Maytag Dryer Belts – Which Belt Fixes a Drum That Won't Turn?
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Understanding the Problem
Maytag dryers use a single drive (drum) belt that wraps around the drum and a motor pulley/idler to spin the drum. When that belt wears, cracks, or breaks, the drum will not turn (or will slip), you may hear squealing or a burning rubber smell, and clothes won't dry. Below are practical diagnostic and repair steps you can follow. 1) Confirm the symptom: If the dryer powers on, the motor runs (you hear humming or motor noise) but the drum does not rotate or only slips, the belt is often the cause. If you hear a ripping/snap and the drum stops mid-cycle, the belt likely broke. 2) Safety first: Unplug the dryer or switch off its circuit at the breaker. For gas dryers, also shut off the gas supply before working on the unit. 3) Access the belt: Depending on your Maytag model, remove the dryer top or front panel, or the lower access panel. Most front-load or older Maytag cabinets allow belt access by removing the top and front; newer compact models may have a rear access panel. Keep track of screws and clips. 4) Inspect the belt and related parts: Visually inspect the belt for fraying, glazing, missing chunks, or complete separation. Check the idler pulley (tensioner) and motor pulley for wear, and spin the drum rollers/supports — rough or seized rollers cause extra belt wear. 5) Test manually: With power still off, rotate the drum by hand. A broken belt usually lets the drum spin freely; a bad motor or seized roller will make it hard to turn. 6) Remove the old belt: Release tension on the idler pulley, slip the belt off the motor pulley, then off the drum. Remove any belt fragments. 7) Inspect and replace worn parts: If the idler pulley makes noise, the motor pulley is grooved, or drum rollers are rough, replace those parts at the same time — a new belt will fail quickly if these are bad. 8) Install the new belt (typical method): Route the new belt around the drum with the ribbed side facing the drum (or as specified by your model). Loop the belt around the motor pulley and then position it over the idler pulley so the tensioner presses against the belt and creates proper tension. Manually spin the drum to ensure the belt tracks straight and the ribs seat into the drum grooves. 9) Reassemble and test: Reinstall panels, restore power, run the dryer empty on a normal cycle and observe drum rotation for at least a few minutes. Listen for squeaks and check for proper running. 10) Final check: If the drum still slips or the belt breaks again, re-check idler, motor bearings, drum rollers, and drum glides — replace any worn components. Safety note: Always disconnect power before working on the dryer and avoid putting your fingers near moving parts when testing with power on. If you smell gas after reassembly on a gas dryer, turn off the unit and gas supply and call a pro.
Common Symptoms
Drum won't turn or slips, loud squealing or thumping, burning rubber smell, dryer runs but clothes stay wet, visible belt damage.
Common Causes
- Belt worn, cracked, or broken from age or heat
- Idler (tension) pulley or motor pulley worn, causing belt to slip
- Worn drum rollers, shaft bearings, or drum glides increasing friction and wearing the 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
If you can spin the drum freely by hand while the motor is running (or if you hear the motor running but the drum doesn’t move), the drum belt is almost certainly broken or slipped off — remove the access panel to confirm visually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Maytag dryer belt cost and is it easy to replace?
A replacement belt typically costs $15–$40 depending on OEM vs aftermarket. Labor is moderate for most DIYers — expect 30–60 minutes if you have basic tools and can access the drum. Replace worn idler/rollers if noisy to prevent repeat failures.
Can I run my dryer without a belt or use a temporary fix?
No. Running the dryer without a belt means the drum won't turn and the motor may overheat or be damaged if it stalls. Temporary fixes (rope, tape) are unsafe and will fail; replace the belt and any worn pulleys or rollers for a reliable repair.
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