Kenmore Dryer 79681182310 Not Tumbling – What To Check and How To Fix It
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
Brief explanation: When a dryer won't tumble (drum doesn't rotate) the most common causes are a broken or slipped drive belt, a seized drum roller or bearing, a failed drive motor, or a faulty door/start switch. Below are step-by-step diagnostic checks and practical repair steps for each likely cause. 1) Safety & prep - Unplug the dryer (or shut off the breaker) and move it away from the wall. Have basic tools: Phillips and flat screwdrivers, nut drivers, socket set, needle-nose pliers, putty knife, multimeter, and a work light. 2) Quick hands-on checks (do these first) - Try to turn the drum by hand with the dryer unplugged. If the drum turns smoothly, the belt may be broken or off. If it spins stiffly or not at all, rollers, glides or a seized bearing are likely. - Listen when you try to start a cycle (power on, push start with door closed): if you hear the motor hum but the drum doesn’t turn, the belt could be broken/slipped or the motor is weak/seized. If you hear nothing, check the door switch and start switch. 3) Check the belt and idler (most common fix) - Remove the top or front panel (use a putty knife to release top clips on many Kenmore units, then unbolt front panel). Locate the drum belt wrapped around the drum, idler and motor pulley. - Inspect the belt for breakage, fraying, or if it’s slipped off the drum. If broken or glazed/worn, replace it. - Inspect the idler pulley for free, smooth rotation and a tight spring. Replace idler if noisy, seized or the spring is weak. - How to replace belt: release tension by moving idler, slip belt around motor pulley and drum in the correct routing, spin drum by hand to verify alignment before reassembling. 4) Check drum rollers/bearings and glide pads - With the front panel removed, spin each roller by hand. Replace any roller that is rough, noisy, or has flat spots. Check rear drum bearing or glide (many Kenmore models have a felt/glide at the front). Replace worn glides/roller kit as needed. - While panels are off, clear any lint around the motor and idler and check that the drum shafts turn freely. 5) Test the motor and electrical parts - With dryer unplugged, use a multimeter to check continuity of the motor windings and the door switch. If the motor shows open windings or if the motor hums and won’t start even with belt removed, the motor likely needs replacement. - Check the start switch and door switch for continuity when actuated; replace if open when closed. - Note: the thermal fuse generally affects heating, not tumbling, but if the dryer has a combined safety circuit it could stop motor power—check fuse only after visual checks. 6) Replace parts — high-level steps - Belt replacement: remove front/top, unbolt front if needed, route new belt around drum and motor pulley, re-tension with idler, reassemble. - Idler replacement: relieve belt tension, remove the idler assembly bolt, install new idler, re-route belt and test drum rotation. - Roller/glide replacement: remove drum, replace rollers and glides (or roller kit) and lubricate or fit new parts, then reinstall drum and belt. - Motor replacement: remove belt, disconnect motor wiring, unbolt motor assembly, fit new motor, route belt and reassemble. Verify motor mounts and venting clearances. 7) Final checks - Reconnect power, run an empty cycle to confirm drum spins normally and there are no unusual noises. Re-check for proper airflow and no lint build-up. Safety note: Always disconnect power before opening the dryer. Heating elements and internal components can be sharp and retain heat. If you are uncomfortable working with electrical components or lifting the drum, hire a qualified technician.
Common Symptoms
Drum doesn’t rotate, motor hums or is silent, loud squealing or grinding noises when trying to start, burning rubber smell, clothes not tumbling or drying.
Common Causes
- Broken or slipped drive belt
- Worn or seized drum rollers/bearings or front glide
- Faulty idler pulley or weak idler spring
- Failed drive motor or motor capacitor
- Defective door switch or start switch preventing motor from receiving power
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
Hand-spin the drum: if it turns easily but motor hums and won’t spin it, the belt is likely broken or slipped. If it won’t turn by hand, suspect rollers/bearings or a seized motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost to repair a dryer that won't tumble?
DIY parts typically run $20–$60 for a belt or idler, $25–$80 for roller kits, and $100–$250 for a motor. If you hire a technician, labor adds roughly $100–$200 depending on your area and the complexity of the repair.
Can I fix my Kenmore 79681182310 dryer not tumbling myself?
Yes — if you have basic tools and are comfortable removing panels and testing with a multimeter, you can usually replace a belt, idler or rollers yourself in 30–90 minutes. Replace the motor only if you’re comfortable with disconnecting wiring and handling heavier components; otherwise call a pro. Always unplug the dryer before working on it and verify part compatibility with your exact model number.
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.