Roper RED4516FW0 Drum Belt Replacement – How to Diagnose & Replace the Drive Belt
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
What this guide covers: The drum (drive) belt wraps around the dryer drum and connects to the motor/drive system. If the belt is broken, stretched, or slipped off, the drum will not turn or will spin inconsistently. Below are diagnostic checks and step-by-step replacement instructions. Diagnostic steps: 1. Safety first: Unplug the dryer. If it’s a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply and shut off breaker/power. Wait for the dryer to cool if recently used. 2. Confirm the symptom: Try to rotate the drum by hand (with power off). If it turns freely with no resistance or you can see a broken belt, the belt is likely the problem. If the motor hums but drum doesn't turn, belt or idler problems are likely. 3. Access the belt: Remove the lint screen, then remove the top panel and/or front panel per your model’s service steps (most Roper models have screws along the top or inside the lint area). Inspect the belt for frays, cracks, breaks, glazing (shiny sections), or if it has slipped off the drum. 4. Check associated parts: While you have the cabinet open, inspect the idler pulley, drum rollers/supports, motor shaft, and belt routing. A seized idler or worn rollers can shorten belt life or cause immediate failure. Replacement steps (typical for many Roper/Whirlpool-style dryers like RED4516FW0): 1. Tools needed: Phillips and flat-blade screwdrivers, nut driver (1/4" or 5/16"), needle-nose pliers, putty knife (to release clips), work gloves, and replacement belt. 2. Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall so you have room to work. 3. Remove the lint screen and any screws under the lint housing. Use a putty knife to release clips and lift the top panel (some models require removing two screws behind the lint filter). 4. Remove the front panel: Disconnect door switch harness if needed, then remove the screws holding the front panel and lift it off to expose the drum and belt. 5. Remove the drum: Reach under the drum and lift to disengage from the rear bulkhead, then pull the drum forward. This gives clear access to the belt, motor, and idler. 6. Remove the old belt: Note the belt routing (take a photo). If it’s snapped, remove the pieces. If still on, slip the belt off the motor pulley and idler. 7. Inspect idler pulley and rollers: Spin the idler pulley and drum rollers by hand. Replace any component that binds, grinds, or has excessive play. 8. Fit the new belt: Place the new belt around the drum in the same orientation (ribbed side against drum). Feed the belt under/over the idler pulley and around the motor pulley according to the original routing (photo helps). For many models the belt wraps around the drum and under the idler and motor pulley so tension is applied when motor turns. 9. Reinstall the drum: Slide the drum back into position ensuring the belt stays aligned in the drum’s groove and the drum rear lip seats into the bulkhead support. 10. Reinstall front panel/top: Reconnect the door switch, fasten the front panel screws, lower and secure the top panel, and reinstall any screws removed. 11. Test: Reconnect power (and gas if applicable). Run a short cycle to confirm drum spins smoothly and there's no rubbing or squeal. Check for proper tension—drum should resist hand spin slightly due to belt tension. 12. Final checks: Reinstall lint filter and push dryer back into place. Safety note: Always unplug the dryer before servicing. If unsure about gas connections (for gas models) or electrical safety, stop and call a qualified technician. Do not run the dryer with an unsecured panel or without the lint filter in place.
Common Symptoms
Drum won’t turn or turns intermittently; loud thumping or scraping noises; burning rubber smell; drum turns freely by hand or the motor runs but drum does not.
Common Causes
- Broken or worn drive (drum) belt
- Seized or worn idler pulley causing belt failure
- Worn drum rollers or rear drum bearing causing excessive friction and belt breakage
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
Before buying a belt, pull the old one out and measure its circumference and rib count (or take a clear photo). Many suppliers can match a belt by your dryer model number — confirm fitment on the product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to replace the drum belt on a Roper RED4516FW0?
If you have the right belt and basic tools, replacement typically takes 30–60 minutes. Allow extra time to inspect and possibly replace the idler pulley or rollers if they’re worn.
Can I keep using the dryer if the belt is slipping but not broken?
You can in a pinch, but it’s not recommended. A slipping or glazed belt will overheat, can damage the motor or idler, and poses a potential fire risk. Replace a slipping belt promptly and check the idler and rollers for wear.
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.