How to Fix a Dryer Tumbler

Unplug your dryer, remove the lint filter and open the front door. Slide a flat head screwdriver into the space between the machine top panel and base. Locate any screws or bolts that hold the front panel of the machine in place. Use your screwdriver or ratchet set to remove these fasteners, and tilt the front panel off the dryer. Use your flat head screwdriver to pry off any corner clips that are also holding the front panel in place.

Pile a stack of bricks or wood blocks beneath the tumbler to hold it in place once the front panel has come off. Tilt off the front panel and place it aside. You should now have open access to the dryer tumbler. Use your flat head screwdriver to remove the bottom front panel of your dryer as well, if it has one.

Inspect the belt that runs around the tumbler and causes it to spin. If the belt is damaged or broken, it will have to be replaced. Slide a new belt over the tumbler and allow any slack to fall to the bottom of the compartment. Slide the belt into the belt guides or slot along the outside of the drum. One side of the belt should have grooves or teeth that bite into the slot and allow for a firm grip.

Move to the bottom of the machine and locate the pulley that sits next to the drive shaft extending from your dryer motor. This pulley is on a flexible mount that can be moved by hand. Push the pulley toward the dryer motor, and remove any remnants of the old belt. Loop the new belt over the pulley and the drive shaft gear, then release the pulley. The belt should be taut, with the ridged side facing inward.

Use your hands to turn the tumbler several times so the new belt can settle into the proper position and so any problems with alignment or snags can be eliminated. Replace the bottom front and upper front covers and the screws or bolts which hold them in place. Replace the top panel and filter. Test the machine.