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Diy dryer belt replacement: master the art of fixing your general electric dryer

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • The drive belt is a long, rubber band that connects the motor to the drum.
  • Use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen the tensioner pulley and remove the old belt.
  • By following these instructions carefully, you can save yourself the cost of a repairman and get your dryer back up and running in no time.

Replacing your General Electric dryer belt is a relatively simple task that can be completed in under an hour. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can save yourself the cost of a repairman and get your dryer back up and running in no time.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

  • New General Electric dryer belt
  • Screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Flashlight (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Unplug the Dryer:

Before you begin, it’s important to unplug the dryer from the power outlet to prevent any electrical accidents.

2. Remove the Back Panel:

Locate the screws holding the back panel in place and remove them. Carefully lift the panel off and set it aside.

3. Locate the Drive Belt:

The drive belt is a long, rubber band that connects the motor to the drum. It’s usually located around the middle of the dryer.

4. Remove the Old Belt:

Use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen the tensioner pulley and remove the old belt. Be careful not to damage the pulley or the belt.

5. Install the New Belt:

Place the new belt around the drive pulley first, then loop it around the idler pulley. Make sure the belt is properly aligned and not twisted.

6. Tighten the Tensioner Pulley:

Use the screwdriver or pliers to tighten the tensioner pulley until the belt is snug. However, avoid overtightening as this can damage the belt.

7. Replace the Back Panel:

Lift the back panel back into place and secure it with the screws.

8. Plug in the Dryer and Test:

Plug the dryer back into the power outlet and start a test cycle. If the dryer runs smoothly and quietly, you have successfully replaced the belt.

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • If the dryer makes a squealing noise after replacing the belt, it may be too tight. Loosen the tensioner pulley slightly and try again.
  • If the dryer does not turn, the belt may be too loose. Tighten the tensioner pulley until the belt is snug.
  • If the belt breaks or comes off frequently, it may be damaged or the wrong size. Replace the belt with a new one of the correct size.

Recommendations:

Replacing the belt on your General Electric dryer is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your appliance running smoothly. By following these instructions carefully, you can save yourself the cost of a repairman and get your dryer back up and running in no time.

What You Need to Learn

Q: How often should I replace my dryer belt?
A: The frequency of belt replacement depends on how often you use your dryer. On average, it’s recommended to replace the belt every 2-3 years or when it shows signs of wear or damage.

Q: Can I replace the dryer belt myself?
A: Yes, replacing the dryer belt is a relatively simple task that can be completed by most homeowners with basic tools.

Q: What are the signs that my dryer belt needs to be replaced?
A: Some common signs include:

  • Squealing or grinding noises during drying cycles
  • The dryer not turning or tumbling properly
  • The belt breaking or coming off frequently
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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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