How to change the drum belt on a Whirlpool and Kenmore dryer.
1st, what are the symptoms of a broken dryer belt? Answer, the dryer comes on, you hear the motor running but the drum is not turning. When ordering a replacement belt, make sure you use the dryer model number. The model number on a Whirlpool made or Kenmore dryer will be located inside the door on the side, or on the top. First unplug the dryer from the electrical receptacle. Next lift up the door and remove the lint screen from the top of the dryer. Next remove the two screws that secure the lint filter housing to the top of the dryer. Be very careful not to drop the screws down into the filter housing. Using a putty knife or a very thin screwdriver, slide it under the top in the front to release the two retaining clips on the far right and left sides. Now lift up the top and lean it against a wall making sure that it will not fall all the way back.
Depending on the dryer model, you will either need a 5/16 nut driver or a philips heads screwdriver to remove the two screws just inside on the right and left hand side near the top that hold the front to the sides of the dryer cabinet. Now you can lift up the drum slightly and pull the front of the dryer with the door still attached forward. The bottom of the dryer front is held in place by two clips at the bottom. Lift the front off those clips. Now disconnect the wiring harness to the door switch. Position the dryer front out of the way so that you can now gain access to the drum. Using something like a 16 ounce plastic cup, position it under the dryer drum to support it. Now you can position the replacement dryer belt over the drum and start sliding it to the rear. You will have to lift up the drum and steer it past the plastic cup.
When you get the belt to the rear of the drum loop the belt through the idler that is located under the drum and position it on the motor pulley as shown in the picture above. And thats it, all you need to do now is reassemble the dryer. |
