Dryer Belt Broke – What Part Fixes This Problem?
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
When a dryer belt breaks the drum will not turn even though the motor may run or try to start. The belt wraps around the drum and connects it to the motor pulley (and idler). Over time the belt wears, cracks, or snaps from age, heat, or from being jammed by foreign objects. Replacing a broken belt is a common, straightforward repair for most front- or top-load electric and gas dryers. While the belt itself is the failed part in most cases, constraints such as a seized idler pulley, worn drum rollers, or a misaligned drum can accelerate belt wear and should be inspected and replaced if necessary to avoid repeated failure.
Common Symptoms
Drum does not rotate, motor runs (or hums), loud thumping or squealing noises, burning rubber smell, or the belt visible as snapped or hanging under the drum.
Common Causes
- Normal wear and age — belt material becomes brittle and snaps.
- Seized or worn idler pulley or drum rollers causing excess tension and abrasion.
- Foreign object or clothing jam that pinches or quickly damages the belt.
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
Visually inspect the drum: if it spins freely by hand with the front panel removed but motor runs with no drum rotation, the belt is almost certainly broken. Also check the idler pulley and drum rollers for binding before installing the new belt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a dryer belt myself?
Yes — for most dryers replacing the belt is a DIY-friendly job if you are comfortable unplugging the appliance, removing the dryer front or top panel, and routing the new belt around the drum and pulley/ idler. Typical tools: screwdriver, nut drivers, and sometimes a socket set. Always unplug the dryer (and shut off gas for gas dryers) before starting. If you are unsure about accessing internal components or the model uses hidden clips/fasteners, consider a technician.
How much does replacing a dryer belt cost?
Parts alone are inexpensive — typically $15–$40 for a belt or $30–$80 for a belt kit that includes idler and rollers. If you hire a technician, labor adds roughly $80–$200 depending on local rates and access difficulty. Final cost depends on brand/model and whether additional parts (idler, rollers) need replacement.
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at PartsDiscount.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to PartsDiscount.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.