General

Dryer Repair Basics

If your dryer’s not working, it can feel like a big loss. It’s tempting to just replace it — especially if you’ve spent a lot on the machine.

However, it’s important to consider whether a repair is worth the cost. Our interactive tool can help you determine if it’s better to repair your appliance or replace it.

Motor

A dryer’s motor is responsible for spinning a drum that holds wet laundry. The motor is also responsible for blowing air heated by either an electric heating element or gas ignitor through the drum to dry the clothes.

When a dryer’s motor fails, the machine cannot spin. This is usually because of a problem with the motor itself or with the motor’s start capacitor, which keeps the dryer powered until the drum starts to turn.

The dryer’s motor typically consists of an idler pulley, a drive belt and rollers that support the drum. It is usually easier to repair than replace a motor, but it is still important to have a qualified professional do the job for your safety and the quality of your clothes.

Belt

A belt around the Dryer Repair is what drives the drum to spin. It is driven by a drive pulley attached to the motor shaft, and by an idler pulley that applies tension to the belt.

If the belt frays or breaks, your dryer will no longer operate properly. You might still hear the dryer motor running, but the drum will not rotate.

Some dryers have a belt switch that will prevent the motor from running if the belt breaks.

Depending on your model, you may have to remove the front panel of the appliance to get to the belt. Some models have a bulkhead behind the front panel that supports the drum.

Reach under the drum and disconnect the belt from the motor and idler pulleys. Then slide the new belt over the drum and connect it to the pulleys.

Idler Pulley

An idler pulley is a part of your dryer that keeps all the belts connected and in place. It also makes sure that all the accessories can be powered properly and that the belts do not slip off.

Idler pulleys are available in a variety of styles. They can be v-belt, flat, or cable style. They may have flanges or radial support ribs to help the belt hold up.

A pulley’s flanges and radial ribs are designed to stop the belt from slipping off. There are also grooves that help with the belt’s alignment.

The idler pulley should be replaced if it is not functioning as it should. A failing pulley can cause serious problems with your drive belts, water pump, and alternator.

Roller Shafts

When a dryer’s roller shafts become worn out, they may stop turning or make excessive noise. Replacing the drum support rollers will help resolve these issues.

Typically, the repair process involves welding or metal spraying to restore damaged shafts. This can be time-consuming and requires the disassembly of the dryer.

Instead, we use a combination of polymer technology and proven Belzona application techniques to create repairs that will keep your equipment operating for longer periods of time. We also avoid the problems and limitations of conventional methods like welding and metal spraying, which can cause distortion or substrate metallographic change.

Choosing to replace your dryer rollers will ensure that you maintain your system’s efficiency and productivity. This will prevent future issues, reduce operational downtime, and provide safer conditions for your employees.

Switch

The switch on a dryer is a simple, but critical mechanism. It stops the dryer from operating when the door is opened.

If your dryer doesn’t run when you open the door, it may have a faulty switch. To repair this problem, you’ll need to disassemble the appliance and test the switch for continuity using a multimeter.

You can purchase a replacement switch for less than $7 at many home improvement stores. Alternatively, you can straighten the switch if it’s just bent out of shape.