Dryer Drum Felt Seal & Drive Belt Installation – How to Replace Drum Felt and Belt
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
What this is: The drum felt (felt seal) cushions and seals the drum where it rides against the front/rear bulkheads; the drive belt turns the drum. Worn felt causes rubbing noise, fabric-damaging edges, and heat/air leaks. A broken or slipping belt causes the drum not to turn or to turn intermittently. Below are step-by-step diagnostic checks and a practical repair sequence for replacing both the felt seal and the drive belt. 1) Diagnostics – what to check first: 1.1 Unplug the dryer and shut off gas (if gas model). Safety first. 1.2 Open the door and manually spin the drum. Listen for rubbing, flapping, scraping or a rough grinding sound; feel for smooth rotation. 1.3 Inspect the drum perimeter (front and rear) where the drum meets the cabinet. If you see compressed, torn, or missing felt — the felt needs replacing. 1.4 Lift the drum slightly and look underneath to inspect the belt condition (fraying, glazing, break) and belt alignment. If the belt is glazed, stretched, cracked or broken, replace it. 1.5 Check the idler pulley and motor pulley for free spin and bearing noise; a noisy or seized idler will shorten belt life. 2) Tools & prep: 2.1 Tools: screwdriver set (Phillips/flat), nut drivers/sockets (typically 1/4"–3/8"), putty knife or thin pry tool, pliers, work gloves, flashlight. 2.2 Parts: correct drum felt kit for your model, replacement drive belt (match length/width or OEM number), optional idler pulley and drum support rollers if worn. 2.3 Work area: remove lint, create space to lay the dryer on its back if needed, keep fasteners organized. 3) Disassembly (generalized procedure — consult your model’s manual for panel fastener locations): 3.1 Unplug the dryer and disconnect the exhaust vent. For gas models, turn off the gas and disconnect per code. 3.2 Remove the top panel (usually two screws at the back). Some models require releasing clips; lift top and prop. 3.3 Remove the front panel: open door, remove screws along the front, lift door hinge or remove screws at the hinge, then lift the front panel off. For some models you must remove lint trap and release retaining clips first. 3.4 Remove the drum: reach in, slide drum forward to clear front bulkhead, then lift out. Support drum so it doesn’t fall. 4) Replace felt seals: 4.1 Remove old felt: pry out the old front and/or rear felt from its channel using a putty knife; note orientation and any metal clips or screws. Clean remaining adhesive, lint and debris from the channel and drum lip. 4.2 Fit new felt to the drum/bulkhead: most kits include a rear felt (wraps around the drum rear) and a front felt (seals at the front bulkhead). Slide the rear felt onto the drum lip and align it to sit flush. Some kits glue; others are friction-fit—follow kit instructions. 4.3 Install front felt/seal onto the bulkhead so the drum will ride on it when reinstalled. Ensure any screw or clip locations are secured. Rotate the drum by hand to confirm even contact and no binding. 5) Replace drive belt (if replacing): 5.1 Note routing: before removing the old belt, take a picture or sketch the belt path around the drum, motor pulley and idler. 5.2 Remove old belt: if intact, loosen the idler pulley to relieve tension and slip the belt off the motor pulley and drum. 5.3 Inspect idler and motor pulleys for smooth spin; replace if noisy. 5.4 Install new belt: loop the new belt halfway around the drum (grooved side usually faces the motor/idler), route the belt around the motor pulley and over the idler, then apply tension so the belt sits in the drum groove. Ensure the belt tracks centrally and the drum spins freely. 6) Reassembly and test: 6.1 Reinstall the drum into the cabinet, making sure it seats into the rear bulkhead and drum support rollers/slots. 6.2 Reattach the front panel, secure screws, reinstall the top panel, reconnect the vent, restore gas (if applicable), and plug the dryer in. 6.3 Run a short test cycle empty: listen for rubbing, thumping, or slipping. The drum should spin smoothly with even, quiet motion. Check for lint leaks around the new felt. Safety note: Always unplug electrical appliances before working on them. Support the drum when removing it—it's heavy and can pinch fingers. If the dryer uses gas, turn off the gas supply and have a licensed pro reattach lines if you are not qualified. If you encounter rusted fasteners or structural damage, consider professional help.
Common Symptoms
Loud rubbing or scraping noises during spin, visible wear or gaps in drum felt, fabric scuffs or tears, dryer not tumbling or tumbling intermittently, burning rubber smell or belt squeal.
Common Causes
- Worn, compressed, torn or missing drum felt/seal causing metal-to-metal contact
- Stretched, glazed, frayed or broken drive belt preventing proper drum rotation
- Worn idler pulley or motor pulley causing belt slip and premature belt wear
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 ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Confirm a worn felt by rotating the drum by hand in a dim area: use a flashlight to inspect the drum edge — if you see metal-to-metal contact or hear consistent scraping at the same drum position, the felt is bad. For the belt, try the manual spin test: if the drum slips or the belt is visibly glazed/cracked, replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the correct felt kit or belt for my dryer?
Find your dryer's model number (usually on the door frame, behind the lint filter, or on the rear panel). Enter that model number on the manufacturer's parts site or a parts retailer to get the exact drum felt kit and belt. If you can't find OEM parts, universal kits exist but verify dimensions (belt length/width and felt shape) before buying.
Can I replace the drum felt and belt myself?
Yes — most handy homeowners can replace felt and belt with basic tools and the model-specific kit. Follow the diagnosis steps, take photos during disassembly to remember belt routing, and always unplug the dryer (and shut off gas on gas models) before starting. If panels or mounting points are heavily corroded or if you're uncomfortable with disassembly, hire a technician.
Related How-To Videos
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 ProsourceParts.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 ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.