Speed Queen Washer Drum Not Spinning, Squealing, or Thumping? A Worn or Broken Drive Belt Is the Most Common Cause.
The drive belt transfers power from the motor to the drum. When it stretches, cracks, or snaps, the drum stops turning entirely — or spins weakly with squealing and thumping that gets worse with every load. The 38174 is the genuine OEM replacement drive belt (5/16” × 42-5/8”) for Speed Queen and Alliance Laundry top-load washers across the AWN, AWNE, LWN, LWNE, LWS, LWZ, and related series.
Symptoms of a Worn or Failed Washer Drive Belt
- Washer drum not spinning or agitating at all
- Drum turns by hand freely but won’t spin under power
- Loud squealing or squeaking noise during spin or agitation
- Thumping or slapping sound from inside the cabinet
- Burning rubber smell during operation
- Washer fills and drains but clothes come out soaking wet
- Spin cycle starts then stops — motor runs but drum doesn’t follow
- Visible belt debris or rubber dust inside the cabinet
Part Details
- OEM Part Number: 38174
- Replaces: 38174P
- Dimensions: 5/16” wide × 42-5/8” long
- Material: Rubber drive belt
- Type: Washer Drive Belt (V-belt / flat belt)
- Compatible Brands: Speed Queen, Alliance Laundry Systems (and related brands using the same platform)
- Compatible Series: AWN, AWNE, AWS, AWZ, CWN, DWN, LWA, LWB, LWC, LWD, LWH, LWN, LWNE, LWS, LWT, LWY, LWZ, MWN, MWNE, PWNE, YWN, YWNE, ZWN, ZWNE
Installation Notes
- Skill Level: Intermediate — requires cabinet removal to access the motor and drum pulley
- Unplug the washer from the wall before starting
- Remove the washer cabinet or rear panel to access the drive belt area
- Note the belt routing around the motor pulley and drum pulley before removing the old belt — photograph it
- Inspect the motor pulley and drum pulley for wear, cracks, or debris before installing the new belt
- Route the new 38174 belt around the drum pulley first, then work it onto the motor pulley while rotating the drum by hand
- Confirm the belt sits centered in the pulley grooves and is not twisted
- Reassemble the cabinet and run a full spin cycle to confirm proper operation
- Listen for squealing on the first cycle — if present, recheck belt seating and pulley alignment
Compatible Models
AWN311SP111TW01, AWN402PP111TW01, AWN412SP111TW01, AWN432SP111TW01, AWN432SP113CW04, AWN432SP113FW28, AWN432SP113TW01, AWN432SP113TW04, AWN542SP111TW01, AWN542SP111TWAH, AWNE82SP113CW01, AWNE82SP113FW01, AWNE82SP113TW01, AWNE92SP113FW01, AWNE92SP113TW01, AWNE92SP123DW01, AWNE92SP543DW01, AWS01NW, AWS17NW, AWS44NW, AWS45NW, AWS48NW, AWS51NW, AWS52NW, AWS53NW, AWS75NW, AWS76NW, CWN311SP111CW01, CWN412SP111CW01, DWN412SP111CW01, DWN432SP113CW01, DWN432SP113CW04, LWA80AL, LWA80AW, LWA90AL, LWA90AW, LWB19B, LWB19M, LWC75AW, LWC80AW, LWC90AW, LWD51N, LWD52M, LWD52N, LWD70AL, LWD70AW, LWD75AW, LWH16N, LWH18A, LWH18N, LWN311PP111NW22, LWN311SP111NW22, LWN311SP111TW05, LWN311SP331NW22, LWN311SP541NW23, LWN311SP541RW01, LWN311WP111NW22, LWN311WP331NW22, LWN311WP541NW23, LWN311WP541RW01, LWN432PP113FW28, LWN432SP113CW04, LWN432SP113FW28, LWN432SP115CW01, LWNE22SP115CW01, LWNE52PP113ZW01, LWNE52SP113CW01, LWNE52SP113FQ01, LWNE52SP113FW01, LWNE52SP113ZW01, LWNE52SP543RW01, LWNE52SP543ZW01, LWNE52WP113FW01, LWNE52WP543RW01, LWNE52WP543ZW01, LWS01A, LWS01M, LWS01N, LWS02N, LWS16A, LWS16B, LWS16M, LWS16N, LWS17A, LWS17B, LWS17M, LWS17N, LWS45M, LWS45N, LWS52N, LWT42N, LWT52N, LWY17A, LWY17B, LWY17M, LWY45A, LWY45B, LWY45M, LWZ01M, LWZ01N, LWZ02N, LWZ20M, LWZ20N, LWZ22M, LWZ22N, LWZ42M, LWZ42N, LWZ52M, LWZ52N, LWZ77M, LWZ77N, MWN311SP111TW06, MWNE52SP543RW01, PWNE12PP115CG01, PWNE12PP115CW01, PWNE32PP113CG01, YWN311PP111CW01, YWN321SP541RW01, YWN432SP113CW04, YWNE22PP115CW01, YWNE52PP113CW01, YWNE52SP543RW01, YWNE52SP543ZW01, ZWN311SP111CW01, ZWN402PP111CW01, ZWN412SP111CW01, ZWN432SP111CW01, ZWN432SP113CW01, ZWN432SP113CW04, ZWN432SP113FW28, ZWNE82SP113CW01, ZWNE82SP113FW01, ZWNE92SP113FW01
Contact us with your full model number to confirm fitment before ordering.
If the drive belt has failed or is visibly worn, the idler pulley is almost always the root cause — a seized or worn idler puts uneven tension on the belt, causing premature wear, squealing, and eventual breakage. Replacing just the belt without inspecting the idler pulley risks the new belt failing again within months. While the cabinet is open, spin the idler pulley by hand: it should spin freely and quietly with no wobble. If it’s stiff, noisy, or has any lateral play, replace it at the same time. One service call, two parts, no callback.
✓ Model-Specific Repair Pages
✅Compatibility & Cross Reference
Not sure about your model number? Call 1-877-899-7278 and we’ll help you confirm. All brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for compatibility reference only.
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