How to tell if your Kenmore electric dryer’s drive belt is bad

Ready to get your Kenmore dryer back in action? Follow these simple steps to test and replace the drive belt yourself, so you can avoid downtime and a repair bill!

If you need any replacement parts for your Kenmore electric dryer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The testing information in this article is based on model 11068722700 and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• 1/4 inch nut driver
• Putty knife
• #20 Torx bit
• Small flat head screwdriver

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or its parts. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

Read more: 9 Ways To Improve Your Dryer’s Performance

How to test and replace a Kenmore electric dryer’s drive belt

Here’s how to test and replace your Kenmore electric dryer’s drive belt to get your dryer running smoothly again.

Step 1. Access the drive belt

1. Press in on the two clips at the corners of the console with a putty knife, then push the console up and back.
2. Remove the three ¼-inch screws securing the dryer’s top panel.
3. Slide the top panel toward the front of the dryer and lift it off.
4. Disconnect the door switch from its connector.
5. Press in on the clips holding the front panel in place with the putty knife.
6. Remove the two door springs and open the dryer door to access the lint screen.
7. Take out the lint screen.
8. Use a ¼-inch nut driver to remove the three screws securing the blower housing.
9. Detach the blower housing from the dryer.
10. Locate and disconnect the yellow wire attached to the bottom of the front panel.
11. Remove the two ¼-inch screws from the bottom of the front panel.
12. Use a Torx 20-bit to remove the two screws at the top of the front bulkhead.
13. Lift the front panel off.

Step 2. Remove the drum and inspect the belt

1. Reach under the drum and release the belt from the tension roller.
2. Use the belt to lift the drum out of the cabinet.
3. Examine the belt for any cracks, missing parts, or signs of wear. Replace it if damaged or stretched.

Step 3. Reinstall the drum and belt

1. Place the drum back into the cabinet and reattach the belt to the tension roller.
2. Turn the drum counterclockwise slowly to ensure the belt is aligned correctly.

Step 4. Reassemble the dryer

1. Reinstall the front bulkhead with the two Torx head screws at the top and the two ¼-inch screws at the bottom.
2. Reattach the blower housing with the three screws.
3. Reconnect the yellow sensor wire.
4. Reinstall the two door springs.
5. Reconnect the door switch.
6. Reinstall the top cover and close the console.
7. Snap the console back into place.
8. Open the door and reinstall the lint screen.
9. Plug the dryer back in or turn the breaker back on.

Read more: Dryer Drum Belt Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Dryer

Let us help

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drive belt in your Kenmore dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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