What you need to know before you start
The drum belt on a Kenmore dryer wears out over time and will eventually snap. When it does, the drum stops turning even though the motor still runs. You'll hear the motor working but see the drum sitting still. Replacing the belt is a job you can do yourself with basic tools — it takes about 30 to 45 minutes and costs between $30 and $80 for the part, depending on your model.
Before you begin, unplug the dryer from the wall outlet. This is not optional. The drum can still turn if the motor starts, and your hands can be caught. Leave it unplugged for the entire job.
You will need a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and possibly a socket wrench or nut driver — the exact size depends on your model. Have a flashlight or work light ready. Take a photo of the belt path before you remove the old one so you can thread the new belt the same way.
Key Takeaways
- The dryer must be unplugged before you touch any internal parts, and it must stay unplugged for the entire job.
- You access the belt by removing the front panel or the rear panel, depending on whether your Kenmore model is a top-load or front-load dryer.
- The new belt must be threaded around the drum and the idler pulley in the exact same path as the old one, so photograph the old belt before you remove it.
- The idler pulley often wears out at the same time as the belt, and replacing both together prevents a second breakdown weeks later.
- If the drum does not turn smoothly after you install the new belt, the felt seal around the drum may also need replacement.
Locate your dryer's access panel and remove it
Kenmore dryers come in two main styles: front-load and top-load. The access point is different for each. On a front-load dryer, you remove the front panel by unbolting it from the sides and bottom. On a top-load dryer, you remove the rear panel by unbolting it from the back. Check your model number on the nameplate inside the door or on the back of the unit — it will tell you which style you have.
For a front-load model, open the door and look along the sides of the opening. You will see bolts or screws holding the front panel in place. Remove these with your screwdriver or socket wrench. There are usually two on each side and one or two at the bottom. Once all fasteners are out, gently pull the front panel toward you and set it aside on a clean surface.
For a top-load model, unscrew the bolts holding the rear panel to the back of the cabinet. These are usually large bolts that require a socket wrench. Once they are loose, lift the rear panel straight up and off the dryer and set it aside. Be careful not to damage any wires or clips that may be attached to the panel.
Remove the old belt and photograph its path
Before you touch anything, use your phone or camera to take a clear photo of how the belt wraps around the drum and the idler pulley. This is your reference for threading the new belt correctly. The belt should wrap around the outside of the drum and loop under or over the idler pulley depending on your model.
Locate the idler pulley — it is a small wheel that keeps tension on the belt. It is usually mounted on a spring-loaded arm. You may need to push or pull this arm to release the tension on the belt so you can slip it off. Once the tension is released, slide the old belt off the drum and the pulley. Set the old belt aside.
While you have the panel off, inspect the idler pulley. Spin it by hand — it should turn smoothly and quietly. If it is stiff, noisy, or does not spin at all, replace it at the same time you replace the belt. A worn idler pulley will wear out a new belt in a few weeks, so this is a good time to prevent that problem.
Install the new belt on the drum and idler pulley
Take the new belt out of its packaging and hold it up to the old one to confirm they are the same size and shape. The part number should match or be listed as compatible with your Kenmore model number.
Thread the new belt around the drum first, following the path you photographed. The belt should sit in the groove that runs around the outside of the drum. Once it is seated all the way around, guide it under or over the idler pulley — check your photo to see which way it goes. The idler pulley arm should be in its relaxed position (not under tension) while you thread the belt.
Once the belt is fully threaded, gently pull the idler pulley arm toward the belt to explore tension. The belt should be snug but not so tight that you cannot move it slightly by hand. If the belt is too loose, the drum will slip. If it is too tight, the belt will wear out faster and the motor will work harder than it needs to.
Reinstall the access panel and test the dryer
Carefully guide the front or rear panel back into place, making sure no wires or clips are pinched. Align the bolt holes and thread the bolts back in by hand first so you do not cross-thread them. Once all bolts are hand-tight, use your screwdriver or socket wrench to tighten them fully. Do not over-tighten — you only need them snug enough that the panel does not rattle.
Plug the dryer back into the wall outlet. Close the door and run the dryer on a short cycle with no clothes inside. Listen for any unusual sounds — grinding, squealing, or thumping usually means the belt is not threaded correctly or the idler pulley is failing. If you hear these sounds, unplug the dryer when ready and check the belt path against your photo.
If the drum turns smoothly and quietly, the job is complete. Run a full cycle with a damp towel to make sure everything works under load. The belt should last three to five years before it wears out again.
When to replace the idler pulley at the same time
The idler pulley wears out on the same schedule as the belt because both are under constant friction and tension. If your dryer is more than three years old and the belt has broken, the idler pulley is likely worn even if it still spins. Replacing both together costs only a little more than replacing the belt alone, but it prevents a second breakdown in a few weeks.
To replace the idler pulley, locate the bolt or clip holding it to its mounting bracket. Remove this fastener and slide the old pulley off. Install the new pulley by reversing the process — slide it onto the bracket and find it with the bolt or clip. Make sure the pulley spins freely before you thread the new belt.
When to call a professional
If the drum does not turn smoothly after you install the new belt, or if it makes grinding or squealing sounds, the felt seal around the drum may be worn. This seal keeps lint out of the motor and bearing. Replacing it requires removing the drum itself, which is more involved than a belt replacement. A technician can do this in an hour or two.
If you are not comfortable working inside the dryer, or if you damage a wire or clip while removing the panel, a service call is the safer choice. A Kenmore service technician or an independent appliance repair person can replace the belt and inspect the rest of the dryer for wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the belt is actually broken?
The drum will not turn even though you hear the motor running. You may also see a burning smell or hear a loud thumping sound. If the drum turns but slowly, the belt may be slipping rather than broken — this also means it needs replacement.
Can I use a belt from a different brand dryer?
No. Kenmore belt sizes and attachment points vary by model. Using the wrong belt will cause the drum to slip or jam. Always order a belt with your exact Kenmore model number.
What if the new belt keeps slipping after I install it?
The idler pulley is likely worn and not holding tension properly. Replace the idler pulley and thread the belt again. If it still slips, the drum bearing may be failing — this requires a service call.
How long does a new belt last?
A new belt typically lasts three to five years depending on how often you use the dryer. Dryers that run daily will wear out a belt faster than those used a few times a week.
Do I need to replace the felt seal when I replace the belt?
Not always. If the drum turns smoothly and quietly after you install the new belt, the felt seal is probably fine. If you hear grinding or see lint around the drum, the felt seal needs replacement — this is a job for a technician.