GEDCVH680EJ1WW Dryer Belt – Diagnose, Replace, and Fix Common Symptoms
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Understanding the Problem
Brief explanation: The dryer drive belt wraps around the drum and a motor/idler pulley so the motor can spin the drum. When the belt breaks, slips, or becomes glazed/stretched the drum won't turn properly (or at all), can slip under load, and may cause squealing or a burning rubber smell. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair steps: 1) Safety first: Unplug the dryer (or switch off the circuit breaker) and disconnect gas if it's a gas model. Wear gloves and safety glasses. 2) Verify the symptom: Try to turn the drum by hand with the door open. If you feel no resistance and the drum spins freely or you see a visible broken belt, the belt is likely the issue. If the drum binds or you hear metal-on-metal, inspect rollers/bearings as well. 3) Access the belt: For most GE front-loading style dryers like the GEDCVH680EJ1WW, open the top or front access panel. Typical steps: remove lint screen, unscrew top panel screws (or front panel screws depending on exact cabinet style), lift top and/or remove front to expose the drum and belt. Keep track of screws. 4) Inspect the belt and related parts: Look for a snapped belt, fraying, glazing (shiny worn surface), or stretched ribs. Also check the idler pulley/roller for noise or seized condition, motor pulley for wear, drum glides/slides and support rollers/bearings for wear, and the drum seam for catching the belt. 5) Remove the old belt: Release tension on the belt by pushing the idler pulley to free the belt from the motor pulley, then slide the belt off the drum. Note the routing of the belt (take a photo). If the belt is broken, remove the broken pieces. 6) Inspect and replace worn components: If the idler pulley or drum rollers are noisy, seized, or show excessive play, replace them when replacing the belt. Replacing rollers/idler at the same time prevents early new belt failure. 7) Install the new belt: Position the belt around the drum with the ribbed side facing the drum (or follow belt orientation marked on belt). Feed the belt around the motor pulley and route it under/over the idler pulley as per original routing so that tension is applied when the idler is in place. Pull the idler to apply tension and ensure belt is seated in the motor pulley grooves and centered on the drum. 8) Reassemble the dryer: Reinstall the front/top panel and any screws, reconnect the lint filter, restore power, and run a short test cycle. Observe drum rotation and listen for unusual noises. Check that drum spins smoothly without slipping under a moderate load. 9) Final checks: Run the dryer empty and then with a small load to make sure the belt and any replaced rollers/idler are quiet and the drum maintains speed. Safety note: Always disconnect power before working on the dryer. If you are not comfortable disassembling panels or dealing with motor wiring, hire a qualified appliance technician. Avoid running the dryer without proper panels reinstalled — exposed moving parts are dangerous.
Common Symptoms
Drum won't tumble or tumbles intermittently, loud squealing or rubbing noise during spin, burning rubber smell, drum spins but clothes aren’t drying due to slipping.
Common Causes
- Broken, frayed, glazed, or stretched drive belt
- Worn or seized idler pulley or drum rollers causing extra belt wear/slip
- Damaged motor pulley, drum glides, or misaligned drum causing belt damage
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
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Helpful Repair Tip
Confirm a broken belt by trying to rotate the drum by hand: a broken belt will let the drum spin freely or fall inward; a stretched belt will slip under resistance. Also look for rubber dust or a burnt-rubber smell near the motor/drive area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the belt is the problem and not the motor?
If the motor runs (you can hear it) but the drum does not turn or turns slowly/slips, the belt or idler is usually at fault. If you hear the motor hum but it doesn't run at all, the motor or motor start components may be the issue. Manually rotating the drum helps: a broken belt lets the drum spin freely; a seized motor prevents motor shaft rotation even if the belt is loose.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to replace the dryer belt?
A replacement belt usually costs between $15–$40 retail; idler pulleys or roller kits add $10–$40 each. If you do the repair yourself it typically takes 30–90 minutes depending on your comfort level and cabinet style. A technician visit including parts and labor is commonly $100–$250 depending on region and whether additional parts (rollers/idler) are needed.
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