Replace the Dryer Belt on DVE45N5300FA3-00 – Step-by-Step Repair Guide
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
The dryer drive (drum) belt is a reinforced rubber belt that wraps around the drum and motor pulley. If the belt is broken, worn, or has slipped off the drum, the dryer motor will run but the drum won't turn (or will turn intermittently), you may hear squealing, or you may smell burning from a slipping belt. 1) Confirm the problem: Unplug the dryer and remove the lint screen. Start by trying to turn the drum by hand (after unplugging) — if it spins freely with no resistance or you see the belt broken, the belt is likely the cause. Also run the dryer (only for a second) with the cabinet open (after reconnecting power) to watch drum movement — if the motor runs but the drum doesn't turn, that's a strong sign of a failed belt. 2) Tools and parts: 1/4" and 5/16" nut drivers or a small socket set, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, work gloves, flashlight, replacement drum belt (see parts below). Optional: putty knife to release spring clips, needle-nose pliers. 3) Prepare: Unplug the dryer (or shut off power at the breaker for hardwired units). Pull the dryer away from the wall so you have room to work. Lay down a towel — small parts can roll away. 4) Access the belt: For DVE45N5300 series the common access route is via the front panel/top: - Remove the lint screen. Depress the two spring clips at the top of the front panel (use a putty knife or fingers) or remove the top screws and lift the top forward depending on your exact variant. Support the top while you release the clips. - Remove the screws holding the front panel at the bottom (usually two) and lift the front panel up and off the two bottom hinge tabs. Set the front panel aside. - If present, remove the bulkhead or felt seal that sits between the drum and front panel to give full access to the drum. 5) Remove the drum: Reach in and pull the drum forward slightly. Note how the old belt is routed around the drum and pulleys — take a photo. If the belt is broken, simply remove the broken pieces. If intact but loose, slip the belt off the motor pulley. 6) Inspect related parts: Check the idler pulley and motor pulley for rough bearing noise or wobble. Inspect drum glides or slides at the front/rear of the drum for excessive wear. Replace the idler or glides if they are rough or worn — a new belt will fail early if these components are bad. 7) Install the new belt: - Route the new belt around the drum grooves (textured side toward drum if specified by the belt manufacturer). The ribbed side normally contacts the motor/idler pulleys. - Thread the belt around the motor pulley and through the idler pulley assembly so that proper tension is applied when the idler presses against the belt. Refer to your photo for the correct routing. For many Whirlpool designs the belt loops under the drum and around the motor pulley with the idler creating tension on the free run. - Rotate the drum by hand to seat the belt in the drum groove and make sure the belt tracks straight. 8) Reassemble: Reinstall the bulkhead/felt seal, reposition the front panel onto the lower hinge tabs and secure the top screws or front screws you removed. Snap the top back into place if applicable. Reinstall the lint screen. 9) Test: Reconnect power, run the dryer on air/fluff cycle for a minute to confirm the drum turns smoothly and there are no unusual noises. Check for proper drum rotation and that the belt doesn't rub on edges. Recheck after the first load to ensure tracking. Safety note: Always disconnect power before working on the dryer. If you must test with panels open, keep hands and tools clear of the moving drum and motor. If you are not comfortable with electrical or mechanical repairs, hire a qualified technician.
Common Symptoms
Dryer motor runs but drum does not turn, squealing or grinding noises, burning rubber smell, visible broken or frayed belt.
Common Causes
- Broken or worn drum (drive) belt
- Faulty idler pulley or motor pulley (burnt bearings cause belt wear)
- Worn drum glides or misaligned drum causing excessive belt wear
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 disassembly, unzip the drum by trying to rotate it by hand with the dryer unplugged — a snapped belt is usually visible or the drum will spin freely while the motor runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will this repair take?
For a confident DIYer with basic tools, replacing the dryer belt on this model typically takes 30–60 minutes. Allow extra time to inspect and replace the idler pulley or drum glides if needed.
Can I keep using the dryer if the belt is worn but not broken?
It's risky — a worn belt can slip, cause overheating, or damage the motor/other parts. Replace a frayed or glazed belt as soon as you notice symptoms to avoid further damage or a mid-cycle failure.
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.