Oh no!!!! My dryer quit spinning on the inside but the heat is still blowing out?

Question

what could it be? is this something i can fix myself or no?

I think this is an electric dryer! where is the belt located at and how can i find a belt? i am so clueless...thank you guys

Answer 1

Most likely 1. the belt has broken or 2. has come off the motor belt drive pulley or 3. the motor has died. You should be capable of replacing any of these reasonably easily.

You will need to gain access to the back of the dryer. All around the edge there screws (about 6-8) attaching the back to the unit. Remove the screws and the back panel. You will see the back of the dryer drum, the motor, maybe (from this angle) the heating element, and you should see a little round wheel like device. This wheel is a belt tensioner. The belt goes around the drum, this tensioner, and the motor belt drive pulley.

Turn on the dryer and check these items. See if the belt is broken or off the tensioner. Check to see if the motor is spinning.

If the belt is broken, pull the old belt out of the unit and take it to an appliance parts store. Take the dryer info as well (make & model). Try to get the store to print out the belt path diagram (from their book) so you can how to reinstall the new belt. The belt will have a certain "path" to follow. If you put it on wrong the drum will turn backwards.

Test the unit to make sure all is well and reinstall the back panel.

If the belt is good, then look at the tensioner to see if it is broken. If so, take it to the store. It is probably held in place by a screw or two.

If the motor is dead, you probably will have to loosen the tensioner to remove the belt from the motor. The motor is held in place by a bracket or a strap. These are mounted to the frame with screws or bolts. Best to take the old motor to the store if it is the problem.

Take notes (and/or photos) of everything that you "undo" so you can reverse the action to reassemble the parts.

Larry G
retired handyman

Answer 2

It sort of depends on what type and what brand of dryer you have. All have problems specific to their particular brand and type, some problems are universal. If you were getting heat but the clothes were not drying in a decent period of time, then maybe it would be a plugged vent or lint filter or some sort of air movement problem, but if you're getting no heat, then there are other things wrong. If this is a gas unit, it could be a problem with a hi-limit thermostat. When they blow, they won't let the burner light, so, no heat. Or the igniter could be broken, or the flame sensor could be bad, or the valve coils could be weak and not opening the valve, so, no heat. If it's electric, it could also be a high limit thermostat, depending again on the brand and model, some are easy to get at others are a pain. It could also be the heating element, same as the hi-limit thing. Generally a bad element or a hi-limit thermo replacement in an electric dryer can cost $150 - $200, and if the tech finds a badly cracked belt and a worn support roller, then it starts getting higher and higher. Personally, if it was over 7 years old I'd just go buy a new one. Make sure you get a good warranty. Kenmore and Whirlpool products are far and away the easiest to get parts for and to repair.

Answer 3

Dryer Not Spinning

Answer 4

You can find instructions and parts for the dryer at http://www.repairclinic.com/. You will want a flat & Phillips screwdriver, a 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch nut driver. Remember to unplug the dryer prior to working on it, and unscrew the lint filter before lifting the lid.

Some models you can get a kit with the belt idler wheels and support rollers for less than a belt alone.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Oh no!!!! My dryer quit spinning on the inside but the heat is still blowing out?
what could it be? is this something i can fix myself or no?

Answer 6

Shiny
If you can provide the complete model number of your dryer I'll be able to give you the step by step instructions how to take it apart and replace a broken belt. The model number you can find on the door frame.
Good luck,
Gene

Answer 7

Ussually any Brand has got their service's office. Why dont you call them and ask them; the tlph no ussually you can look at the guarantee's card; If you want to fix yourself look at its manual book, ussually it tells you there the problems and the way to fix it. Dont ever loose the manual's book, or go to a shop where they sell the type of your dryer and ask to borrow the manual book if you lost yours( Make sure you before you go to write down the Brand and model no).

Answer 8

yes you can fix it...the belt is broken...very easy to change...once you get the dryer apart.

Answer 9

the belt probably broke.

Answer 10

http://appliancequickfix.com/