Whirlpool Dryer Drum Belt WPY312959 Replacement Guide

Is your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag dryer leaving your clothes tangled up instead of perfectly dried? It might be time to tackle that troublesome drum belt! Discover how to easily replace it in just a few simple steps with our comprehensive DIY guide, complete with a handy how-to video just below.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

If your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag dryer isn’t tumbling properly, the drum belt may need to be replaced. This straightforward repair can be done in just a few minutes if you have the right tools and parts. In this DIY guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of replacing the dryer drum belt.

Watch the full repair

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What is the belt for?

The drum belt is a rubber belt that wraps around the dryer drum and connects it to the drive motor. When the motor spins, it turns the drum belt, which rotates the drum. This allows your clothes to tumble around evenly during the drying cycle.

Over time, the drum belt can become cracked, frayed, or stretched out. This can prevent the drum from turning smoothly. Replacing the worn belt with a new one is an easy fix that will have your dryer tumbling like normal again.

Materials needed

For this repair, you’ll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• 5/16 inch nut driver
• New drum belt (part # WPY312959)
• Gloves for protection

Before beginning any appliance repair, make sure to unplug the dryer or turn off the appropriate circuit breaker. This will prevent electric shock while you work. 

Now let’s go through the steps to safely replace the dryer drum belt.

Remove the front panel

The first step is accessing the inside of the dryer by removing the front panel.

1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the two screws located at the bottom outer corners of the front panel.
2. Once unscrewed, lift up slightly on the panel while pulling the bottom outward. This will release the panel from the top clips.
3. Carefully lower the panel down, supporting it so it doesn’t fall. The wiring harness connecting the panel is long enough for you to lay the panel safely off to the side.

With the front panel removed, you can now access the drum belt area.

Remove the bulkhead

The bulkhead is the large metal panel behind the front panel. Removing it will give you clear access to the belt and pulleys.

1. Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the four screws securing the bulkhead. They are located at the top and bottom.
2. Before removing the panel, release the wire clip holder attached to it. This will allow the wiring harness to move freely when you take the bulkhead off.
3. With the screws and clip removed, carefully lift the bulkhead panel off the supports. Tilt it outward, being cautious of any wiring. Set the panel safely aside.

Remove the old belt

With the bulkhead out of the way, you can now remove the old, worn drum belt.

1. Reach into the dryer and locate the idler pulley. This pulley helps maintain tension on the belt. Grab the idler pulley arm and pull it towards you.
2. With the idler pulley pulled, use your other hand to roll the belt off the motor drive pulley and then the idler pulley.
3. Once detached from the pulleys, you can reach further into the dryer and loop the belt around the drum to remove it completely. Slide the old belt out from the dryer.

Inspect the new replacement drum belt and note how it differs from the worn, old one. Ensure you have the correct part before moving on to installing it.

Install the new belt

Installation of the new Whirlpool dryer drum belt is the reverse of removal.

1. Take the new belt and wrap it around the outside of the dryer drum. Make sure the smooth side is against the drum. Position it in the belt groove at the back of the drum.
2. Reach into the dryer and grasp the idler pulley arm. Pull it towards you to release tension.
3. With your other hand, loop the belt around the idler pulley, making sure it isn’t twisted.
4. Still holding the idler pulley, wrap the belt around the motor drive pulley as well.
5. Carefully release the idler pulley to tension the belt. Ensure the belt is seated correctly around each pulley and the drum.

Spin the drum manually to confirm the smooth operation. Re-seat the belt as needed if any slipping occurs.

Reassemble the dryer

With the new drum belt installed, you can now reassemble the dryer.

1. Before replacing the bulkhead, reattach the wire clip holder in its original position. This keeps the wiring harness tidy.
2. Holding the bulkhead panel, orient it correctly and slide it onto the support tabs. Make sure no wires get pinched.
3. Align the screw holes and reinstall the four 5/16-inch screws with the nut driver. Make sure they are securely tightened.
4. Swing the front panel back into place, aligning the tabs with the slots. Push it up so the clips engage.
5. Using the Phillips head screwdriver, reinstall the two screws at the bottom of the panel. Tighten them up securely.

Check that the front panel is aligned evenly with no gaps before moving to the next step.

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!