to confirm it turns smoothly without rubbing.

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    • Keep the belt tensioner in place while positioning the motor assembly.

    • Loop the belt onto the motor pulley and around the tensioner wheel.

    • Hold the tensioner and push the motor shaft diagonally into its mount.

    • Make sure the tensioner pin seats fully in its plastic housing.

    • Install and tighten the four Torx 25 screws from underneath, returning the motor to its original position.

  18. Edit

    • Plug the motor harness connector back into its socket.

    • Rotate the drum to verify the belt tracks on its original path, keeping fingertips clear of moving parts.

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    • Seat the plastic airflow housing fully into all grooves to prevent leaks.

    • Reinstall the two deep fan screws using the angled screwdriver.

  20. Edit

    • Refit the rear panel and tighten all screws while checking for rubs or squeaks.

    • Clean, position and secure the service side cover with all its screws.

    • Reinstall the top lid and any remaining panels to close the cabinet.

  21. Edit

    • Rotate the drum by hand to confirm smooth travel and correct belt tension.

    • Restore power and run a short cycle to ensure the drum starts immediately.

Conclusion

The drive belt is now installed, the drum spins freely, and the dryer is reassembled. Keep an ear on the machine during its first full load to verify quiet, steady operation. Regularly inspecting the belt for cracks will help you catch wear before it stops the drum again.

Author

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Ula Gantar

Member since: 01/08/25

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