Dryer Not Spinning – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
When your dryer runs and heats up but the drum does not spin, your clothes will sit in a hot pile and never dry. This is one of the most common dryer problems and is almost always caused by a broken or worn drive belt. The belt wraps around the drum and is powered by the motor — when it snaps or stretches out, the drum stops turning even though the motor is still running. Other possible causes include a failed idler pulley or worn drum rollers.
Common Causes
- Broken or worn dryer drive belt
- Failed idler pulley
- Worn drum support rollers
- Defective drum bearing
- Faulty drive motor
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at PartsDiscount.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Open the dryer door and try to spin the drum by hand. If it spins very freely with almost no resistance, the belt is likely broken. On most dryers you can remove the top panel with a putty knife and look down to see if the belt is still in place. If the belt looks cracked, glazed, or has snapped, that is your problem.
Real DIY Repair Stories
6 storiesDIY dryer belt fix on first try — no issues at all
Our 7-year-old Whirlpool dryer quit spinning one morning. After checking the thermal fuse and heating element I realized the drum belt had snapped. I picked up a replacement at a local store and was able to install it the same day. I did have to remove the front panel and disconnect the door switch wiring to get full access. The whole job was pretty straightforward once the drum was lifted out. Belt went on easily and everything has been working perfectly since. Really glad I did not pay someone to come out for this.
Tools used: Screwdriver, socket set, pliers
Dryer would run briefly then stop — belt was the culprit
Our dryer would start up fine and tumble for a few minutes, then suddenly stop mid-cycle. Each time I restarted it the run time got shorter and shorter. I finally pulled the machine apart and found the belt was severely stretched and slipping off the pulley. It was barely holding on. I ordered the exact replacement belt and a new idler pulley while I was at it. Took some patience to thread the new belt into the right position but once it was seated everything ran perfectly. No more random shutdowns.
Tools used: Nut driver, pliers, flashlight
Loud thumping turned out to be a fraying belt
Started hearing a loud rhythmic thumping every time the dryer ran. I thought something was caught inside the drum but it was empty. When I took the top off and looked at the belt it was fraying badly with chunks of rubber missing. That was what was slapping around in there. I found the right replacement belt for my model and installed it over a weekend. The belt path was a little tricky around the tensioner but manageable. Dryer is whisper quiet again and drying clothes like new.
Tools used: Putty knife, Phillips screwdriver, needle nose pliers
Burnt rubber smell and dead dryer — belt completely shredded
Came home to a strong burnt rubber smell from the laundry room. The dryer had stopped mid-cycle and the drum would not budge. I opened it up and found the belt had completely shredded — pieces of it were scattered around the bottom of the cabinet. I vacuumed out all the debris, checked the motor and idler pulley for damage, and then installed a new belt. The motor pulley had some scuff marks but still turned smoothly so I left it. Everything has been running fine for several months now with no issues.
Tools used: Vacuum, nut driver set, screwdriver, work light
Dryer making grinding noise then stopped spinning
For a couple weeks our dryer was making a really loud squealing and grinding noise during cycles. Then one day it just quit spinning altogether. I pulled it apart and found the belt had worn through and snapped. The rubber was cracked and brittle from years of use. I ordered the correct belt for our model from PartsDiscount.com and swapped it out myself. Took me a little over an hour since I had to figure out the belt path around the motor pulley and idler. Everything is running quiet and smooth again now.
Tools used: Phillips screwdriver, putty knife
Broken dryer belt replacement saved us hundreds
Our dryer suddenly stopped tumbling even though it still powered on. After some research I figured it was the belt. I took the front panel off and sure enough the belt had snapped clean in two. Ordered a replacement belt online and had it installed the same week. The hardest part was routing the new belt around the drum and tensioner pulley, but once I watched a walkthrough it clicked. Dryer has been running strong ever since. Definitely worth doing yourself before calling a repair service.
Tools used: Nut driver set, putty knife, work gloves
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