Fixing a Dryer With a Broken Tumbler

Unplug the dryer power cord. Remove the lint screen, if it is located at the top of the dryer, by pulling it straight out of the top. Place the lint screen aside. Remove the retaining screws visible in the lint screen cavity with a Phillips screwdriver.

Insert a putty knife into the crack between the front of the top panel and the top of the front panel. Ensure that you place the knife approximately four inches from one edge to release the clip that holds the top panel in place. Use the knife to pry the edge of the top panel up. Hold the panel up while releasing the clip on the opposite side of the panel in the same manner. Rotate the top panel up and back to get it out of the way.

Locate the door switch wiring from the top of the machine just above the door. Pry the plastic wiring connector apart with a flat blade screwdriver. Remove the retaining screws at the top of the inside edge of the front panel with a nut driver. Grasp the front panel and pull it straight out at the top, then lift it up and remove it from the dryer chassis.

Reach under the tumbler to the back of the dryer chassis and rotate the belt idler pulley upwards. Remove the belt from the idler pulley and the motor pulley. Grasp the belt at the top of the tumbler. Lift up on the belt to remove the tumbler from the dryer chassis.

Remove the belt from the existing tumbler and place it around a replacement tumbler. Lift the tumbler up and place it into the dryer chassis. Rotate the idler pulley forward while placing the belt around the idler pulley and the motor pulley in the same orientation as before. Spin the tumbler by hand to align the belt.

Lift the front panel into place on the front of the dryer chassis. Ensure the front of the tumbler lines up with the seal on the panel. Lift the panel up slightly and push it in at the bottom. Lower the panel down slowly so that the retaining clips engage. Replace the retaining screws and plug the door switch wiring connector back together.

Rotate the top panel back into position on the dryer chassis. Push down on the front of the panel to lock it into place. Replace the retaining screws and the lint screen. Plug in the power cord.