Test & replace the belt tension roller in your Kenmore electric dryer: A step-by-step guide

Got a noisy Kenmore dryer or one that’s not spinning as it should? Discover how to test and replace the belt tension roller yourself with our easy step-by-step guide—no repair call needed!

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, remember to keep safety first. 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 belt tension roller

Step 1. Access the belt tension roller

1. Use a putty knife to press in on the two clips at the corners of the console.
2. Push the console up and back.
3. Remove the three ¼-inch screws securing the top of the dryer.
4. Slide the top towards the front of the dryer and remove it.
5. Disconnect the door switch.
6. Press in on the two clips holding the front panel with the putty knife.
7. Remove the two door springs.
8. Open the door and take out the lint screen.
9. Use a ¼-inch nut driver to remove the three screws holding the blower housing.
10. Detach the blower housing from the dryer.
11. Locate the yellow wire attached to the bottom of the front panel and disconnect it.
12. Remove the two ¼-inch screws at the bottom of the front panel.
13. Use a Torx 20-bit to remove the two screws at the top of the front bulkhead.
14. Lift off the front panel.
15. Reach under the drum and release the belt from the idler pulley.
16. Use the drum belt to lift the drum out of the cabinet.

Step 2. Test the belt tension roller

1. Find the idler or tension roller and turn it by hand to check for stiffness or grooves.
2. If the roller is hard to turn or has grooves, it needs to be replaced.
3. Do not apply any lubricant to the roller.

Step 3. Remove the old belt tension roller

1. Use a small screwdriver to remove the triangular keeper holding the roller in place.
2. Slide the roller off the shaft.

Step 4. Install the new belt tension roller

1. Clean the shaft with a paper towel.
2. Place the new roller on the shaft.
3. Secure the roller with the triangular keeper.

Step 5. Reassemble the dryer

1. Reinstall the drum in the cabinet.
2. Reattach the belt to the idler pulley.
3. Reattach the front bulkhead using the two Torx screws at the top.
4. Secure the bulkhead with the two ¼-inch screws at the bottom.
5. Reinstall the blower housing with the three screws.
6. Reconnect the yellow sensor wire.
7. Reinstall the two door springs.
8. Attach the door switch.
9. Reinstall the top cover and snap it into place.
10. Open the door and insert the lint screen.
11. Plug the dryer back in or turn on the breaker to restore power.

Read more: 6 reasons your dryer is making a squealing sound & how to troubleshoot

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the belt tension roller 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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