Replace Belt on Maytag Centennial Dryer – Step-by-Step Repair Guide
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
A snapped or worn drive belt on a Maytag Centennial dryer causes the drum to stop tumbling while the motor still runs. This is one of the most common dryer repairs — belts wear out over time from heat, lint buildup, and normal tension. When the belt fails you'll often hear the motor run without drum rotation, feel the drum spin freely by hand, or notice a burning-rubber smell if the belt is slipping. Replacing the belt is a straightforward repair for most handy homeowners. It requires unplugging the dryer, accessing the front or top panel to expose the drum, removing the old belt from the drum, idler and motor shaft, routing the new belt around the drum grooves and re-tensioning with the idler pulley. Always confirm the correct replacement part by using the dryer's model number (located on the door frame or cabinet) before you buy a belt, since part numbers vary by model and year.
Common Symptoms
Dryer motor runs but drum doesn't turn; loud squealing or thumping during a cycle; burning rubber smell; visible belt damage or missing ribs when inspected.
Common Causes
- Normal wear and fatigue of the drive belt (age, heat, lint exposure)
- Seized or worn idler pulley or drum rollers causing extra belt stress and premature failure
- Foreign objects or a jammed drum that cause the belt to slip, fray, or break
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 PartsDiscount.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Before buying a belt, rotate the drum by hand with the dryer off — a broken belt will let the drum turn freely; a worn belt may show fraying or missing ribs. Record your dryer model number to match the exact belt part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the correct belt for my Maytag Centennial dryer?
Locate the dryer's model and serial tag — usually on the door frame, inside the lint trap opening, or on the back panel. Use that model number on parts websites or give it to parts suppliers to get the exact OEM belt. If you can't find the exact number, provide the model number when searching for common belt part numbers to confirm fit.
Is replacing the dryer belt a job I can do myself, and how long does it take?
Yes — replacing the belt is a common DIY repair that most homeowners can do with basic tools (screwdriver, socket set). Expect 30–60 minutes for someone comfortable working on appliances. Always unplug the dryer first, follow a repair manual or video specific to your Maytag Centennial model, and replace worn idler pulleys or drum rollers at the same time if they show wear.
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 PartsDiscount.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 PartsDiscount.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.