Changing the belt in your Whirlpool dryer is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in below an hour. Nonetheless, earlier than you start, it is very important collect all the needed instruments and supplies. You will have a brand new dryer belt, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Moreover, it’s useful to have a flashlight readily available that will help you see into the dryer cupboard.
Upon getting gathered your instruments and supplies, you possibly can start by unplugging the dryer from the facility outlet. Subsequent, open the dryer door and take away the screws that maintain the entrance panel in place. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you possibly can fastidiously elevate the entrance panel off of the dryer cupboard. Remember to help the entrance panel with one hand when you take away the screws with the opposite hand.
With the entrance panel eliminated, you should have entry to the dryer belt. The belt is usually situated across the drum and the motor pulley. To take away the belt, merely slip it off of the pulleys. As soon as the belt is eliminated, you possibly can set up the brand new belt by slipping it onto the pulleys in the identical manner that you just eliminated the outdated belt. Remember to tighten the belt till it’s comfortable, however don’t overtighten it.
Gathering Essential Instruments and Supplies
Earlier than embarking on the duty of changing the belt in your Whirlpool dryer, it’s essential to collect the required instruments and supplies to make sure a easy and environment friendly course of. Here’s a complete record of what you will want:
Instruments:
| Device | Objective |
|---|---|
| Phillips head screwdriver | Eradicating screws |
| Flat head screwdriver | Prying free panels |
| Adjustable wrench or pliers | Gripping and loosening elements |
| Flashlight | Illuminating hard-to-reach areas |
Supplies:
- Alternative dryer belt (Whirlpool-compatible)
- Dryer glides or rollers (if wanted)
- Lint filter
- Clear fabric or rags
- Security glasses (optionally available)
Word: Make sure that the alternative belt matches the mannequin and specs of your Whirlpool dryer to keep away from compatibility points.
Unplugging the Dryer
To make sure your security and stop any electrical accidents, the primary essential step in changing the belt in your Whirlpool dryer is to unplug it from its energy supply.
1. Find the Energy Wire
Discover {the electrical} outlet the place the dryer is plugged in. Observe the facility twine to the again of the dryer to make sure that it’s securely linked.
2. Safely Take away the Wire
Grasp the plug firmly by the physique, not by the twine. Pull the plug straight out of {the electrical} outlet with a delicate however agency movement. Don’t yank or pull on the twine, as this might harm the outlet or the facility twine itself.
3. Safe the Wire
As soon as the facility twine is disconnected, set it apart in a secure place the place it won’t grow to be a tripping hazard or trigger any entanglement when you work on repairing the dryer.
| Security Ideas |
|---|
| – Make sure that your arms are dry earlier than dealing with the facility twine. |
| – If you’re uncertain about how one can safely unplug the dryer, seek the advice of a professional electrician. |
| – Don’t try and function the dryer whereas it’s unplugged, as this might pose a security hazard. |
Eradicating the Rear Panel
To take away the rear panel, observe these detailed steps:
1. Unplug the dryer: Unplug the facility twine from {the electrical} outlet to make sure security.
2. Find the screws: Examine the rear panel for 2 screws on the backside corners.
3. Take away the screws: Utilizing a screwdriver, fastidiously take away the 2 screws. The screws could also be recessed, so you should definitely use the suitable screwdriver sort.
**Detailed Process for Eradicating Recessed Screws:**
| Steps | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Find the recesses: | Determine the small recesses across the screw heads. |
| Insert the screwdriver: | Align the screwdriver tip with one of many recesses. |
| Apply strain: | Push down firmly on the screwdriver and switch it counterclockwise to unscrew the screw. |
| Take away the screw: | As soon as the screw is free, pull it out from the panel. |
4. Raise the panel: As soon as the screws are eliminated, gently elevate the rear panel upwards by holding its edges.
Finding the Belt
To find the belt in your Whirlpool dryer, observe these steps:
1. Unplug the dryer from the facility outlet.
Security first! All the time unplug the dryer earlier than engaged on it.
2. Take away the entrance panel of the dryer.
Find the screws that maintain the entrance panel in place, normally on the high or backside of the panel. Take away the screws and thoroughly elevate the entrance panel off the dryer.
3. Find the drum.
The drum is the massive, cylindrical a part of the dryer that holds the garments. It’s situated within the middle of the dryer.
4. Examine the belt.
The belt is a thick, rubber band that wraps across the drum and the motor pulley. It’s answerable for transmitting energy from the motor to the drum. The motor pulley hooked up to the drive motor normally situated again behind the drum and the loafer pulley is answerable for tensioning the belt. Examine the belt for any indicators of damage or harm. If the belt is cracked, frayed, or damaged, it would have to be changed.
| Indicators of Belt Injury |
|---|
| Cracks |
| Fraying |
| Breaks |
Inspecting the Pulley
Checking the Pulley for Put on and Injury
As soon as the outdated belt is eliminated, fastidiously examine the pulleys for any indicators of damage or harm. Search for cracks, dents, or extreme put on on the grooves. Any abnormalities within the pulley’s floor can have an effect on the belt’s efficiency and lifespan.
Cleansing the Pulley Floor
Use a clear fabric or compressed air to take away any particles or residue from the pulley floor. This ensures a easy and clear floor for the brand new belt to grip correctly.
Analyzing the Pulley’s Alignment
Examine if the pulley is aligned accurately. Misaligned pulleys could cause the belt to slide or come off, resulting in additional issues. Use a straightedge or laser stage to find out if the pulley is perpendicular to the dryer’s body.
Inspecting the Pulley Grooves
Take note of the situation of the pulley grooves. If the grooves are worn out or broken, the belt might not seat correctly, leading to lowered grip and effectivity. Examine for any overseas objects or obstructions within the grooves that would hinder belt motion.
Reinstalling the Pulley
If the pulley must be changed, set up the brand new pulley fastidiously. Guarantee it’s correctly aligned and tightened in keeping with the producer’s specs. Failure to safe the pulley accurately could cause vibrations and different points throughout operation.
Eradicating the Worn Belt
Step 1: Unplug the Dryer
Disconnect the dryer from its energy supply by unplugging it from the wall outlet. By no means try any repairs on an energized dryer.
Step 2: Transfer the Dryer Out
Rigorously pull the dryer ahead to create sufficient workspace behind it. It will present simpler entry to the again panel, the place the belt is situated.
Step 3: Take away the Again Panel
Find the screws holding the again panel in place. Utilizing a screwdriver, take away these screws and thoroughly elevate off the again panel, setting it apart.
Step 4: Find the Belt
The drive belt is usually located across the motor pulley and the drum pulley. It could be product of rubber or nylon and is commonly black in coloration.
Step 5: Take away the Previous Belt
Seize the outdated belt together with your arms and gently pull it off the motor pulley. Then, slide it off the drum pulley. Watch out to not harm the pulleys or the belt throughout this course of.
Step 6: Examine the Pulleys and Loafer Arm
With the belt eliminated, take a more in-depth take a look at the motor pulley, drum pulley, and loafer arm. Examine for any indicators of damage, harm, or misalignment. For those who discover any abnormalities, change the affected elements earlier than putting in the brand new belt to make sure optimum efficiency.
Part Inspection Desk:
| Part | Examine for |
|---|---|
| Motor Pulley |
|
| Drum Pulley |
|
| Loafer Arm |
|
Putting in the New Belt
With the loafer pulley screw loosened, slip the brand new belt across the drum. Make sure the belt is correctly seated within the pulley grooves. Subsequent, rotate the drum by hand to make sure the belt is aligned accurately.
Find the motor pulley and place the belt round it. Once more, make sure the belt is correctly seated within the pulley grooves.
Tighten the loafer pulley screw to pressure the belt. The belt ought to be tight sufficient to forestall slipping however not so tight that it places undue stress on the motor or different elements. rule of thumb is to tighten the belt till you possibly can deflect it about 1/2 inch with average strain.
Reinstall the entrance panel of the dryer and safe it with the screws. Reconnect {the electrical} twine and switch the dryer again on.
Run the dryer for a couple of minutes to check the brand new belt. Pay attention for any uncommon noises or vibrations which will point out the belt isn’t put in accurately.
If the dryer is working easily and quietly, the belt has been efficiently put in.
| Troubleshooting Ideas for Belt Set up |
|---|
|
Tightening the Belt
As soon as the brand new belt is in place, it should be tightened to the proper pressure. That is necessary to forestall the belt from slipping or breaking. To tighten the belt, use the next steps:
1. Find the tensioner pulley.
The tensioner pulley is normally situated on the motor or loafer pulley bracket. It has a spring or lever that may be adjusted to alter the strain on the belt.
2. Loosen the tensioner pulley.
Use a wrench or screwdriver to loosen the tensioner pulley. It will can help you transfer the pulley and regulate the strain on the belt.
3. Transfer the tensioner pulley.
Transfer the tensioner pulley to extend or lower the strain on the belt. The belt ought to be tight sufficient to forestall slipping, however not so tight that it causes the motor to overheat.
4. Tighten the tensioner pulley.
As soon as the belt is on the right pressure, tighten the tensioner pulley. It will lock the pulley in place and maintain the belt on the right pressure.
Here’s a desk with some ideas for tightening the belt on a Whirlpool dryer:
| Tip |
|---|
| Use a wrench or screwdriver to loosen the tensioner pulley. |
| Transfer the tensioner pulley to extend or lower the strain on the belt. |
| Tighten the tensioner pulley as soon as the belt is on the right pressure. |
Changing the Rear Panel
Step 1: Unplug the dryer. Security first! All the time unplug the dryer earlier than performing any upkeep or repairs.
Step 2: Take away the 2 screws on the backside of the rear panel. These screws maintain the panel in place.
Step 3: Pull the rear panel away from the dryer. It ought to come off simply.
Step 4: Find the belt. The belt is a big rubber band that wraps across the drive pulley and the drum pulley.
Step 5: Take away the outdated belt. To do that, merely slip it off the pulleys.
Step 6: Set up the brand new belt. Wrap the brand new belt across the drive pulley first, then across the drum pulley.
Step 7: Ensure that the belt is correctly tensioned. The belt ought to be comfortable, however not too tight. If it is too free, it would slip and trigger the dryer to overheat. If it is too tight, it would put pointless stress on the motor.
Step 8: Reattach the rear panel. Line up the panel with the dryer and push it again into place. Safe it with the 2 screws you eliminated earlier.
Step 9: Reconnect the dryer to the facility outlet and run a take a look at cycle. If the dryer operates usually, you’ve got efficiently changed the belt.
Testing the Dryer
10. **Manually turning the drum**: With the dryer unplugged, manually flip the drum to test for resistance. If the drum doesn’t spin freely or there’s a grinding noise, it may point out a damaged belt or different mechanical points.
-
Security First: All the time unplug the dryer from the facility provide earlier than performing any repairs.
-
Determine the Mannequin: Decide the mannequin variety of your Whirlpool dryer by checking the sticker situated on the again of the unit. This data will enable you to discover the proper alternative belt.
-
Find the Belt: Open the dryer door and find the drum in the back of the equipment. The belt is usually wrapped across the drum and the motor pulley.
-
Examine for Injury: Examine the belt for any seen harm, corresponding to cracks, fraying, or lacking sections. If the belt is broken, it would have to be changed.
-
Take a look at the Stress: Seize the belt and pull it in direction of you to test its pressure. It ought to be comfortable however not too tight or too free. If the belt is simply too free, it might slip off throughout operation, whereas a belt that’s too tight can put extreme pressure on the motor.
Drum Help Rollers
-
Examine the Rollers: Whereas the belt is eliminated, examine the drum help rollers for any put on or harm. These rollers assist help the drum and guarantee easy rotation. If the rollers are broken, they need to get replaced.
-
Clear the Rollers: Use a vacuum cleaner or a gentle brush to wash any mud or particles from the rollers and their bearings. It will assist stop future put on and tear.
The right way to Change a Belt on a Whirlpool Dryer
Changing the belt on a Whirlpool dryer is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in about half-hour. The next steps will information you thru the method:
- Unplug the dryer and disconnect the fuel line. In case your dryer is gas-powered, you should definitely flip off the fuel provide earlier than disconnecting the road.
- Take away the entrance panel. To take away the entrance panel, first take away the 2 screws which are situated on the backside of the panel. Then, elevate the panel up and off of the dryer.
- Find the belt. The belt is situated across the drum and the drive pulley.
- Take away the belt. To take away the belt, first loosen the tensioner pulley. To do that, insert a screwdriver into the slot on the tensioner pulley and switch it counterclockwise. As soon as the belt is free, you possibly can take away it from the drum and the drive pulley.
- Set up the brand new belt. To put in the brand new belt, first place it across the drum. Then, place the belt across the drive pulley. Lastly, tighten the tensioner pulley by turning it clockwise.
- Reassemble the dryer. To reassemble the dryer, first change the entrance panel. Then, reconnect the fuel line and plug within the dryer.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How typically ought to I change the belt on my Whirlpool dryer?
You need to change the belt in your Whirlpool dryer each 5-7 years, or extra typically in case you use your dryer often.
What are the indicators that my Whirlpool dryer belt must be changed?
There are a number of indicators that your Whirlpool dryer belt must be changed, together with:
- The dryer is making a squealing or squeaking noise.
- The dryer isn’t drying garments as effectively because it used to.
- The dryer is taking longer to dry garments.
- The dryer is overheating.
Can I change the belt on my Whirlpool dryer myself?
Sure, you possibly can change the belt in your Whirlpool dryer your self. Nonetheless, it is very important observe the steps fastidiously to keep away from damaging your dryer.
