EFME617STT0 Dryer Belt – How to Diagnose and Replace the Drum Belt
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
The drum belt (also called the drive belt) is a woven rubber loop that turns the dryer drum. When it breaks, slips, or becomes glazed, the drum will not rotate properly — the dryer may hum but not tumble, make squealing noises, or run intermittently. Below are step‑by‑step diagnostics and practical repair steps to identify and replace a faulty belt. 1. Verify the symptom - Common signs of a bad belt: drum won't turn (motor runs and you hear humming), loud squealing or rubbing noises during startup, intermittent tumbling, or visible frayed/broken belt when you remove the front or rear access. 2. Tools and parts you'll need - Tools: screwdriver set (Phillips and flat), nut driver (1/4" to 5/16"), putty knife (to release top clips on some models), work gloves, flashlight, needle‑nose pliers, tape to mark belt routing. - Parts: replacement drum belt sized or specified for EFME617STT0 (see parts list below). Consider replacing idler pulley and drum rollers if worn. 3. Safety first - Unplug the dryer or turn off its breaker. Confirm there's no power. Let the dryer cool if recently used. 4. Access the drum and inspect the belt - Remove the lint screen and any screws securing the dryer top. On many models the top lifts forward after releasing clips — use a putty knife to release clips if needed. Other models require removing the front panel. If unsure, check the model-specific service manual or the label inside the door opening for disassembly notes. - Once the top/front is removed, visually inspect the belt for breaks, glazing (shiny spots), or frayed edges. Also spin the drum by hand: if it turns freely but the belt is off motor/idle, you may hear the motor run without drum movement. 5. Check related components while you have access - Idler pulley: look for seized bearing or worn pulley surface. A bad idler causes slipping and squeal. - Drum rollers/glides: check for flat spots, wobble, or metallic scraping. Worn rollers cause belt wear and noise. - Motor and motor pulley: check for damaged motor shaft or pulley and for excessive motor noise. 6. Remove the old belt - Note or photograph the belt routing (drum around, under idler, around motor pulley). Release tension on the idler (push toward motor) to slacken the belt and slip it off the motor pulley. Remove the belt from the drum and out of the cabinet. 7. Inspect and replace worn companion parts - If idler, rollers, or motor pulley show wear, replace them now. Replacing the belt alone when other parts are worn will lead to a repeat failure. 8. Install the new belt - Feed the new belt through the cabinet and wrap it around the drum in the correct orientation (usually ribs to the drum). Align the belt’s ribbed side to the motor pulley so it seats in the pulley grooves. - Route the belt under the idler and around the motor pulley. Push the idler to apply tension, then slip the belt onto the motor pulley. Ensure the belt sits centered on the drum and motor pulley. 9. Reassemble the dryer - Reinstall the front panel/top and any screws or clips removed. Reinsert the lint screen. Reconnect power. 10. Test the repair - Run the dryer on an empty cycle to confirm the drum turns smoothly, no unusual noises occur, and the belt tracks properly. Safety note: always disconnect power before working on the dryer. If you smell burning during testing or the motor overheats, stop immediately and check belt alignment and motor condition.
Common Symptoms
Dryer motor runs but drum won't tumble, squealing or rubbing noises, intermittent tumbling, visible frayed or broken belt.
Common Causes
- Worn or snapped drum (drive) belt
- Seized or worn idler pulley causing belt slip
- Worn drum rollers or glides causing belt misalignment and accelerated 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
If the dryer motor hums but the drum doesn't turn, manually spin the drum with the power off—if it turns easily and you can see a snapped or hanging belt, the belt is the almost certain culprit; also check the idler pulley and rollers for wear while you have the unit open.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the belt is the problem instead of the motor?
If the motor runs (you can hear it hum or run) but the drum does not turn, the belt is the likely issue. With power off, manually spin the drum—if it spins freely and you can see a snapped belt or the belt is off the motor pulley, it's the belt. If the motor doesn’t run at all, check power, thermal fuse, door switch and motor before assuming the belt.
Can I reuse the old belt if it looks OK?
If the belt has glazing, frayed edges, stretch, or any cracking it should be replaced. A belt that appears intact can still have internal weakening and may slip; because belts are inexpensive relative to labor, replace a suspect belt and any worn idler/rollers when performing the repair to prevent repeat failures.
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.