Kenmore Dryer 200 Series Belt Diagram — How to Route and Replace the Drum Belt
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
Brief explanation: Many Kenmore 200 Series dryers are built on the common Whirlpool platform. When the drum belt breaks, slips, or is misrouted the drum will not turn, you may hear a squeal or thump, or there may be a burning rubber smell. Below is a practical description of how the belt is routed, how to diagnose what's wrong, and step-by-step instructions to replace the belt and check associated parts. Belt routing (text diagram): - The belt loops once completely around the drum (outside the drum shell) with the ribbed side facing the drum surface. - From the drum rear, the belt runs down toward the motor area, loops around the motor drive pulley, and passes under the idler/tensioner pulley. - The idler pulley presses the belt against the motor pulley to maintain tension. The belt's ribs face the motor pulley grooves. - In short: Drum (ribs toward drum) → down to motor pulley (ribs fit into motor pulley) → under/idler tensioner → back up to drum. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions: 1) Safety first: unplug the dryer and shut off gas (for gas models) before doing any work. 2) Locate the model tag (inside door rim or on rear panel). Note the full model number — this ensures you order the correct replacement parts. 3) Confirm the symptom: - Try to spin the drum by hand. If it spins freely with no drive, suspect a broken belt or detached belt. - If the drum is hard to turn and you hear squeaks, suspect seized rollers or idler pulley. 4) Remove access panels: - For most Kenmore 200 Series: unplug power, open the top and remove the lint filter and screws or release top clips to tilt the top forward; remove the front panel by unscrewing and unhooking the door switch wiring if needed. Some models allow access through the front lower panel. 5) Inspect the belt and components: - Look for a broken, frayed or glazed belt. Check for proper routing. If the belt is intact but shows glazing (shiny) or missing ribs, replace it. - Spin the drum rollers by hand; they should turn smoothly. If they are rough or wobble, they should be replaced. - Check the idler pulley for smooth rotation and spring tension. Replace if noisy or rough. - Check the motor pulley for damage; if the motor pulley or motor bearings are bad, the motor may need replacement. 6) Remove the old belt: - Remove the belt from around the drum and motor/idler. In many machines you can tilt the drum forward slightly and slip the belt off the drum flange. - Inspect the inside of the drum and drum flange for damage. 7) Install the new belt (how to fix): - Loop the new belt around the drum with ribs facing the drum surface. - Thread the belt down to the motor pulley, wrap it around the motor pulley with ribs seated in the pulley grooves. - Slip the belt around/under the idler pulley so the idler tensioner applies pressure to the smooth side of the belt (confirm tension is applied when idler is in place). - Rotate the drum by hand several turns to seat the belt and check alignment. 8) Reassemble: reinstall the front panel and top, reconnect any door switch wire harness, reinstall screws, and replace the lint filter. 9) Test run: plug the dryer back in (and restore gas if applicable). Run the dryer empty to verify the drum turns smoothly and no squeaks or smells occur. 10) If problem persists: if the drum still doesn't turn with a new belt, check motor continuity and the drum support bearings; if drum turns but dryer doesn't heat, that’s a separate heating/element issue. Safety note: Always disconnect power before servicing. If you are not comfortable working with disassembly or gas connections, hire a qualified technician.
Common Symptoms
Drum not turning, loud squealing or thumping, burning rubber odor, dryer runs but clothes not tumbling or drying.
Common Causes
- Broken or frayed drum belt
- Worn or seized idler pulley (tensioner)
- Worn drum rollers or rear drum bearing
- Motor or motor pulley failure or seized motor bearings
- Incorrect belt routing or slipped 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 ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Confirm a broken belt by trying to rotate the drum by hand — if the motor turns but the drum doesn't, the belt is likely broken or slipped off. Also look for a torn/burnt belt under the dryer or inside the cabinet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the correct belt part number for my Kenmore 200 Series dryer?
Locate the dryer's model and serial tag (usually inside the door frame, on the door rim, or on the rear cabinet). Enter that exact model number at a parts supplier website or search OEM parts lookup to get the correct belt and associated parts. Kenmore dryers share platforms with Whirlpool/Maytag so parts often list compatible brands.
Can I replace the dryer belt myself, and how long will it take?
Yes — most confident DIYers can replace the belt in 45–90 minutes with a basic set of hand tools. The job involves removing the top or front panel, removing the old belt, checking rollers and idler, fitting the new belt in the correct routing, and reassembling. If you’re unsure about electrical or gas connections, or the dryer requires special disassembly, call 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.