Whirlpool Dryer Belt Routing Diagram – WED & LER Series

Whirlpool Dryer Belt Routing Diagram – WED & LER Series

Belt Installation & Routing Guide | WED, LER, LGR, MED, MGD, Kenmore 110 Series | Canadian Business Since 1996

Incorrect belt routing is one of the most common reasons a dryer belt slips off immediately after a repair. This guide provides the correct belt routing path for Whirlpool WED and LER series dryers — and all Whirlpool-platform dryers including Kenmore 110 series, Maytag MED/MGD, Amana, Estate, and Roper models.

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Belt Routing Path – Step by Step

⚠️ Before you start: Always photograph the existing belt routing before removing the old belt. Your photo is the most reliable reference for reassembly.
Correct Belt Routing Path:

[DRUM] ← Belt wraps around outside of drum (ribbed side faces drum surface)
↓
[IDLER PULLEY] ← Belt goes under the idler pulley (ribbed side faces pulley)
↓
[MOTOR SHAFT] ← Belt wraps around motor drive shaft (ribbed side faces shaft)

Tension: Push idler pulley toward motor to create slack, route belt, then release — spring tension holds belt taut.

Detailed Routing Instructions

  1. Orient the belt correctly. The belt has a ribbed (grooved) side and a smooth side. The ribbed side must face inward — against the drum surface, the idler pulley, and the motor shaft. The smooth side faces outward.
  2. Wrap the belt around the drum. Lay the belt flat around the middle of the drum with the ribbed side against the drum. The belt should sit in the center of the drum, not near the edges.
  3. Route the belt down toward the motor. From the bottom of the drum, bring both ends of the belt down toward the motor area at the bottom of the cabinet.
  4. Push the idler pulley toward the motor. Using your hand or needle-nose pliers, push the idler pulley bracket toward the motor to create slack in the spring. This gives you room to route the belt.
  5. Thread the belt under the idler pulley. With the idler pushed toward the motor, thread the belt under the idler pulley (ribbed side against the pulley wheel).
  6. Wrap the belt around the motor shaft. Continue routing the belt around the motor drive shaft (ribbed side against the shaft). The belt should form a figure-8 or Z-shape between the idler and motor.
  7. Release the idler pulley. Slowly release the idler pulley. The spring tension will pull the idler away from the motor, creating tension on the belt. The belt should be taut with no slack.
  8. Verify the routing. Spin the drum by hand. The belt should track smoothly without walking toward either edge of the drum. If it walks, the belt may be slightly off-center on the drum — reposition and try again.
Common Mistake: Routing the belt over the idler pulley instead of under it. The belt must go UNDER the idler pulley so the pulley pushes up against the belt to create tension. If the belt goes over the pulley, there is no tension and the belt will immediately slip off.

Parts Referenced in This Guide

WP691366 Idler Pulley Assembly

The spring-loaded tensioner that keeps the belt taut. If your belt keeps slipping off after correct routing, the idler pulley has likely failed and needs replacement.

→ Shop WP691366 Idler Assembly (OEM & XPart)

4392065 Complete Repair Kit (Belt + Idler + Rollers)

If you're replacing the belt, replace the idler and rollers at the same time. All three wear together and the teardown is already done.

→ Shop 4392065 Complete Repair Kit

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Which way does the ribbed side of the belt face?

The ribbed (grooved) side of the belt always faces inward — against the drum surface, the idler pulley wheel, and the motor shaft. The smooth side faces outward. This is the same for all Whirlpool-platform dryers.

Why does my belt keep coming off after I route it correctly?

If the belt is correctly routed but keeps slipping off, the idler pulley has almost certainly failed. A worn or broken idler loses spring tension and can't keep the belt taut. Replace the WP691366 idler assembly to fix this permanently.

Is the belt routing the same for gas and electric Whirlpool dryers?

Yes — the drum drive system and belt routing are identical for Whirlpool gas (LGR, WGD, MGD) and electric (LER, WED, MED) dryers. The same routing instructions apply to both.

Does XPart Supply ship to all of Canada?

Yes — fast Canada-wide shipping from our Canadian warehouse. Most orders ship within 1 business day. See our shipping policy for details.