How to Change the Dryer Belt on your Clothes Dryer

If you have had your dryer break, most likely it is your dryer belt that has broken.  This article will describe how to find replacement dryer parts and replace a dryer belt on your gas or electric clothes dryer. 

Finding a replacement Dryer Belt

When searching for a dryer belt, you will need to know the model number of your dryer.  You can find the model number by opening the dryer door, the model number will usually be located on a sticker just behind the dryer door.

You can then identify the specific dryer belt that you need by calling an appliance parts store or by looking on-line at your dryer manufacturer's website. 

You will want to identify the part number of the replacement belt so that you can make sure to get the correct length, width and number of ridges on the belt to ensure proper fit and operation.

dryer belts come in a variety of sizes, I needed a 92-1/4 inch long, 1/4 inch wide dryer drum belt with four ridges.  I found the part by searching on line and at whirlpool.com.  The part numbers I found were 8066065 and the part number for the replacement belt is 341241.

I also discovered that that FSP is the brand name that Whirlpool Corporation produces its replacement parts under - So the dryer belt part number 341241 is the genuine whirlpool replacement belt for my clothes dryer.

This belt is also used on some Kenmore, KitchenAid and Roper dryers in addition to some Whirlpool dryers.

There are many other dryer manufacturers such as Jenn Air, Hampton Bay and it is very important to identify the correct dryer belt for your particular dryer model.

 
Replacing the Dryer Belt

Replacing the dryer belt is a pretty simple process, your new dryer belt will likely come with instructions on how to do it.  The basic process for my dryer was as follows:

• Unplug the dryer.
• Remove the dryer lint screen.
• Remove the two screws holding the lint trap to the top of the dryer.
• Lift the top of the dryer.
• Disconnect the door switch.
• Unscrew the front of the dryer from the sides by finding and removing the sheet metal screws on each side at the top of the dryer front panel.
• Lift the front panel off while supporting the drum.
• Place a support under the drum so you don't have to continually hold it up.
• Find the idler pulley, it may have come free when the old belt broke.
• Install the new belt around the drum with the ridges and grooves facing the drum.
• Place the idler pulley back in the proper location if it came out.
• Put the belt through the idler pulley and around the motor pulley.
• Remove your supporting block if used, reassemble the front panel and the door switch.
• Spin the drum by had to make sure it is properly aligned, turns correctly and that the rear drum seal is correctly installed per manufacturers instructions, adjust as necessary.
• Finish reassembling the dryer.
• Reconnect the power to the dryer and test.

I was able to find dryer belts and other clothes dryer parts at amazon.com in addition to local appliance parts stores.  If you don't need the parts immediately, ordering them on line can save you money.  Fortunately we were able to quickly put up a clothesline and finish drying the load that was in the dryer when it broke and didn't need to run it again for a few days.

I only needed a dryer belt, however if your idler pulley or other pulleys are sticking or do not operate correctly, these and other parts can be found both on line or at local suppliers. Using this article should help you find replacement dryer parts and understand how to replace a dryer belt on your gas or electric clothes dryer.