Maytag Dryer MD9700AWW Belt Replacement – How to Replace the Drive Belt
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Understanding the Problem
The dryer drive (drum) belt wraps around the drum and connects to the motor/idler so the drum turns during a cycle. When the belt snaps, slips, or is stretched, the drum will not rotate (or will rotate poorly) even though the motor runs. Below are step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions for replacing the belt on a Maytag MD9700AWW. 1) Safety first: - Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet. If it’s a gas dryer, turn the gas supply off and shut off the gas valve and disconnect power before starting. Wear safety glasses and gloves. 2) Preliminary diagnosis: - Open the dryer door and try to turn the drum by hand. If the drum spins freely but the motor runs without turning the drum, the belt is likely broken or slipped. If you hear a motor running but the drum doesn't move, that also indicates a broken/slipped belt. - Remove the lint screen and check inside the cavity for visible belt fragments. 3) Tools and parts you'll need: - Phillips and flathead screwdriver, nut driver or socket set (usually 1/4" or 5/16"), needle-nose pliers, a flashlight. Optional: putty knife (for releasing clips), work gloves. - Replacement dryer drum belt (see parts section). 4) Accessing the belt (typical MD9700AWW procedure): - Unplug the dryer. - Remove the lint filter and use a putty knife or flathead to release the clips at the top of the front panel (some models have screws under the lint trap; remove those first). Remove any screws at the bottom of the front panel. - Tilt the top forward (if applicable) or lift the top depending on fasteners—on many Maytag models the top lifts after removing two rear screws. Remove or lift the top to access the front panel screws. - Lift out the front panel: disconnect the door switch wire connector and set the panel aside. 5) Remove the drum and old belt: - With the front panel off, the drum will be visible. Carefully slide the drum forward and out of the cabinet (you may need to lift slightly to clear the rear rollers). Note the belt routing and the location of the idler pulley and motor pulley. - If the belt is intact but slipped from the pulleys, note the orientation of the ribbed side (the ribs contact the motor pulley/drive). Remove the old belt. 6) Inspect related parts: - Check the idler pulley and motor pulley for smooth rotation and free play. Inspect drum rollers/bearings for wear, flat spots, or roughness. If these are worn, replace them while you have the dryer open to avoid rapid failure of the new belt. 7) Install the new belt: - Route the new belt around the drum so the ribs face the drum (this ensures the smooth side contacts the drum surface). Place the belt around the drum groove and slide the drum back into position over the rear drum support/roller. - Route the belt around the motor pulley and through/around the idler pulley so it has proper tension. Pull the idler into position to apply tension to the belt — the belt should be snug with no excessive slack. 8) Reassemble the dryer: - Reconnect the door switch wiring and reattach the front panel. Secure any screws removed earlier and replace the top and/or screws under the lint screen. - Replace the lint screen. 9) Test the repair: - Reconnect the dryer to power (and gas if applicable). Run a short cycle to verify the drum turns smoothly and there are no unusual noises. Watch the drum start-up to ensure the belt tracks properly and the idler pulley is not squealing. Safety note: Always disconnect power and gas before disassembly. If you’re unsure about gas connections, leave those steps to a qualified technician. Avoid working with the dryer connected to power.
Common Symptoms
Drum not turning even though motor runs; loud thumping or squealing when motor starts; visible belt fragments under lint trap; drum rotates unevenly or slips.
Common Causes
- Worn or snapped drive (drum) belt
- Worn drum rollers or idler pulley causing excessive belt wear or slipping
- Misaligned drum or foreign object causing abnormal belt stress
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Helpful Repair Tip
Before disassembly, manually turn the drum; if you hear the motor humming but the drum won’t turn, the belt is almost certainly broken. Also look for belt fragments under the lint trap — that confirms a snapped belt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the dryer belt myself?
Yes. Replacing the drive belt on a Maytag MD9700AWW is a doable DIY job if you are comfortable with basic hand tools and following safety steps (unplugging the dryer and turning off gas if applicable). Expect 45–90 minutes for the job. If the idler pulley or rollers are worn, replace them at the same time to prevent premature failure of the new belt.
How much does a replacement belt cost and how long does it last?
A replacement drum belt typically costs $10–$30 for aftermarket belts and more for OEM. Labor (if you hire a technician) adds to the cost. A belt should last several years under normal use; if you hear squealing or feel the drum slipping, inspect the belt and related parts because worn rollers or idler pulleys will shorten belt life.
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