Over time the belt in your tumble dryer can become worn, become stretched and suffer from general wear and tear. In more extreme instances they can actually snap altogether.
If your drive belt has broken the machine may appear to be running and get warm, but it will not turn the clothes or dry them correctly.
If the belt in your tumble dryer has seen better days then it may need to be replaced. However the good news is that you have come to the right place to get your problem resolved!
Here at eSpares we are able to provide many replacement belts within our range of tumble dryer spares, so you should be able to get the correct belt for your specific model.
This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar
What You Will Need:
Step 1 - Switch off Your Appliance
Safety First! Please ensure that you have disconnected the appliance from the mains before starting any repair and due to the sharp edges exposed we suggest suitable Safety Gloves are worn to help prevent injury.
Step 2 - Remove the Top Panel
Ok time to really get going now...the first thing you need to do is to remove the top of the appliance by undoing the screws that are holding it in place.
Step 3 - Remove the Side Panels
Once the top has been removed, you need to proceed to take off the side panel, by again just removing the screws that are keeping it in place.
Please Note: Be careful with the screw on the inside of the machine - when you loosen it don't lose either the screw - or the screwdriver - inside the machine.
Once the final screw is removed, you can then lift up and remove the side panel. You now need to do exactly the same procedure to remove the other side panel too.
Step 4 - Remove the Plastic Heater Cover
Now that the side panels are out of the way you now need to remove the plastic heater cover at the back, which once again is just done by undoing the screws that are holding it in place.
You also need to then unclip the clips (which you can use a flathead screwdriver for) - be careful with these though as they can break. It’s a good idea is to start with a low one and then work your way around.
Step 5 - Remove the Metal Heater Cover
Next thing you need to do is to remove the metal heater cover by undoing all the screws that hold it into place. Some of the screws that hold the metal heater cover in place are different - so for these bottom ones we are using a Phillips head screwdriver.
Please Note: On your model there may be a seal inside the metal heater cover which keeps the cover stuck to the cabinet. So you might have to use a flat head screwdriver or a blunt knife just to ease that away.
Step 6 - Remove the Heater
The heater has electrical connections inside the machine, so what you need to do is disconnect these electrical connections which will then allow you to remove the heater entirely.
With the electrical connections disconnected the next thing you need to do is undo the screws that hold the heater in place - you can then take the whole assembly off.
Step 7 - Remove the Fan Cover & Fan
The fan cover is held in by one screw which you can undo and then unhinge the fan cover. With the fan cover removed you can now remove the fan itself.
To do this grab yourself a socket set, put it on the nut inside the fan and rest the socket set against the fan cover so it doesn't move. You can then use the fan itself to undo the nut.
When the nut is almost off you can use your fingertips just to remove the nut and the two washers, you can then remove the fan off the shaft.
If the fan is a bit stiff you can use a flat head screwdriver at the back of the fan; give a little knock to make it come off the shaft.
Step 8 - Release the Tension on Belt (Release the Motor)
Well done so far - but we’re not there yet! With the fan out of the way now, the next thing to do is to release the tension on the belt by releasing the motor.
Proceed to undo the electrical connection to the motor and then unspring the spring that holds the motor into position. You should now notice that you have a much slacker belt.
Step 9 - Release the Belt from the Shaft & Pulley
To release the belt from the pulley and the shaft, you need to pull the pulley as near to the motor as possible and then drop the belt in the gap. You can then spin the belt to easily remove it from the shaft and the pulley.
Step 10 - Remove the Back Panel & the Drum
With the belt completely removed from the pulley and the motor, the next thing you need to do is to remove the back of the appliance completely with the drum. Disconnect the electrical connector first.
To take the back off you need to remove the screws that are holding it in place. Your final screw to remove should be the one that is holding everything in place, and once this is removed the back panel and the drum will be released.
Step 11 - Remove the Belt
Once the rear panel and the drum have been eased off from the cabinet, you can now finally remove your old belt - if it's still in one piece.
Step 12 - Fit the New Belt
Here we go - the bit you have been waiting for...time to fit your brand new belt! Standing at the rear of the machine you will be able to pull the front of the drum towards you; this will allow you to drop the belt in place around the front of the drum.
However remember to disconnect the electrical connector which runs along the top frame.
Step 13 - Attach the Drum & Back Panel
With the belt in place you now need to carefully reattach the drum in position on the support wheels - making sure to be careful of any sharp edges. Proceed to screw in the back panel and refit the rest of the screws.
Step 14 - Fit the Heater & Heater Cover
Feed the electrical connector inside the cabinet, making sure that the rubber grommet which keeps the heater wires in place is secured on the back, before re-screwing in the heater.
With the heater secure you can now reattach the metal heater cover. With the metal heater cover now in place you can reattach the plastic heat shield. Once this is done, proceed to reconnect the electrical connections to the heater - making sure that all the wires go back in their relevant clips.
Step 15 - Fit the Belt, Fan & Secure the Motor
Ok then for this you need to start by refitting the side panel - once done you can then refit the electrical connection on the top.
You are now able to refit the belt, the fan and then also re-secure the motor.
To attach the belt you simply need to pull it tight - making sure you wrap it around the base of the shaft. You can then turn the belt into position. Next reattach the spring that holds the motor in place.
Reconnect the electrical connection to the motor.
Please Note: Before refitting your fan it is worth pointing out the connection onto the shaft has a rounded side and a flat side. Make sure you line up the flat side on your motor shaft here with the fan.
Grab your two washers and put those into place, put your nut inside your socket set, and then the same as when you removed the fan - you can use the turning of the fan to re-tighten the nut.
Step 16 - Fit the Fan Cover & Side Panels
With the fan nice and secure you can then reattach the fan cover. Reattach the top before hinging the bottom into place.
Now with regards to the side panels, it’s a good idea to put the base in first - get that into position and rest your foot so it holds the panel in place.
You can then work the rest of it into position before refitting the screws.
Great stuff - you will be pleased to know that you have now successfully completed the repair on your tumble dryer belt! With your hard work and dedication, along with some help from eSpares, you have gained some tumble dryer repair skills that has potentially helped you save money on engineer call-outs.
Your Tumble Dryer In Need Of Some Loving, Care & Attention?
If you really want to get the best performance from your tumble dryer, and better results for your clothes, then look no further than these energy saving tumble dryer balls - providing a natural, eco-friendly alternative to fabric softeners (ideal for delicate or sensitive skin). When placed in your tumble dryer their square tips compress and soften fabrics, reducing drying time by up to 25%.
Need A Belt For Your Tumble Dryer?
Fixing your tumble dryer heater yourself can save you a lot of money compared to booking a repair or buying a new tumble dryer. Here at eSpares, we have a wide-range of replacement tumble dryer belts for you to select from - so you can soon be on your way to repairing it yourself.
For more tips and help to diagnosing faults with your appliances you can see the other articles available within our advice centre. (Use link /advice)
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