Servis Tumble Dryer Belt? All Answers

If your dryer is suddenly noisier than usual, or your clothes aren’t drying, your first thought might be that it’s time to get a new one. However, the components of a dryer often do not last as long as the dryer itself.

Replacing a defective part is usually more cost-effective than opting for a completely new machine. This applies in particular to a worn dryer belt. If you choose to have it installed by a professional, your final cost will depend on labor costs. But if you want to replace it yourself, you can usually buy the strap for $25-30.

How do I know if my dryer belt is defective?

Your dryer belt is part of the mechanism that keeps your clothes in constant motion while drying in the dryer. When that belt wears and tears, there are warning signs in the way your dryer sounds and how well it performs. You may want to troubleshoot the dryer if:

Your dryer starts to make noise

A belt is used to rotate your dryer drum on both electric and gas models. This thin, long belt wraps around the drum and pulley and drives the dryer motor. The idler pulley gives tautness to the drum belt to prevent slippage when your dryer has a load inside.

However, when the idler pulley starts to wear out due to high-speed rotation, increased friction can cause your dryer to make squeaky or squeaky noises. As it dries out, frays, and continues to wear out with age, the noise resembles a throbbing or grating noise.

The drum stops turning

After years of continuous use, your dryer belt can gradually weaken until it reaches its breaking point. When this happens, the belt breaks and the drum can no longer twirl your clothes in the hot air of the dryer.

Even if your dryer’s electric motor and heater keep working, chances are your clothes won’t get dry.

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What would cause a dryer belt to break?

Most dryer belts break for the same reason: from being subjected to excessive friction or stress. The drum acts as a pulley on most tumble dryers. The belt that spins the drum is wrapped around it and then around a small pulley connected to the electric motor.

Excessive friction can occur when the dryer motor spins but the drum stays in place. When this occurs, the belt is prevented from moving, causing the engine’s pulley to burn it from friction.

Overloading your dryer can cause this. Being subjected to a heavy load causes the motor to attempt to continuously rotate the pulley and belt during the drying cycle.

Friction burns through the belt as it tries to turn the drum, which could break it and increase the risk of a dryer fire.

When should I replace my dryer belt?

A dryer belt wears out over time due to the tension and heat it must endure. There may be subtle signs initially as wear is minimal. For example, the belt can be slightly stretched; however, it remains on the pulley and rotates the drum.

At this point, you may not notice the unusual noise your dryer is making, and you probably don’t need to replace it just yet. Because the drum rotates, it can still dry your clothes.

As the belt continues to stretch, it loses its ability to turn the drum. Even if it doesn’t break completely, it can stretch to the point where it falls off the pulleys and can’t be moved by the engine. When a worn belt is affecting your dryer’s function, it’s time to replace the belt.

Get a 90-day parts and labor warranty from Top Shelf

The cost of replacing a dryer belt is often significantly less than the cost of a replacement dryer. It’s a relatively simple fix that will get your squeaky, dysfunctional dryer working like new again! And if you don’t want to fix it yourself, call Top Shelf Services!

We have the tools and know-how to get the job done quickly—and get it right the first time. We also offer low prices, a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 90-day warranty on all parts and repairs. Contact Top Shelf Services now by calling or filling out our online service request form.

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Is it time for a new tumble dryer?

It’s likely that your dryer is one of the most used appliances in your home, especially during the winter months. Sometimes problems arise with your dryer, but how do you know whether you should buy a new tumble dryer or hire a professional to fix it?

The best way to determine if the machine is nearing the end of its life. Look for the following common problems, then determine if it’s more cost-effective to repair your dryer or buy a new one.

How to determine if you need a new dryer

1. Check its performance

One-off problems can occur, but it’s best to see how the dryer performs under normal circumstances to determine if it’s time for a new one. Check your dryer with every load you dry. For example, if clothes take much longer to dry than usual, then the heating element may be the cause. But it could also be due to the materials you are drying. Before you splash the cash on a brand new dryer, be sure to run out of trouble.

Some serious issues to look out for when checking dryer performance are:

Mid-cycle shutdown

Error starting

Uneven drum rotation

Overheating or no heating at all.

2. Use all of your senses

You can often spot a problem with the dryer by noticing a strange smell or hearing a strange noise. If your tumble dryer is noisier than usual (and you’re not drying anything bulky like shoes or heavy towels), it may indicate that the components are wearing out and the unit is reaching the end of its lifespan.

Your tumble dryer should not give off any odors other than warm, freshly washed laundry when you open the door. If you can smell burning, stop the cycle immediately. It’s best to call in the experts like Repair Aid before overheating becomes a critical safety hazard and before you use the dryer again.

3. Look for simple problems

Mistakes in your clothes dryer are often caused by simple problems that people forget to check. Before calling the repair team, do a thorough check of the device, make sure the outlet is powered on, make sure the plug is secure and there is no wiring problem. You should also check the lint filter, as a clogged filter can prevent the dryer from starting.

Carefully examine the entire device with a flashlight to see if you’ve missed anything. If you can’t find a simple explanation for the problem, contact Repair Aid who can give you free advice before deciding if they need to come to your home to do a repair.

4. How old is your tumble dryer?

A tumble dryer should last about ten years. Updating your tumble dryer every ten years means you can take advantage of new technology and more efficient heating methods that can reduce energy use and save you money on your bills. From the age of ten, a new tumble dryer is often the better investment and saves you expensive repairs.

5. Check the warranty

Before you go to the store to buy a new dryer, check if your machine is still under warranty. If this is the case, the manufacturer can ship a new dryer or pay for the repair.

6. Request a quote

It’s always worth getting a repair quote, especially if you can’t afford a new dryer, as repairs are often cheaper than a new unit. After an offer, follow the 50% rule. If your dryer costs more than 50% of the original cost to repair and more than 50% of its lifespan has expired, it is often cheaper to buy a new dryer.

7. Shop around

When it’s time for a new dryer, shop around to get the best deal. Do your research carefully so you know which manufacturers are the most reliable and energy efficient. Check out our buying guide and don’t always assume that the cheapest dryer is the best deal; It can be more expensive to run and more inefficient at drying clothes, increasing energy use and therefore your energy bills.

Make sure the dryer works too to make your life easier. For example, consider the size of tumble dryer you need, load capacity, and customizable settings that suit your needs.

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Sometimes repairs and replacements are made easier because a part is interchangeable across all models or brands. Dryer straps are just a strip of rubber, so it makes sense to wonder if such a cheap, simple part can be substituted on all dryers regardless of size.

Unfortunately, things aren’t always as simple as they seem. Dryer belts are a lot more complex than you might think. Let’s examine what makes them so different from each other and why we shouldn’t swap them out at will.

Each dryer belt is specifically designed for a specific dryer type and model. The type and size of belt required depends on the capacity and weight tolerance of the dryer drum. Using different belts interchangeably can cause serious technical problems and cause the belts to break.

Do all dryers use the same belt?

Washing machines and dryers are well known for their fascinating spin action. In dryers, this spin is achieved through the use of a pulley system within the dryer.

A motor in the dryer creates a rotating movement. This is where the dryer belt becomes a crucial part as it attaches to a pulley connected to both the motor and the drum to transmit that rotation from the pulley to the drum.

However, depending on your dryer model, the parts inside your machine will differ slightly in size or shape. For this reason, the required length and width of the belt also differ from model to model.

How are dryer belts different?

As mentioned above, different dryers use different belts to accommodate the size of the other components within the dryer.

Width is a factor that differs between belts. A traditional dryer belt is ¼ inch wide, but some models may require a wider or thinner belt.

Length is another characteristic that can vary from belt to belt. Some belts are 79 inches long while others are 88 inches long and others can even be as long as 92 inches.

Different belts may also have a slightly different groove pattern. If you look at a dryer belt you will see that one side is smooth while the other has ridges or grooves.

The grooved side of a dryer belt is meant to fit into the ribs of a pulley. These ribs create an additional surface area that allows for more friction and better grip between the belt and pulleys. The ribs also help the belt grip against the drum, so it must be placed with the grooved side against the drum.

One dryer may have components with smaller or larger ribs than another, or it may have more or fewer ribs than another. In addition to size, this is another reason why a belt may not fit properly with another dryer.

Can all dryer belts be used interchangeably?

If you think there’s no harm in using dryer belts interchangeably, since a small difference in size can’t do much harm, then you won’t like what I’m about to say.

Yes, while a dryer could technically still work even if you end up using the wrong belt, you’re basically asking about some serious technical problems down the road (and the broken belt will be the least of your concerns at this point). ).

Any of the characteristics that differ from one belt to another can result in a belt being incompatible with your machine.

A strap may be too long, too thick, too thin, or grooved differently than the strap intended for your device.

Some drums are designed to support more weight than others, which also affects the belt size needed. On the other hand, one dryer may simply have a larger drum than another, requiring a longer belt than the dryer with the smaller drum.

Likewise, not every engine pulley or idler pulley is the same. Some are designed to fit wider belts than others and just won’t work effectively with a thinner belt.

So no – under no circumstances should different sizes or types of dryer belts be used interchangeably.

What happens if you use the wrong belt?

If you end up using the wrong size belt as a replacement, you’ll likely end up with another broken belt in a couple of weeks to a couple of months.

Because every dryer is constructed differently, its parts will reflect this. Using an incorrect replacement can put stress on the other parts of your dryer as they help compensate.

Using a smaller belt

If your dryer belt is too short, you may simply not be able to fit it around your drum and onto the pulleys.

But even if you are able to install a short belt, you will still stress the other components of your dryer as they withstand the tension created.

Think how it feels when you overtighten your own belt!

A small belt puts too much stress on your dryer’s bearings. The belt could also misalign or damage other parts such as the B. the pulley system cause. Or it could even lead to engine failure if the belt itself doesn’t snap first.

Additionally, if your belt is narrower than it should be, it won’t properly fill the space it’s supposed to fill on your pulleys. This causes it to slide from side to side, creating extra heat and friction that can quickly burn your belt.

Using a larger belt

If your belt is too long, you will also have problems. While a long strap won’t pull on other pieces like a short strap, it can be too loose to even grab them.

A belt that is too slack to grip on the drum or pulleys will simply twist over it instead. This causes your drum to spin very poorly, if it spins at all.

Like a belt that is too narrow, a belt that is too long can slip from side to side or completely slip off the drum, causing additional friction and wear while also introducing the risk of shifting.

However, a belt that is too wide also risks shifting, as it will fit poorly over the pulleys and may not be adequately wedged between the raised edges of the wheels.

How to find the right dryer belt

Finding the right dryer belt is very important, to say the least. Luckily, there are several ways to ensure you’re buying the right replacement.

One of the most direct methods is to simply call the manufacturer. While you will need to find and provide your machine’s model number, contacting the manufacturer is guaranteed to give you the correct information.

If you still have your dryer manual handy, you can also refer to it for how to properly size your belt (great too if you hate phone calls!). The manual should contain information on all components of your dryer, including belt size.

Alternatively, if you still have the old belt, you can take a closer look at it. It’s likely that the belt has a product number printed somewhere – if it’s legible you might be able to just look it up and buy a new belt using this method.

You can also check out the charts I provide in my Ultimate Dryer Belt Sizing Guide.

Sources

How To Replace A Dryer Belt

https://www.sidmartinbio.org/what-passes-if-dryer-belt-is-too-tight/

https://thermosealvinylprod.com/2020/12/03/how-to-tel-if-your-dryer-belt-is-bad-and-what-to-do-about-the-problem/

Nothing sheds a wet blanket on laundry day like a dryer that doesn’t spin. But there is often a quick and easy fix.

Here at Asurion we don’t just fix appliances, we fix the frustration you feel when yours doesn’t work – whether it’s a dryer that doesn’t get hot or one that won’t start at all. We’ll explain why your dryer won’t spin and how to get it running again.

Why isn’t my dryer spinning?

There are several common reasons – some harder to diagnose than others – why your dryer may have stopped tumbling. They include:

Your dryer is not connected.

Your circuit breaker is off.

Something has blown your thermal fuse.

Your door switch is not working.

Your drive belt broke.

Your drum rollers are defective.

Your roller axles are worn out.

Your drum bearing has deteriorated.

Your engine is defective.

Let’s start with the simplest fixes, then dig into solutions that require a few more steps or require the help of an appliance pro. Please do not attempt to repair anything involving high voltage electricity or flammable gas without proper training.

Your dryer is not connected

The most common reason your dryer – or any other appliance – stops working is that it’s unplugged.

It sounds easy, we know that. However, check if the cable or plug has come loose. If so, reconnect it.

Your circuit breaker is off

If your dryer is plugged in but still won’t spin when you press start, check your fuse box to make sure the dryer’s circuit breakers are on. If they don’t, reset them.

Something has tripped the thermal fuse

If your dryer isn’t spinning, it’s possible the appliance is getting too hot and has tripped the thermal fuse, a safety feature that prevents a fire from starting.

You may be able to reset the fuse, but it usually needs to be replaced. Before you do that, you need to figure out why it’s triggered – it could be a warning sign that your dryer is a fire hazard. It’s important that you have it examined by a repair professional to understand and resolve the underlying cause of the problem.

Nobody needs housework anymore Broken appliance? We can fix it quickly. Just schedule a repair appointment and our experienced experts will fix it in days, not weeks. Schedule a repair

Your door switch is not working

If your dryer still doesn’t wobble, check the plastic pin on the door switch. When it works, the pin will click and start the dryer when you close the door. If the pin is bent, try to straighten it. If the pin looks good and the dryer still won’t start when you close the door, you may need to replace the switch.

Your drive belt broke

One of the most common reasons your dryer won’t spin is that the drive belt has snapped. To find out if that’s the problem, open the dryer door, reach inside, and try turning the big round cup — the drum — by hand. If it spins too easily, the belt has probably snapped and needs to be replaced.

Your drum rollers are worn out

If the drum rollers — small wheels that hold the drum in place as it rotates — are stuck or not spinning freely, they may be worn. An easy way to check if these parts are not working properly is to open the dryer door and look at the back panel. If there is a gap between the drum and the wall, you will likely need to install new drum rollers.

To find out for sure, unplug the power cord, unscrew the dryer lid (or the back, depending on the model), remove the belt from the dryer, and spin the drum by hand. If one or more reels are stuck or not spinning freely, you may need to replace them. If they spin freely, they are most likely fine.

Your roller axles are worn out

After removing the top or back of the dryer, check to see if the roller axles—those key components, also known as roller shafts—wobble as you rotate the drum rollers. If so, it’s time for new ones.

Your drum bearing is worn out

The drum bearing is the part that supports the back of the drum. While removing the dryer tape, rotate the drum by hand. If the drum has completely seized up or squeaks or scrapes when turning, the bearing is probably broken or worn and is stressing the motor. It may be time for a replacement.

Your engine is broken

A working engine is critical to the proper functioning of your dryer. If your dryer drum isn’t turning, the motor may be overloaded, strained, or simply worn out. In this case you must replace it.

Still need help with your dryer? Schedule a repair with an Asurion Appliance Repair Expert. We’ll get you up and running quickly.

If you notice these 4 problems, you’re in luck because a dryer belt is an easy fix.

The ability to have clean, dry clothes on demand is a cornerstone of modern life. If you’ve ever lived in a house or apartment without your own laundry facilities, or your own machines have broken down, you know how inconvenient it can be to rely on a laundry mat. Luckily, if your washer or dryer starts acting up, you can turn to American Appliance Repair for quick and effective repairs.

When repairing washers and dryers, it’s interesting to note that the severity of the problem doesn’t necessarily equal the cost of the repair. In other words, while the problem may seem big (e.g. a dryer that won’t start at all), the solution may be simple and inexpensive.

A prime example of such a repair is a broken dryer belt. Here are 4 potential problems that might indicate you need to replace the dryer belt.

Dryer does not start. Of course, there are many possible reasons why your dryer is not responding when you press the start button. You could have an electrical problem, a power problem, a door sensor problem, or some other issue. However, this problem can also be caused by a faulty dryer belt, so you need to look for that possibility as well. Dryer stops before clothes are dry. If the dryer stops spinning before the laundry is truly dry and won’t turn back on, the problem is most likely with the dryer belt. If you can get the machine running again after a premature stop, the problem may be with the sensor that detects moisture in the machine. belt noise. Rhythmic knocking noises that cannot be blamed on a sneaker or other heavy object moving around in the dryer are most likely caused by a loose dryer belt. If you can take the noise, you can wait until the belt actually breaks to fix the dryer. But it would be more convenient – and even better for your dryer in terms of wear and tear – if you replaced the belt now. Drum does not turn. If you hear your dryer motor running but the drum doesn’t move at all, the problem is almost certainly with your dryer belt. Without the belt attached, the motor can run as it pleases and the drum will never move.

Call American Appliance Repair for help

The good news is that a new dryer belt is one of the cheaper parts you might need for a dryer repair. Depending on the make and model of your dryer, you can spend $10 to $40 on a new belt, plus labor if you have it professionally installed. Call 800-640-9934 now to have one of our experienced repair technicians come to you to troubleshoot your machine and see if you’re right in suspecting a bad dryer belt is the problem.