What You Need to Know Before You Start

A Maytag dryer belt wears out after two to five years of use and will snap suddenly, leaving your drum unable to turn. Replacing it yourself takes about 30 minutes and costs $30 to $60 for the belt alone—far less than a service call. The belt sits underneath the dryer drum, so you will need to remove the front panel and drum to access it. This is a straightforward job if you follow the steps in order and keep track of small parts.

Before you begin, unplug the dryer from the wall outlet. This is not optional—the drum can still turn if power reaches it, and your hands will be near moving parts. Let the dryer cool for at least 15 minutes if it has been running recently.

Key Takeaways

  • Always unplug the dryer before you start, and wait 15 minutes for it to cool if it has been running.
  • You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a putty knife or flathead screwdriver, and a replacement belt made for your specific Maytag model number.
  • The front panel comes off first, then the drum lifts out, and the old belt slides off the drum and idler pulley underneath.
  • The new belt wraps around the drum and under the idler pulley in a specific path—check your model's diagram to get it right the first time.
  • Reassemble in reverse order: drum back in, front panel back on, then plug in and test with an empty load.

Find Your Model Number and Order the Right Belt

The belt you need depends on your exact Maytag model. Look on the back of the dryer or inside the door frame for a sticker with the model number—it usually starts with "MEDB" or "MEDL" followed by numbers. Write this down or take a photo.

Search for your model number plus "dryer belt" on the Maytag website or a parts retailer like AppliancePartsPros or PartSelect. Maytag dryer belts are usually part number 37001057 or 37001058, but confirm yours before ordering. The belt should arrive within a few days. Do not start the repair until you have the new belt in hand.

Remove the Front Panel

Lay a towel or blanket on the floor in front of the dryer to protect it from scratches. Open the dryer door all the way and look along the top edge of the front panel—you will see two screws, one on each side, just below the top trim. Remove both screws with a Phillips screwdriver and set them aside in a small cup so you do not lose them.

Close the dryer door. At the bottom of the front panel, you will see a small gap between the panel and the dryer body. Insert a putty knife or flathead screwdriver into this gap and gently pry the bottom edge of the panel toward you. The panel is held by clips, not screws—it will pop free with light pressure. Once the bottom is loose, lift the entire front panel up and away from the dryer. Set it aside where it will not get stepped on.

Lift Out the Drum

You now see the drum and the belt wrapped around it. Before you remove the drum, take a photo of how the belt sits—this will help you thread the new one correctly. The drum is held in place by a front bearing (a plastic ring at the front) and a rear bearing at the back. You do not need to remove these; the drum straightforward lifts out once the front panel is off.

Reach into the dryer and grasp the drum at the sides. Pull it straight toward you—it will slide out on the front bearing. Once the front edge clears the dryer body, tilt the drum slightly and lift it out completely. Set it on the towel in front of the dryer. The old belt will still be wrapped around the drum and the idler pulley underneath.

Remove the Old Belt and Install the New One

Look underneath the drum where it sat. You will see the idler pulley—a small wheel that keeps tension on the belt. The old belt wraps around the drum and under this pulley. Slide the old belt off the drum first, then unhook it from under the idler pulley. Discard the old belt.

Take your new belt and compare it to the photo you took earlier. The belt must wrap around the drum in a specific path: it goes around the outside of the drum, then under the idler pulley, then back up. Start by draping the belt over the top of the drum, then work it around the sides and underneath. Once the belt is loosely in place, use your fingers to guide it under the idler pulley. The pulley should rest on top of the belt, not beside it. The belt should be snug but not tight—you should be able to move it slightly by hand.

Slide the Drum Back In and Reattach the Front Panel

Carefully lift the drum and guide it back into the dryer. The front bearing will slide onto the front drum support. Push the drum straight in until it seats fully—you should feel it click into place. Make sure the belt stays in position as you push; if it shifts, pull the drum back out and adjust the belt again.

Once the drum is seated, position the front panel in front of the dryer opening. The top edge has clips that fit into slots on the dryer body. Align the top edge first, then press the bottom edge in until you hear the clips snap. Insert the two screws at the top and tighten them firmly with the Phillips screwdriver. Close the dryer door and check that it closes smoothly—if it does not, the front panel may not be seated correctly.

Test the Repair

Plug the dryer back into the wall outlet. Open the door and place a single towel inside, then close the door and run the dryer on the air-dry or low-heat setting for five minutes. Listen for any unusual sounds—grinding, squeaking, or thumping means the belt is not threaded correctly. If the drum turns smoothly and quietly, the repair is complete.

If you hear noise, unplug the dryer when ready, remove the front panel again, and check the belt path. The most common mistake is threading the belt over the idler pulley instead of under it. Once you confirm the belt is correct, test again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dryer belt is actually broken?

If the drum does not turn when you start the dryer but you hear the motor running, the belt is broken or slipped off. Open the door and try to turn the drum by hand—if it spins freely, the belt is gone. A worn belt may squeak before it breaks, so listen for that sound as a warning sign.

Can I reuse the old belt if it just slipped off?

If the belt is intact and not frayed or cracked, you can try to rethread it. However, if it slipped off once, it was likely already worn thin. Replacing it now prevents the dryer from stopping mid-cycle later. A new belt costs less than the inconvenience of a second failure.

What if the drum does not turn after I put the new belt on?

The belt is probably threaded over the idler pulley instead of under it. Remove the front panel, pull the drum out slightly, and check the belt path. The pulley should sit on top of the belt, pressing down on it. If the belt is above the pulley, slide it underneath and try again.

Do I need to replace the idler pulley at the same time?

Only if it is cracked, worn flat, or does not spin freely when you turn it by hand. If the pulley looks smooth and spins easily, it is fine. A worn pulley will cause the new belt to wear out faster, so inspect it while you have the drum out.

How long does a new belt last?

A properly installed belt typically lasts two to five years, depending on how often you use the dryer. Drying heavy loads like comforters or towels every day will wear the belt faster than occasional use. If your dryer runs constantly, plan to replace the belt again in two to three years.