Over the course of a dryer’s lifetime, the various components which allow it to work will break down. Among the first to noticeably fail is usually the belt. This length of fabric is what connects the dryer’s motor to the drum, allowing the latter to rotate and keep your clothes in motion as they dry. It is easy to tell when the belt needs to be replaced as it will start to emit a horrible squeaking sound during each cycle, as the various components attached to the belt fail to move freely.

Thankfully this is something you can take care of yourself without too much difficulty.

Remove Your Dryer’s Panels

1. Switch off and unplug the tumble dryer from the wall.
2. Remove the two screws connecting the top of the dryer with the control panel.
3. Remove the panel itself, leaving the wires intact.
4. Take off the clips and screws keeping the top panel in place, and do the same with those connecting the front to the sides.
   
   You should now be looking at the interior of the dryer.

Examine Your Dryer’s Belt

Now you can see the belt, you will be able to check it for any damage and wear. If it is too loose, it will not be translating the spin of the motor to the drum. This means it will need to be replaced.

Disassemble Your Dryer’s Interior

If it looks like a replacement is in order, you will need to release the tension in the belt to remove it.

1. Find the idler arm, this is usually located beneath the drum.
2. Push it back and the belt will slacken, allowing it to be removed.
3. While holding the belt in one hand, remove the drum with the other. This is where enlisting the help of someone is useful.

Test Your Dryer’s Pulley

Once everything is taken apart, try to manually spin the idler pulley with your fingers. It should spin smoothly and easily. If it does not then it will need to get replaced. Simply unhook it and swap in a new one.

Test Your Dryer’s Rollers

Your dryer’s drum rollers that are located at the bottom of the drum towards the rear of the compartment, are another potential point of friction. Check them by manually rolling them around. If they do not move freely, they will also need to be replaced.

Replace Your Dryer’s Drum

Wrap the belt around the drum again before replacing it into its original position. You’ll need to use the idler arm to get the belt tight again once the drum is installed. If you’ve done everything right, the belt should be able to move freely without any friction.

Replace Your Dryer’s Panels

You are almost done, you just need to replace the panels protecting the drum, and reconnect the dryer to the wall. The squeaking noise should have disappeared at this point.

Failing that, it might be time for a new tumble dryer. View our full range here. Alternatively, find out more about washing machines and dryers in our other articles:

• How to Stop Washing Machine Smells
• My Tumble Dryer’s Not Going Round!
• Why is My Tumble Dryer Blowing Cold Air