dryer spinning problems
Do you have a clothes dryer not spinning but still heating? It's likely the result of an issue with the drive belt, belt tension pulley, or motor assembly. With this guide, you can find out how to identify and address the source of your problem quickly and efficiently.
The first step in troubleshooting a dryer not spinning but still heating up is to check the dryer belt. If it has slipped off, gently pull it back over the drum and engine pulleys until it is snug. Additionally, ensure that both tension pulley springs are securely attached to the frame of the dryer and provide enough tension for proper belt tightness.
The next step is to check the blower wheel and fan blade assembly. This directly pulls air through the dryer, providing heated air for the dryer mechanism. If it’s blocked with lint or debris, it won’t be able to do its job, and neither will your dryer. Clean out any blockage, making sure that all small pieces are removed, and reassemble.
The motor circuit breakers and/or switches in your dryer are the control mechanisms that allow it to start (and stop) spinning. These components should be tested first, as they could be causing the problem with your dryer not spinning. Check that your thermostats, thermal fuse, high limit switch and timer are all functioning properly to ensure that they are not disrupting the operation of your dryer.
As the tension arm of your dryer contains many parts, the most likely cause of non-spinning is the idler pulley armature. This idiomatic piece is responsible for putting tension on the belt in order to keep it secured and spinning. If this is not functioning properly, it’s possible that it could be hindering or preventing your dryer from spinning. Check to see if the armature is making any funny noises or struggling to spin when activated. If so, you should replace this part and check that it works correctly before troubleshooting any other issues.
It’s possible that your dryer is not spinning due to the timer being stuck in one mode. To reset this, unplug it from the socket and leave it for a few minutes before plugging it back in. Use caution when doing so, as you do not want to damage any of its electrical parts in the process. Change the cycle settings on the timer and test whether or not it begins spinning. If not, then continue to troubleshoot your dryer until you find out what’s causing the problem.
more tips
check your circuit breaker
Why Does My Dryer Spin Slowly and Stop?
clothes dryer not spinning
- Broken Drive Belt: The drive belt is a long, rubber belt that wraps around the dryer drum and a motor pulley. Its job is to spin the drum. A broken or loose belt will cause the drum to spin weakly or not at all.
- Worn Drum Rollers: The drum sits upon small wheels called drum rollers. They support the drum’s weight and allow it to rotate freely. Worn-out drum rollers create friction, slowing or even stopping the drum’s movement.
- Malfunctioning Motor: The dryer’s motor is what generates the power to spin the drum. If it malfunctions, becomes damaged, or has a faulty capacitor, it might not have enough power to turn the drum – especially with a load of clothes inside.
- Faulty Idler Pulley: The idler pulley maintains tension on the drive belt. A broken idler pulley will cause the belt to become loose, leading to slow spinning or no rotation.
- Seized Drum Bearing: The drum bearing supports the rear of the drum. If this bearing is worn or broken, the drum may not rotate smoothly and could even stop completely.
finding the causes
Dryer spinning problems? Call our pros
- Unplug the Dryer: Before any troubleshooting, always make sure your dryer is unplugged for safety.
- Check the Drive Belt: Remove the dryer’s back panel or (depending on the model) the front panel. Look for a broken belt or one that’s slipped off the pulleys.
- Inspect Drum Rollers: While you have the panel off, look for cracked, flattened,or broken drum rollers. Try turning them by hand; they should rotate smoothly.
- Spin the Drum: Rotate the drum by hand. It should move freely. Resistance,squeaking, or scraping might indicate a drum bearing issue.
- Listen for Unusual Sounds: If you can briefly run the dryer (empty), listen for any unusual squeaking or grinding noises that could pinpoint problem areas.
troubleshooting
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- Replace the Drive Belt: Replacing a broken or loose drive belt is a relatively easy and inexpensive DIY fix. Many online videos demonstrate how to do this.
- Replace the Drum Rollers: Drum rollers usually come in packs and are straightforward to replace. Again, many resources are available online with step-by-step instructions.
- Replace the Idler Pulley: This fix is fairly simple. Tutorials are available to help you through the process.
- Seek Professional Help: If the problem seems too complex, or you discover an issue with the motor or drum bearing, contacting a qualified appliance repair technician is the best course of action.
preventing problems
Get your dryer fixed today
- Clean the Lint Trap: Clean out the lint trap after every single use of your dryer.This prevents dangerous clogs and helps your dryer run efficiently.
- Clean the Vent: Lint buildup in the dryer vent can lead to overheating and reduce airflow, which strains the dryer components. Clean the vent regularly, or have it professionally cleaned.
- Avoid Overloading: Overfilling the dryer drum puts excessive stress on the motor and other parts. Follow manufacturer guidelines for load sizes.
- Listen for Unusual Noises: Any strange sounds from your dryer are a sign that something needs attention. Don’t ignore them!