When your dryer belt, the rubber loop that turns the drum in a tumble dryer snaps or wears out, your dryer won’t spin—no matter how hard you try. It’s one of the most common reasons dryers stop working, and it’s usually not expensive to fix. You don’t need to replace the whole machine just because the belt broke. Many people think a noisy or slow-spinning dryer means it’s dying, but more often than not, it’s just the belt giving out after 5 to 10 years of use.
A tumble dryer, a household appliance that dries clothes using heat and rotation relies on that belt to connect the motor to the drum. If the belt frays, stretches, or breaks, the drum won’t turn, even if the heater still works. You might hear a squealing noise, smell burning rubber, or notice clothes coming out damp because they’re not tumbling. These aren’t signs of a motor failure—they’re classic symptoms of a worn belt. Replacing it is a straightforward fix for most models, and you can do it without calling a technician if you’re comfortable with basic tools.
Most dryer repair, the process of fixing common mechanical or electrical issues in clothes dryers jobs like this cost between $80 and $150 if you hire someone, but the belt itself usually runs under $30. Labor makes up most of the price. If you’ve ever changed a car tire or replaced a light switch, you’ve got the skills for this. All you need is a screwdriver, a new belt (make sure it matches your model), and 30 minutes. There’s no need to panic—this isn’t a sign your dryer is beyond saving. In fact, replacing the belt often gives you another 3 to 5 years of reliable use.
Some people skip this fix because they assume it’s too complicated. But the truth is, most dryer belt problems are easy to diagnose. If the drum doesn’t spin but you hear the motor running, that’s your belt. If the drum spins but feels loose or wobbly, that’s your belt. If you’ve had your dryer for more than 7 years, it’s worth checking the belt every couple of years—even if it’s still working. A little maintenance now saves you from laundry piles piling up later.
You’ll find plenty of guides below showing how to replace the belt on popular brands like Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, and Bosch. There are also posts on other common dryer issues—like why your dryer isn’t heating or why it’s making loud thumping noises—that often get confused with belt problems. Don’t guess what’s wrong. Use the real repair data and step-by-step fixes here to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Whether you’re fixing it yourself or deciding if it’s worth calling a pro, this collection gives you the facts you need to make the right call.
8 December 2025 · 0 Comments
If your tumble dryer runs but the drum won’t spin, it’s usually a broken belt, worn rollers, or a bad capacitor. Learn how to diagnose and fix the most common causes yourself before calling a technician.
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