Kenmore 79691272210 Dryer Belt — What It Fixes and How to Replace It
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
The Kenmore 79691272210 listed as a genuine OEM dryer belt is the part that loops around the drum and motor/idler assembly to turn the drum during a drying cycle. When this belt is worn, damaged, or broken the drum won’t tumble even though the motor may run. Follow these diagnostic and repair steps to confirm and replace the belt. 1) Preliminary diagnosis: a. Unplug the dryer (and shut off the gas supply if it’s a gas dryer). Safety first. b. Try to rotate the drum by hand (after opening the door). If the drum spins freely with no resistance and the belt is not visible intact, the belt is likely broken. If you feel resistance or a rough spot, inspect for a frayed or glazed belt. c. Start the dryer briefly (with the front removed or with the drum accessible and your hands well clear) to see if the motor runs but the drum does not turn — a classic sign of a broken/ slipped belt. d. Listen for rubbing, squealing, or thumping noises which indicate a slipping or misaligned belt or worn idler/rollers. 2) Tools and parts you’ll need: - Replacement belt: Kenmore OEM 79691272210 (or exact OEM equivalent). - Basic hand tools: screwdriver set (Phillips and flat), nut driver or socket set, putty knife (to release top clips on some models), work gloves. - Optional: multimeter to check motor continuity, replacement idler pulley and drum rollers if worn. 3) Access and inspection steps (typical front-access Kenmore dryer): a. Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall. b. Remove the lint screen and use a putty knife to release the two top front clips (if applicable) then lift off the top panel or remove the screws holding it. c. Remove the front panel: disconnect the door switch connector and unbolt the front. Set the front aside. d. Visually inspect the belt around the drum. If it’s snapped, badly frayed, or missing ribs, it needs replacement. Also inspect the idler pulley, motor pulley, and drum rollers for wear — replace if noisy or visibly worn. 4) Belt removal and replacement steps: a. Note the belt routing before removal or take a photo. The belt typically wraps around the drum and loops around the motor pulley and idler tensioner. b. Release tension from the idler and slide the belt off the motor pulley. Remove the old belt from the drum. c. Clean the drum seam and inspect for objects that may have damaged the belt. d. Fit the new OEM 79691272210 belt around the drum grooves (ribbed side facing the drum where applicable) and align the ribs with the drum guide. Feed the belt ends down toward the front of the dryer. e. Re-route the belt around the motor pulley and thread it over/under the idler so the idler applies proper tension (confirm routing with your earlier photo or the service sticker inside the dryer). f. Rotate the drum by hand a few turns to ensure the belt tracks straight and the idler provides proper tension. Check that the belt is seated in the drum grooves and not twisted. g. Reassemble the front panel, reconnect the door switch, reattach the top and lint screen, push the dryer back, plug in, and (if gas) restore gas supply. 5) Test run: a. Run the dryer on an air/fluff cycle for a minute to confirm the drum turns smoothly and no unusual noises are present. b. If the drum slips, squeals, or the belt comes off, recheck routing and inspect idler and rollers for wear — replace those if needed. Safety note: Always unplug the dryer and turn off gas supply (for gas models) before starting any repairs. Wear gloves and keep fingers clear of moving parts while testing. If you’re uncomfortable with disassembly or working near gas, hire a qualified technician.
Common Symptoms
Drum won’t spin or tumble, dryer motor runs but no tumbling, loud squealing or thumping noises, burning rubber smell, visible frayed or broken belt.
Common Causes
- Normal wear and tear causing the belt to fray, crack, or snap
- Worn idler pulley or drum rollers causing belt mis-tracking and accelerated wear
- Object caught between drum and cabinet damaging the belt
- Incorrect belt routing or improper installation
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
Before disassembling, remove the lint screen and look into the drum seam; if you see a snapped belt hanging or missing ribs, that confirms the belt is the problem. Also try spinning the drum by hand—if it turns freely without resistance the belt is almost always broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the Kenmore 79691272210 dryer belt myself?
Yes. Replacing the belt is a common DIY repair that most handy homeowners can do with basic tools in 30–60 minutes. Make sure to unplug the dryer (and turn off gas if applicable), document the belt routing before removing it, and inspect idler pulley and drum rollers while you have the dryer open.
How much does a genuine OEM dryer belt cost and where can I buy it?
An OEM dryer belt for Kenmore models typically costs in the range of $15–$40 depending on supplier. You can buy the 79691272210 OEM belt from authorized parts retailers, the manufacturer parts website, or reputable appliance parts stores online. Always verify compatibility with your exact dryer model number before ordering.
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.