Replace the Drum Belt on a Maytag MDE4658AYW – Step-by-Step Repair Guide
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Understanding the Problem
What this problem is: If your Maytag MDE4658AYW dryer tumbles slowly, makes a loud squeal, emits a burning-rubber smell, or the motor runs but the drum doesn't turn, the drum belt is a likely cause. A broken or stretched belt will prevent the drum from turning properly. Below are practical diagnostic and repair steps you can follow. 1. Prepare and diagnose: a. Unplug the dryer. If it is a gas model, shut off the gas supply as well. b. Try to rotate the drum by hand (through the door). If the drum spins freely with no motor noise, the belt is probably broken or off its track. If the drum is hard to turn or seizes, inspect rollers and bearings. c. Start a quick test cycle (power on) with the dryer door open and watch: if the motor runs but the drum doesn’t attempt to turn, the belt is likely snapped or slipped. 2. Tools and parts you'll need: - Nut driver or screwdriver set (usually Phillips and 1/4" or 5/16") - Socket set for fasteners - Putty knife (to release top panel clips on some models) - Replacement drum belt (see parts section) - Optional: idler pulley and drum roller kit if rollers or idler show wear 3. Accessing the belt (general procedure applicable to MDE-series Maytag dryers): a. Unplug dryer and move it away from the wall to access the rear and front. b. Remove the lint screen and then remove the screws under the lint screen that hold the top panel (if equipped). Use a putty knife to release the spring clips at the top front if necessary and lift the top up. c. With the top up, disconnect any door switch wire harness to free the front panel; remove the screws that secure the front panel to the cabinet. Lift the front panel off and set it aside. 4. Remove the old belt and inspect related parts: a. Pull the drum forward enough to expose the belt and note how the belt is routed around the drum and idler. b. If the belt is broken, remove the two half-loops of belt from the drum; if it is slipped, trace and free it. c. Inspect the idler pulley, motor pulley, drum glides (slides), and drum rollers for wear, flat spots, scoring, or seized bearings. Replace any worn components — a new belt will wear out quickly on bad rollers or a seized idler. 5. Install the new belt: a. Loop the replacement belt around the drum in the same orientation as the old belt (most are ribbed side against drum). b. Feed the belt ends down and around the motor pulley and idler. Use the idler to apply tension — pull idler away to allow the belt to seat on the motor pulley. c. Make sure the belt sits in the center of the drum and is aligned straight on the motor and idler pulleys. d. Rotate the drum by hand several turns to ensure the belt tracks correctly and tension is firm (not loose or twisted). 6. Reassemble and test: a. Reinstall the front panel and reconnect any wire harness/door switch. b. Lower and secure the top panel, reinstall screws and lint screen. c. Plug the dryer back in (and turn gas back on if applicable). Run an empty dryer cycle and observe for smooth, quiet tumbling and no slipping or squeal. Safety note: Always disconnect electrical power before working on the dryer. If your dryer is gas-powered, shut off the gas supply valve. If you are not comfortable with disassembly or gas appliances, hire a qualified technician.
Common Symptoms
Drum won’t turn or turns intermittently, loud squealing or rubbing noise during operation, burning rubber smell, motor runs but no tumbling.
Common Causes
- Drum belt snapped, stretched, or slipped off pulleys
- Worn or seized idler pulley or motor pulley
- Worn drum rollers or glides causing excessive resistance and premature belt failure
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 unplugging the dryer and trying to spin the drum by hand — if the drum spins freely while the motor still runs during a powered test, the belt is almost certainly broken or slipped.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does replacing the drum belt take?
For a competent DIYer with basic tools, replacing the drum belt typically takes 30–60 minutes. Allow extra time if you need to replace rollers or an idler pulley as well.
Do I need to replace other parts when I replace the belt?
Inspect the idler pulley, drum rollers, and drum glides. If any are worn, noisy, or seized, replace them at the same time — failing rollers or idler will shorten the life of a new belt and can cause repeat breakdowns.
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