How to replace a GE dryer belt in 14 easy steps

Is your GE dryer squeaking or has it stopped tumbling altogether? A worn or broken belt could be the culprit and cost you an expensive technician visit—but why not fix it yourself? Dive into our easy guide below and watch the accompanying video to learn how to replace your dryer’s belt quickly and safely from the comfort of your home.

The belt on a dryer helps transmit power from the motor to the drum so the unit can rotate the drum and tumble laundry during the drying cycle. With regular use over time, the belt can wear out or become damaged. If it breaks, you’ll typically hear a very loud snapping sound.

If you have a worn-out or broken belt in your GE dryer, you’ll be happy to know that you can replace it fairly easily without the need for a service technician.

You can find a new belt and other replacement parts for your GE dryer by entering your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The part replacement information provided in this article is based on model DBSR453EB3WW 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

• Replacement belt (make sure it’s compatible with your specific dryer model before installing)
• Phillips 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.

Read more:  Electric GE dryer won’t start: A troubleshooting guide

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: How To Replace A GE Dryer Drive Belt

How to replace the belt

Follow these steps to replace the belt in a GE dryer.

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws at the top of the front panel, just behind the door.
3. Lift the top panel up slightly to clear the console legs, then pull the panel forward.
4. Remove the Phillips screws at each back corner of the front panel.
5. Lift the front panel up, rotate it to the side, and disconnect the door switch wires. Set the front panel aside.
6. If the belt is broken, it will likely pull free easily. If the belt isn’t broken but is worn or stretched, you’ll need to remove it from the pulley. Pull the belt forward to remove it from the drum.
7. Slide the new belt around the drum and position it in line with the motor pulley and idler pulley.
8. Reach under the drum and secure the new belt to the motor pulley. Make sure the idler pulley provides tension on the belt. This may take some extra effort to get the belt firmly in place.
9. Connect the door switch wires.
10. Set the front panel back onto the dryer.
11. Secure the front panel with the screws you removed earlier.
12. Slide the top panel back onto the console legs, rotate it down, and secure it with the long Phillips screws.
13. Plug the dryer back in.
14. Run a test cycle to make sure the new belt is working correctly.

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

More for you

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the belt on your GE dryer.  

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts 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.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!