Symptoms
- Motor hums or runs but drum doesn't rotate
- Clothes sit in one place instead of tumbling
- Burning rubber smell noticed recently
- A snapping sound was heard before the drum stopped
Likely causes
- CommonBroken or slipped drive beltThe long belt that wraps around the drum and motor pulley wears out and snaps over time.
- PossibleWorn idler pulley not tensioning the beltEven an intact belt can slip if the tensioning pulley has failed.
- PossibleBroken motor coupler (some front-load washer-dryer combos and select models)A small plastic coupler connecting motor to drum can crack.
- PossibleJammed or seized drum rollerA seized roller can lock the drum in place even with a working motor and belt.
- Less commonFailed motor or motor relayIf the motor doesn't actually spin at all despite noise, the motor itself may be failing.
What to do
- Unplug the dryer for safety before opening the cabinet.
- Remove the front or top panel per your model's service path to access the drum and belt.
- Look for a broken belt lying loose inside the cabinet or wrapped incorrectly around the drum.
- Check the idler pulley and drum rollers for seizing or excessive wear that could block rotation.
- If the belt is broken, note its routing (or find a diagram for your model) before removing the old one.
- Install a new belt following the correct routing around the motor pulley and drum, then reassemble.
- Plug in and run a short test cycle to confirm the drum turns smoothly without slipping or noise.
Tools and parts
- Nut driver or screwdriver set
Dryer drive beltSearch: “dryer drum drive belt replacement”
When to call a pro
If you're not comfortable opening the dryer cabinet or the belt keeps breaking, have an appliance technician replace it and check for a related pulley issue.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.