Dryers that run but don’t tumble can be confusing. The motor makes noise, but your clothes just sit there damp. In most cases, the issue comes from a stretched or slipped drive belt. While the appliance seems active, the drum stays still, and the heat builds up with no airflow through the fabrics. That creates longer drying times and wasted energy. The problem might not be visible at first, but it causes wear to parts over time. We’ll go over what causes this, how to check the belt, and what to expect during repair.
What the Drive Belt Does Inside Your Dryer
The belt connects the motor to the drum. As the motor shaft spins, it pulls the belt, which turns the drum to tumble your clothes. This movement is critical for even drying. Without it, hot air just hits one side while the rest remains damp. Over time, tension in the belt keeps everything turning smoothly. But if it wears out or stretches, it slips off or stops gripping the drum altogether. Consequently, the motor may continue to run, but no tumbling happens.
This issue appears suddenly in many cases. One load may dry fine, and the next day the drum no longer turns. In other cases, a stretched belt begins slipping, leading to slow, uneven spinning before it stops entirely. These signs often point to one of the most common calls we get for dryer repair in Leduc.
Signs the Dryer Belt Has Slipped or Stretched
Most dryers give off clues before the belt fails completely. Firstly, the machine runs with the usual hum, but you don’t hear the familiar rumble of the drum turning. Secondly, clothes stay wet after the cycle ends even if heat was working. Thirdly, you might hear a high-pitched whirring as the motor spins freely without resistance. These symptoms often show up together.
Another test involves manually turning the drum. If it spins unusually freely or loosely, the belt may not be holding it in place anymore. On the other hand, if it won’t move at all, the belt could be tangled or jammed. Some models also include a belt switch that stops heat if the belt breaks, but not all dryers do this. That’s why it helps to check both tumbling and heating functions.
How to Inspect a Dryer Belt Safely
Accessing the belt requires removing the top and front panels. This lets you see whether the belt is still wrapped around the drum and the motor pulley. Start by unplugging the dryer completely and sliding it away from the wall. Then remove the screws holding the top panel in place and lift it up. Next, remove the front panel screws and gently pull it forward.
With both panels off, you can check the belt. If it hangs loose or sits off to the side, it likely slipped. A broken belt may lie on the bottom of the cabinet. If the belt is still on but looks glossy, thin, or cracked, it may have stretched too far and needs replacing. We inspect the tension pulley too, because this part helps keep proper grip.
Sometimes during these checks, we find other issues like worn rollers or seized idler pulleys. For that reason, a belt replacement often includes a look at the entire drum support system. Appliance repair in Leduc usually involves multiple checks during one visit to avoid repeated breakdowns.
Replacing the Dryer Belt and Adjusting Tension
When the belt fails, we replace it with a new one matched to your model. It’s not just about length, but also rib count and thickness. First, we thread the new belt around the drum and into the tension pulley and motor assembly. After confirming alignment, we rotate the drum by hand to check for binding or slippage.
Most belts include stretch memory, so we tension them properly during install. If the idler pulley no longer provides force, we replace it as well. Once the belt is secure, we reassemble the dryer and test the tumble cycle with no load. Then we test it with damp towels to confirm airflow and spin strength. This confirms whether your clothes will dry evenly again.
It’s worth noting that if a belt slipped once, it may happen again if the pulley or rollers aren’t aligned. That’s why every repair from JAY Appliances includes alignment and function checks beyond just swapping the part. If the unit is older, we often suggest changing more than one worn part to avoid future visits.
Preventing Future Belt Issues with Simple Checks
Dryer belts don’t fail out of nowhere. Most stretch over time due to high heat and overloading. To help the belt last longer, keep lint traps and vents clear. Blocked vents make the motor work harder, which adds tension to the belt. In addition, avoid running very large loads that press heavily on the drum. Balanced loads reduce pressure on both the belt and the rollers.
Listen for subtle changes in dryer sounds. Louder humming or strange squeals during cycles can signal belt tension problems. Catching the issue early saves time and prevents overheating. A belt that slips during a load might also wrap around other parts and damage the motor pulley or drum rollers.
For homes with limited ventilation, checking the vent pipe every few months helps prevent overheating. Proper venting lowers the load on the motor and helps the belt stay in its track. We also recommend occasional internal cleaning, especially in older models. If unsure where to start, you can book with JAY Appliances to inspect your dryer.
When It’s Not Just the Belt
There are cases where the drum doesn’t spin, but the belt remains in place. In those situations, other parts may be failing. A jammed roller, for example, can stop the drum from turning even with a working belt. A worn idler pulley might also release tension, causing slippage. Some dryers use a belt switch, which disables the motor if the belt slips. If that switch fails, the drum stays still despite a good belt.
In rare cases, the motor coupling fails, or the motor itself runs without turning the shaft. That results in noise without movement. Diagnosing those issues involves checking the belt first, then rotating parts by hand to find the source of resistance. Any resistance or wobble in the drum support usually leads us to inspect deeper into the pulley system or the rear bearing.
When we’re called for dryer repairs in Leduc, we always check the entire drive system. This avoids guessing and helps us restore the appliance in one visit.
FAQ
Why does my dryer sound normal but not spin?
A stretched or slipped drive belt is the most likely cause. It lets the motor run but disconnects from the drum.
Can I reuse an old dryer belt?
It’s not recommended. Old belts lose tension over time. Even if it looks intact, it may not grip properly.
Is it safe to run the dryer if the drum isn’t turning?
No. Heat builds up in one area and can damage clothing or internal components without airflow.
What’s the average cost to replace a dryer belt?
The cost depends on the model and labor time. Most visits also include checks on pulleys and rollers.
How long does it take to fix a broken dryer belt?
Most belt replacements take under an hour. If other parts are worn, repairs may take a bit longer.
For a full inspection or belt replacement, reach out to JAY Appliances for appliance repair in Leduc.