If your dryer runs and heats but the drum does not turn, the belt has snapped. It is a common failure and a fixable one, but it involves opening the dryer and routing the new belt correctly around the idler pulley, which is the step people get wrong.

This guide walks through it safely, step by step.

Quick answer
  1. Symptom: the dryer runs and heats but the drum does not turn.
  2. Cost: $10–$25 for a belt.
  3. Time: 45–90 minutes.
  4. Key step: route the belt around the idler pulley, not just the drum.
  5. Safety: unplug the dryer and disconnect the gas if it is a gas dryer.

On this page

  1. Safety first
  2. Opening the dryer
  3. Fitting the new belt
  4. Reassembling
  5. FAQ

Safety first

  • Unplug the dryer from the wall.
  • Turn off the gas and disconnect the line if it is a gas dryer.
  • Turn off the breaker for a hardwired unit.
  • Wear gloves — the cabinet edges are sharp.
  • Have a helper for lifting the drum.
  • Take photos as you disassemble.
Gas dryers need care

If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply and disconnect the flexible line before you start. Check for leaks with soapy water when you reconnect. If you are not comfortable with gas, call a technician.

Opening the dryer

  1. Pull the dryer out and unplug it.
  2. Remove the lint filter and the screws behind it.
  3. Remove the top panel screws and lift it off.
  4. Remove the front panel screws and disconnect the door switch wires.
  5. Lift the front panel away and set it aside.
  6. Note the belt routing before removing the old belt.

Fitting the new belt

The belt wraps around the drum and around the motor pulley, passing over the idler pulley which keeps it tensioned. The idler pulley is the step people miss. Route the belt around the drum first, then down and around the motor pulley and idler pulley.

  1. Wrap the belt around the drum, centred on the drum's track.
  2. Lower the drum back into the cabinet.
  3. Reach underneath and loop the belt around the motor pulley.
  4. Route it over the idler pulley so it is tensioned.
  5. Check the belt is on the drum track, not the edge.
  6. Rotate the drum by hand to confirm the belt tracks correctly.

Reassembling

  1. Refit the front panel and reconnect the door switch wires.
  2. Refit the top panel and screws.
  3. Refit the lint filter and its screws.
  4. Plug the dryer back in (and reconnect the gas if applicable).
  5. Run a test cycle with no clothes to confirm the drum turns.
  6. Check for unusual noise — a rubbing sound means the belt is off-track.
Bottom line

A dryer that runs but does not tumble has a broken belt. Unplug it, open the cabinet, wrap the new belt around the drum, then route it around the motor pulley and the idler pulley. Reassemble and test. It takes 45 to 90 minutes and costs $10 to $25.

Frequently asked questions

Replacement belts

Buy a two-pack so you have a spare when the belt fails again.

Check Price on Amazon →
How do I know if my dryer belt is broken?
The dryer runs and heats but the drum does not turn. You may hear the motor running without the drum moving.
How much does it cost to replace a dryer belt?
The belt costs $10 to $25. A technician will charge $150 or more, so it is worth doing yourself if you are comfortable.
Why does my dryer belt keep breaking?
Usually an overloaded drum, a worn idler pulley, or a belt that is too tight. Check the idler pulley and do not overload the dryer.
Can I replace a dryer belt myself?
Yes, if you are comfortable opening the cabinet. It takes 45 to 90 minutes. Gas dryers need extra care with the gas line.
What is the idler pulley on a dryer?
A spring-loaded pulley that keeps tension on the belt. The belt must route around it, not just the drum and motor pulley.